Male Mahadeshwara Betta / MM Hills, Mysore - Best Season to Visit, Weather, Things to Do

About Male Mahadeshwara Betta

At a distance of 135 km from Mysore, 89 km from Hogenakkal, 72 km from Kollegal & 209 km from Bangalore, Male Mahadeshwara Betta, also known as MM Hills is a sacred place situated in the eastern parts of Kollegal taluk in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3000 feet, this is one of the top attractions you must include in Mysore packages.

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is surrounded by dense forest and is famous for Malai Mahadeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is one of the very popular Shaiva pilgrim centers in the region, and among the most sacred pilgrimage sites near Mysore. The temple is surrounded by 77 hills of the Eastern Ghats. The temple draws large number of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

History & Mythology of Male Mahadeshwara Betta

The Mahadeshwara Temple was built by Junje Gowda, a local landlord belonging to the Kuruba Gowda community. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Mahadeshwara who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Historical evidences suggest that the Saint Mahadeshwara came here in 15th century to perform penance and it is believed that he is still performing penance in the temple's garbhagriha in the form of a linga. The linga, worshipped now in the sanctum, is a self-manifested one. It is believed by the local tribals that Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swami was moving on a tiger and performed a number of miracles around the Betta to save the people and saints living there. Lord Mahadeshwara had a large number of devotees and thus this area became a sacred place. His legend is recounted as an epic in 7 parts by the locals in the Janapada folk style. The story bears a resemblance to the ancient Indian Epic Ramayana.

Architecture of Male Mahadeshwara Betta

The Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple is a traditional Hindu Temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The Temple is built in the traditional south Indian style of architecture, with a main temple surrounded by several small shrines and mandapas. The main Temple is constructed of granite and has a tall tower or gopuram at the entrance. Inside the temple, there are various shrines dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses, as well as a large hall or mandapa for performing rituals and ceremonies. The temple also has a small pond or tank.

There is water stream flowing from a perennial source called Antaragange where devotees take a holy bath. The temples of Gangadhareswara and Lakshminarayana are worth visiting. Other Shrines to visit here are Nagamale, Adi Madappa, Indi Basaveshwara, Goujala Katte Basaveshwara, Bale Kallu Basaveshwara, Tapasare, Paada Dhare, Karaiah's Boli and Kanave Basappa.

Other Attractions

The place is also known for its scenic beauty as it is situated in dense forest surrounded by the Kaveri and Palar Rivers. The Malai Mahadeshwara forest reserve has an area of approximately 39361.45 ha. The forest is inhabited by a variety of animals, birds and reptiles. They are found in large numbers too. Elephants are the most prominent species.

Besides, MM Hills offer great trekking opportunities. The Forest department has identified many trekking trails and conducts trekking activities through the forests. There are two important trekking trails that start from MM Hills, one is Nagamale and other is Palar. Nagamale trek is about 7 km from MM Hills. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Nagamale. Palar is further 8 km trek from Nagamale which is usually done as a 2-day trek with overnight stay in forest rest house. The scenery throughout our trek was beautiful. Prior Permission is required from forest department for trekking.

Festivals of Male Mahadeshwara Betta

The best time to visit MM Hills is from October to March. The main festival of the temple is Maha Shivratri. During Deepavali festival a grand celebration can be seen in MM Hills.

Male Mahadeshwara Betta Dress Code & Other Restrictions

There is no specific dress code for the Male Mahadeshwara Betta Temple in Karnataka, but it's recommended to dress modestly.

Male Mahadeshwara Betta Timings

Monday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 7.30 AM - 10.30 PM, 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM

Male Mahadeshwara Betta Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special darshan is available at Rs. 300

Accommodation at MM Hills

The temple administration runs accommodation facilities near MM Hills temple which can be booked over phone. The guest houses include Mahadeshwara Bhavana, Gurudarshini, Giridarshini, Shivadarshini etc. They provide free food for all pilgrims at the Dasoha Bhavana.

Best Time to Visit Male Mahadeshwara Betta

The best time to visit the Male Mahadeshwara Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are brimming with lush greenery. It is also the time to witness the grand celebrations of Maha Shivratri festival.

How to Reach Male Mahadeshwara Betta

MM Hills is 135 km from Bangalore and 138 km from Mysore, which is the nearest airport and railway station. Taxis can be hired from Mysore to reach MM Hills. Limited bus service is available to reach MM hills but hiring a taxi is recommended.