Witness the Divine at Malai Mahadeshwara Temple

When you start looking for a peaceful sojourn away from the frenzy of everyday life, it is a way of your body and mind telling you that you need the spiritual touch in life. If you understand that, then you should take a break and take life easily. In case you are looking for a soulful trip, then Malai Mahadeshwara Temple is your calling as you can embrace the divinity of Lord Shiva along with mesmerising views of the seven hills in the backdrop of the temple.

Also known as Male Mahadeshwara Temple, the shrine is located in the eastern section of Kollegal taluk in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is an ancient Hindu temple that worships an incarnation of Lord Shiva called Lord Mahadeshwara Swamy. The temple is known not only for its divinity but also for the beautiful seven hills that surround the temple. Read on to know more about Malai Mahadeshwara Temple, Bandipur and other locations that can be visited during your trip.

temple bells with red sacred thread surrounding them
the head of a peacock with blue crown
waterfall with lush green forest in the surroundings

The Legend of Malai Mahadeshwara


The history of the temple can be traced back 600 years ago when Mahadeshwara was born to a mythological fair-coloured virgin named Uttarajamma. According to the legends, he had divine powers from a young age which he used to help people.

He initially got guidance from Suttur Mutt and Kunthur Mutt and moved to Chamarajanagar from Srishaila and performed many miracles. One of the legends tells the tale of Lord Mahadeshwara saving the saints of these hills from the demonic king Shravana who possessed magical powers. Lord Mahadeshwara saved not only the saints but also the tribes of the region.

silhouette of a shiv linga with a trishul
a car moving on a road with lush greenery on both sides

The legend goes on to tell that he enlightened the tribes and accepted them as his disciples. Later, he built a Mutt to manage the religious affairs of the people. According to another popular belief, water flows from an unknown source within the ground at the temple. Over the years, the legends became famous and today, the temple attracts pilgrims from all over the country. However, the temple is not the only destination on the list, as you can go on to visit the various attractions around Malai Mahadeshwara. Bandipur is home to many dearly-loved tourist attractions that you must visit during your stay here.

A visit to the thick forests surrounding the temple can be extended to the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a protected wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats. After visiting the wildlife sanctuary, you can stop by Bandipur National Park, which is known for being home to the second-largest tiger population in India and the largest habitat of wild elephants in South Asia.

After you have had an adventurous visit to the national park, you can enjoy a relaxing trip to Hogenakkal Falls which is located on the river Kaveri in Tamil Nadu. The foaming waters surrounded by the rocky ground provide a mystical view that is beautiful enough to leave an indelible mark on your memory.

waterfall in middle of a mountain with foaming white water

If you are planning a trip to this temple, you can reach it from Bengaluru in about 5 hours via road. From Mysore, it is just about 3 hours away. During your visit to these beautiful places, you can choose to stay at The Serai, Bandipur, which offers a comfortable and luxurious stay with breathtaking views of the Nilgiris. With our world-class amenities and facilities, The Serai stands out as the best stay option for guests who wish to have an unforgettable experience.

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