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Mudukuthore Temples

Mudukuthore

About:

Mudukuthore Temples, situated in the serene region of Talakad in Karnataka, is a revered pilgrimage spot known for its spiritual ambiance and historical significance. The most prominent temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on a hill overlooking the Kaveri River. The name "Mudukuthore" translates to "a place where the river turns back," which is derived from the Kaveri River’s distinctive curve near the temple. Mudukuthore Temples are part of the Panchalinga Darshana, a unique pilgrimage circuit of five Shiva temples, and the area attracts pilgrims and tourists alike for its scenic beauty and religious importance.

There are no entry fees at temple for anything. But, toll gate fees are there at 2-3 places until one reaches the place Thalakadu. All types of cameras are allowed inside the temple. The place is purely village area. No good hotels are available. Small hotels are available at Thalakadu which is only 4 Kms away. This place is not a shopping place. Normal practice of the trip is to visit Somanathapur temple (from Mysore) and then proceed to Mudukuthore and then to Thalakadu. If one is interested to see the sun set in Thalakadu, the trip can changed to proceed to Shivanasamudram from Somanathpur and then frm Shivanasamudram to Thalakad. In the latter case, be sure to reach before 4.00pm as the temples at Thalakad cannot be seen.

Location info:

Address:Mudukuthore is located at a distance of 60 km from Mysore, 25 km from Somnathapur, 5 km from T.Narsipur and is close to Talakad.
District:Mysuru, Karnataka
Nearest City:Talakad
Best time to visit: The best visiting time is from September to February as there will not be any rain and the various temples situated at Thalakadu can be seen clearly.

Climate/Weather:

Winter (Best Time): November to February, with mild and pleasant weather (15°C - 25°C) Summer: Hot and dry (25°C - 35°C) Monsoon: Moderate rainfall, making the surroundings lush and scenic

History of Mudukuthore Temples:

Mudukuthore Temples, particularly the Mallikarjuna Temple, are steeped in ancient lore and linked to the legendary tales of the Panchalinga Darshana pilgrimage. According to mythology, the temple was established by Pandavas during their exile, adding a touch of epic grandeur to its historical significance. The area became a sacred site over centuries, drawing devotees and rulers who made contributions to the temple's architecture and maintenance. The temple stands out with its Dravidian architecture and a sacred Shivalinga installed by Bhima, one of the Pandavas. Over time, the temples evolved as an important spiritual destination, especially during the Panchalinga Darshana festival, a rare event that occurs every few years. This ritual pilgrimage holds significant religious value and adds to the historical aura of Mudukuthore Temples, marking it as an essential site for devotees of Lord Shiva.

The festival takes place simultaneously at the above five temples of Shiva. The temples are decorated with plantain stalks and flowers and the pilgrims undertaking Panchalinga Darshana offer their Pooja to the God.

The uniqueness of this festival is that the poojas at the five temples begin at the same time following the ancient tradition for obtaining blessings for devotees and rulers of the country.

Interesting things to do:

Panchalinga Darshana: Participate in the rare pilgrimage of five Shiva temples, including Mudukuthore. River Bathing: Bathe in the sacred Kaveri River, believed to purify the soul. Temple Visit: Explore the Mallikarjuna Temple’s intricate architecture. Hiking: Climb the hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Kaveri River and Talakad landscape. Photography: Capture the scenic beauty of the river bend and the temple surroundings.

Interesting things to Visit:

Talakad Temples: A nearby town with submerged temples of historical significance. Somanathapura Temple: Renowned for its Hoysala architecture, located about 35 km away. Shivanasamudra Falls: Scenic waterfalls on the Kaveri River, approximately 50 km away. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna: Located around 60 km away, an important temple on an island in the Kaveri River.

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage is generally available near the temples, with major providers like BSNL having decent connectivity. However, the hilly terrain can cause occasional interruptions.

How to reach Mudukuthore Temples?

Nearest Railway Station:The nearest railway station is in Mysuru, around 45 km away.
Nearest Airport: Mysuru Airport is the nearest airport, located about 50 km away, while Bengaluru Airport is around 150 km away.
Road Transport:This place can be reached from Somanathapur one more well known place the temple of lord Channakeshava. The distance from Somanathapur and Mudukuthore is only 26Kms. The main city to start from is Mysore. From Mysore the total distance to Mudikuthore is 60Kms. The total route is from Mysore to Bannur which is 24Kms. Bannur to Somanathapur the distance is 10Kms and Somanathapur to Mudukuthore the distance is 26 Kms.

Nearest Visiting places:

Talakad Sand Dunes and Temples: A historic site with temples partially buried in sand. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangapatna): A beautiful temple located in Srirangapatna. Mysore City: Known for its palace, zoo, and Chamundi Hill.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Available in Talakad and on the route to Mysuru, with reliable options for fuel.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Mudukuthore Temples:

Talakad and Surrounding Areas: Limited but basic accommodation options are available. Mysuru: A range of hotels, from budget to luxury, can be found in Mysuru city, around 45 km away.

Things to carry:

Water and snacks, as limited facilities are available around the temple Comfortable shoes for walking and climbing Sun protection such as hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses Camera for capturing the scenic views Traditional attire if planning to participate in religious rituals

Tips & Suggestions for Mudukuthore Temples:

Best to visit during the Panchalinga Darshana festival for a unique experience. Wear comfortable footwear, as some paths may require a bit of walking or climbing. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Be respectful of the customs and religious practices observed at the temples. Avoid visiting during peak monsoon to ensure safe and comfortable access.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:Somanathapur
Nearest Hospital:Somanathapur

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