Siddalingeshwara Temple

Siddalingeshwara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Yediyur, Kunigal Taluk, Tumakuru District, Karnataka, on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru highway. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Siddalingeshwara, it enshrines the sacred gadduge (tomb) of the 15th-16th century Veerashaiva saint Tontada Siddalingeshwara. Known for its Dravidian architecture, large gopuram and annual Maha Shivaratri jatra, it is a major pilgrimage centre in southern Karnataka.

Visitors can expect a large temple complex with a towering gopuram, pillared halls, and the main sanctum housing the Shiva linga and the saint's gadduge. The premises include open courtyards, mandapas, and shrines within a walled compound. The surroundings are semi-urban with highway access, shops selling offerings, and pilgrim facilities. Visitors can observe daily pujas, receive prasadam, and explore the temple architecture and religious activities.

The temple is associated with Tontada Siddalingeshwara, a revered 15th-16th century Veerashaiva saint and philosopher who is believed to have attained samadhi at Yediyur. The shrine was developed around his gadduge and the Shiva linga he worshipped, and later expanded by devotees and local patrons. It represents the Veerashaiva tradition and its historical presence in southern Karnataka.

The temple is a major Veerashaiva pilgrimage centre and a significant Shaivite religious site in Karnataka. It is culturally important for its daily rituals, Maha Shivaratri and other Shaiva festivals, and its role as a community gathering place for devotees. The saint's teachings and the temple's traditions continue to influence local religious practices.