• Jan 25 2016
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Mylara Lingeshwara Temple

Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Mailari, a form of the god Shiva in Mylara. Located at center of Karnataka, it is in the extreme south-western corner of Hoovina Hadagali taluk, Bellary. The River Tungabhadra flows just two kilometres away from this temple.

The Mylara temple is managed by the Woodeyar family. These people are called Guru or Swamy. They are responsible for continuing the pooja, traditions which were carried from past generation. It is believed that the totem of the Mylaralinga is a dog.

location Karnataka, Bellary, Bengaluru

Once Mallasura, the demon and his brother performed a severe penance extracted from Lord Brahma. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma gave them a boon that they will never be harmed by any human being. Soon the demon began to harass the sages, who then requested Lord Shiva to protect them. Lord Shiva took the form of Mylara and took the forces of the seven crores goravas with him and had a furious battle with Mallasura and his brother Manikasura for 10 days at the end of which Lord Shiva slew them both with his bow. During the battle, Mylara (Lord Shiva) lost his powers and  began to run from the battlefield and hid himself in the Tungabhadra river.  Veerabhadra, Shiva's aide, struck the earth with his long hair and five brave warriors (Panchaveeras) emerged from the spot. The Kanchaveeras confronted Mallasura and Manikasura and handed them over to Mailara. After killing Mallasura and Manikasura, Mailara (Shiva) wore their intestines as his turban, their teeth as a necklace, their mouths as a damaruga (hand drum), skulls as a doni (meal bowl) and their skins as a long coat. The fat of the demons was used as oil and their nerves as the lamp wick.