July 18, 2014

Koti Lingeshwara Temple and Antharagange caves


Trip Details
Distance From Bangalore
105 Kms to cover both places (one way)
Type
Koti Lingeshwara is a temple with close to Koti (one crore) Lingams  and
Antharagange is a place which has caves and natural spring and a Temple as well
Time needed
1 hour in Kotilingeshwara and 2 to 3 hours in Antharagange. You can plan Antaragange first and then goto Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Best time to visit
Anytime except rainy season i.e. August 
Local guides
You need to check with locals if anyone willing for the cave exploration
Stay options
Bangalore
Food
In Highway (Kamat is in old madras road) or In Kolar
Nearby places
Antharagange and Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Other tips
·      If it is very hot, carry and wear socks as it is difficult to walk around the temple on barefoot
·      To explore the caves, ask for any locals for a guiding

Anthara Gange

This is a hill located near the Kolar town. There is a temple and behind the temple you can go for trek and explore caves. Also you get a good view of the kolar town and surroundings from here. Please be extra careful not to carry food items visibly as there are monkeys to snatch the food. 
There is also a natural spring.  I don't have photos of this place, once I visit I am sure to update photos here. 

Koti Lingeshwara Temple

This is a temple close to Kolar town. You see Shiva Lingam everywhere and the total count so far one crore (Koti). Even Rajiv Gandhi visited once and installed a Shiva Lingam here. There is also a large shiva lingam which is about 100+ feet high. During Shivarathiri festival this place is heavily crowded. Visit wiki which has more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotilingeshwara

Moving onto photos

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Except the pathway you see Shivalingam everywhere ....

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Temple and the compound is full of Shiva Lingam

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
There is is 100+ feet high Shivalingam as well see below for more photos

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Very colorful right ? 

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Nandi in front of the Big Shiva Lingam

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Yes, this seem to be 100+ feet high

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Very colorful

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Temple entrance and series of Shiva Lingam installations

Koti Lingeshwara Temple
Beautiful