Sahasralinga

Sahasralinga is a renowned pilgrimage and heritage site on the Shalmala River near Sirsi in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. It features thousands of Shiva lingas carved on rocks and boulders in the riverbed and on its banks, along with Nandi figures. Created under Vijayanagara influence, the site is visible mainly in the dry season when water levels are low and attracts devotees and visitors for its religious and archaeological interest.

Visitors can expect a shallow riverbed and rocky banks dotted with thousands of carved Shiva lingas and Nandi statues, many submerged during monsoon and fully visible in winter and summer. The setting is forested and tranquil, with the Shalmala River flowing over the carvings. There is no large temple structure; exploration is along the riverbank and on exposed rocks. Photography, sightseeing and quiet observation are the main activities.

The carvings are attributed to the 17th-18th century period under the rule of Sadashivaraya, a local king under the Vijayanagara Empire. The tradition holds that the lingas were carved to fulfill a vow for begetting an heir and to promote Shaivism in the region. The site represents a distinctive example of riverbed rock-cut religious art in Karnataka.

Sahasralinga is a significant Shaivite religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name means 'thousand lingas' and symbolizes devotion to Shiva. It is visited by pilgrims throughout the year, with large gatherings during Maha Shivaratri for prayers and ritual bathing in the Shalmala River.