Malai Mahadeshwara Hills

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills also known as MM Hills is a temple town situated in the eastern part of Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. The MM Hills is about 210 Kms from Bangalore and 142 Kms from Mysore. The temple here in MM Hills is dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara, the incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Malai Mahadeshwara Hills is one of the holy place for shaivaits (followers of lord Shiva). Lakhs of pilgrims visit Malai Mahadeshwara Hills from the states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Pilgrims who visit here will have a holy dip in Antaragange (Ganges from deep), near the temple, this is a peculiar water flow from the ground arises during the entire year and the origin is not yet known.

Historically, Saint Mahadeshwara is believed to have lived in the 15th century. It is believed that he came here to perform meditation. People believe he is still continuing his Tapas inside the temple in the form of a Linga.

The Janapada singers of his legend belong to the Kuruba community. The singers are known as ‘Devara Gudda’ or God’s children. Also as ‘Kamsaleyavaru’ as they keep time with the bronze cymbals known as Kamsale. They are initiated into the art form when very young and are expected to lead a disciplined life.

The temple owns a major portion of the surrounding land and also owns lands in neighboring villages. The temple itself was built by a rich landlord of the Kuruba tribe, Junje Gowda.

FESTIVALS :

The main festival of the temple is Maha Shivratri (February/March). Special pooja's are conducted at this time. During Deepavali festival a grand celebration can be seen in Malai Mahadeshwara Hills.

TIMINGS :

First Pooja: 5.30 am
Rudrabhisheka: 6.00 am to 8.00 am and 10.30 to 12 noon.
Archana:  6.30 pm and  8.00 pm.

Sankashta Chathurti Poojas are performed on New Moon and Full Moon day of every month. Deepavali and Maha Shivaratri are very famous here.

For devotees and pilgrims there is Dasoha Bhavana, where Anna Dana (free food) offered through out the year. One can find accommodation and lodging at guest houses at MM Hills. There are many temples and shrines nearby MM Hills.

HOW TO GET HERE : 

There is frequent bus service from Mysore, which is well connected by rail to the rest of India.