River With More Than 1000 Shivlings Scattered Everywhere!

River With More Than 1000 Shivlings Scattered Everywhere!

Around 10 kms from the city of Sirsi in Karnataka,there is a river called Shalmala that flows through lush green forests on both sides and the sight is breathtaking. This is because the river itself is a temple, where over thousands of small-sized Shivlings are carved out of stones embedded on the riverbed lying scattered all over.

Because of these Shivlings here, the place is called ‘Sahasralinga’ meaning thousand lingas. While most of these Shivlings are not visible, some of them can be seen clearly when the water level in the river is not very high.Who Made Sahasralinga?The Shivalings on the river bed are believed to have been carved by the King of Sirsi, Sadashiva Raya during 1678-1718. According to the legend,Lord Shiva had asked the Raya to create Sahasralingas.

He then carved these Shivlings with a belief that doing so might help beget an heir to his kingdom.A Sight During Shiva FestivalsSahasralinga is a sight during Shivratri and in the month of Shravan when Shiva devotees visit the place in huge numbers. It is said that a devotee who is able to worship each Shivling here is blessed with a wish he desires.

Other Interesting CarvingsApart from the Shivlings, there are many other carvings too done on the rocks. The place has also been declared as a natural heritage site by the government.How to Reach?This place is on the way to Yellapur from Sirsi at about 17kms from Sirsi. From Bangalore it is over 500 kms. Best time to visit here is during winters.

ByDailybhaskar.com