Sahasralinga

Coordinates: 14°43′11″N 74°48′25″E / 14.7198°N 74.8070°E / 14.7198; 74.8070

The carved riverine rocks

Sahasralinga (Kannada: ಸಹಸ್ರಲಿಂಗ) is a pilgrimage place, located around 17 km from the Sirsi Taluk in the district of Uttara Kannada of Karnataka state in India. It is in the river Shalmala and is famous for being the location where around a thousand lingas are carved on rocks in the river and on its banks.[1] [2] In fact, the name Sahasralinga means thousand-lingas in Sanskrit.

History

History says all these shiva lingas were built by Sadashivaraya, king of Sirsi (1678-1718). We can also see so many Basava/bulls which are carved in front of the shivalingas. [3]

Religious significance

Linga is a symbol of worship of the Hindu God, Shiva and its on the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri when thousands of pilgrims visit Sahasralinga to offer their prayers to Shiva.[4] Each lingam here has a carving of Nandi facing it. Each year, on Maha Shivratri, thousands of Hindus gather here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Notes

  1. A brief introduction to Sahasralinga is provided by "Sahasralinga". Online website of DreamRoutes. DreamRoutes.org. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
  2. http://www.realfarmacy.com/ancient-indian-river/
  3. A brief introduction to Sahasralinga is provided by Local Municipal Corporation
  4. Mahashivaratri celebrations at Sahasralinga is mentioned by Staff Correspondent (2005-03-09). "Religious fervour marks Mahashivarathri". Online Edition of The Hindu, dated 2005-03-09. Chennai, India: 2005, The Hindu. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
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