Mailaralingeshwara Temple, Devaragudda

Getting there

• By air

  Hubli is the nearest airport, about 113 km away.

• By train

  Ranebennur is the nearest railway station, about 10 km away.

Rules to know

• Religious rituals are performed here every day.
• Special pujas are held on full moon days, Saturdays and Sundays.

Why devotees come here

Devaragudda is a hill near Ranebennur in Haveri district, Karnataka, and a temple on its summit draws worshippers from across the state. The temple is dedicated to Malatesha, a form of Shiva. Its main event is the full moon festival of Bharath Hunnime, held each February or March.

Devaragudda is a hill near Ranebennur in Haveri district. The temple on its summit is dedicated to Malatesha, a form of Shiva, also called Mailara Marthanda or Khandoba. Devotees come from around Karnataka to worship here. Ranebennur is a major city in Central Karnataka, about 300 km northwest of Bengaluru, and Haveri is the headquarters city of the district.

Legend says Malatesha Swamy appeared to kill two rakshasas, demons who tormented and killed people living nearby. The story is told as a legend, not as recorded history.

A family lives on the temple premises and runs it, together with the Karnataka government's Muzrai department. Religious rituals are performed here every day, and a full moon festival is held here each year in February or March.

Festivals

• February or MarchBharath Hunnime

  A full moon day in February or March. Around 80,000 to 100,000 devotees visit over 10 to 15 days.

Tips for your visit

• Visit on a full moon day, Saturday or Sunday if you want to see the special pujas.
• Bharath Hunnime falls in February or March, so plan a visit in those months if you want to see the festival.

Questions people ask