Malai Mahadeshwara Hills

State

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is situated about 142 km from Mysore and is a sacred place, with its famous Shiva temple. Mahadeswara, as lord Shiva is called in this place, is a deity worshipped by one and all in the surrounding places. Amidst dense forest, the temple attracts not only the pilgrims but also nature lovers.

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills is a temple town situated in the eastern part of Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district in the state of Karnataka, India. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is the incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is a very famous Shaiva pilgrim centre. It draws lakhs of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara's miracles are beautifully sung by village folk in the janapada style. According to tradition there are seven hills identified in the puranas as Anumale, Jenumale,nagamale, Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale and Kongumale. All these hills form M.M. hills.

A well known place because of the forest brigand late Veerappan. This place was the hide out area for Veerappan for so many years. The famous Malai Mahadeswara temple is seen here.

The beautiful landscapes of hills and valleys are covered with extensive forests. These forest types vary from evergreen forests in Ponnachi Boli to Dry deciduous forests in most other parts. M.M.Hills is bound by river Kaveri to the north-east and by river Palar to the south. Thus, it forms an extremely important catchment area for both these rivers.

History

It is believed that Swamy Mahadeshwara, a young saint from Srishaila, Andhra Pradesh travel all the way MM hills. He was blessed with divine powers and miracles which he performed for the welfare of the natives here. He freed many saints from black magic. It is believed that the Swamy Mahadeshwara moved about on a tiger. Many laurels are sung on the holiness to this day and lakhs of devotees throng to see this Shaiva temple from all parts of South India. In Puranas (Hindu literature), the hills of Mahadeshwara are described as Anumale, Jenumale, Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale and Kongumal.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport in Bangalore.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Bangalore.

Road:

Accommodation

The boarding and lodging with modern amenities are also to all the visiting devotees provided with sincerly. The guest houses include Mahadeshwara Bhavana, Gurudarshini, Giridarshini, Shivadarshini etc.

District
Chamarajanagar district
STD Code
08225