Sri Teru Malleshwara Temple, Chitradurga - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 44 km from Chitradurga, Sri Teru Malleshwara Temple is Hindu temple situated in Hiriyur near the historical city of Chitradurga. It is one of the must-include places in Chitradurga pilgrimage packages.

Sri Teru Malleshwara Temple is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed around 1466 CE during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. Located along the banks of the Vedavati River, it is popularly known as Dakshina Kashi. This temple is now recognized as a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

According to local legend, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, Belavadi Hema Reddy Mallamma, resided in this town. Each year, she undertook a pilgrimage to Varanasi on foot. As she grew older, Mallamma prayed to Lord Shiva, expressing her inability to continue this arduous journey. In response to her unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in her dreams, assuring her that she need not travel to Varanasi to experience his presence. He promised to dwell in Hiriyur, manifesting as a cylindrical grinding stone, known as Oralukallu, commonly found in households. Mallamma devoted herself to worshipping this stone, which came to be known as Teru Malleshwara, symbolizing the presence of Lord Shiva.

Exhibiting the Dravidian architectural style, the temple faces west and features a five-tiered rajagopuram on the southern side, constructed by Medakari Nayaka II, the Polygar of Chitradurga province. The temple complex includes a sanctum, antrala, navaranga, and mukha mandapa. The ceiling of the mukha mantapa is adorned with murals illustrating scenes from the Shivapurana and the Ramayana. Within the navaranga, one can find metallic idols of Chandramouleswara and Uma Maheshwara seated on Nandi. The entrance to the antrala is flanked by dwarapalas, while the dedicatory block on the lintel of the antrala doorway features an image of Ganesha. The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Teru Malleshwara, in the form of a Linga. In the outer prakaram, Nandi, Balipeedam, and Deepa Sthamba are positioned facing the sanctum.

The most significant festival celebrated at this temple is the Teru Malleshvara Jatra, an annual event that draws many devotees.

Timings: 6 AM - 10 AM & 6 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free