Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Kavoor
A centuries-old Shiva temple in the Kavoor locality of Mangaluru, traditionally founded by the sage Kavera and long administered by the Bunt community.
Photos of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Kavoor
History & Significance
History & Origin
The temple is traditionally dated to the 13th or 14th century CE, founded by Maharshi Kavera after he came to worship Parameshwara at the site and installed a linga; it passed from Gowda Saraswat Brahmin to Bunt community management in the 16th century, and the Keladi Nayakas are credited with adding a wooden temple chariot in the 17th century.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Kavoor Mahalingeshwara is one of the older Shiva shrines within Mangaluru city and remains an active centre of Bunt community religious life, with an annual car festival (Rathotsava) that is a notable local event.
Architecture
The temple blends Dravidian and Hoysala architectural elements in a rectangular, east-facing layout with a three-tiered main shrine carved with images of Hindu deities; the principal image of Mahalingeshwara is depicted standing, with four arms.
Festivals & Events
- Maha Shivaratri
- Rathotsava
Location
- Address
- Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Kavoor, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575015
- Area
- Kavoor
- City
- Mangaluru
- Taluk
- Mangaluru
- District
- Dakshina Kannada
- State
- Karnataka
- PIN Code
- 575015