Karnataka Sahasralinga: Shalmala river, located in the North district of Karnataka, flows through dense forests and when the water level is low, such a divine sight is visible. There are thousands of Shivalingas, called Sahastralingas, in the black rocks on the river bed and banks.

This place is not only sacred but also a living mystery, which holds within itself the lost history of ancient spirituality.

Exact details of Sahastra Linga Nirman unknown

The word Sahastra Linga means thousand Lingas. According to beliefs, thousands of Shivalingas carved on stone were built in ancient times by local kings as spiritual offerings and for protection. Although no one knows its exact date.

But on the basis of archaeological analysis, some Shivalingas are believed to be associated with the Sadashivarayavarma dynasty of Sirsi between the 17th-18th century. However, looking at their number and carvings indicate that they are quite old.

river bed temple

Unlike most pilgrimage sites in India, the Shalamala River has no gopuram (temple pinnacle) or panda-priest. The river bed itself is the temple, where devotees walk barefoot to see Shivalingas of different sizes.

Some Shivalingas in this river are as small as inches, while some are as huge as the human body. During Shivratri, when the water level of the river decreases, thousands of Shivalingas become visible on the bottom.

The devotees who come for darshan along with the local people offer milk, water and flowers on the rocks. But during the rainy season this sacred sight gets completely submerged.

Mythological story related to Sahastralinga

There is no historical evidence related to Sahastralinga, which can tell who carved all these lingas and when? However, according to local theories, a king had taken a vow to build 1 thousand Shivalingas for the prosperity and well-being of his kingdom.

However, no inscriptions or evidence have been found to support these theories.

Shalmala River full of biodiversity

Shalmala River is not only a sacred religious place, but is also home to many types of plants and animals. This area surrounded by the Western Ghats is rich in biodiversity. Walking in water, touching moss covered rocks and seeing Shivalinga in natural form provides a different kind of spiritual experience.

You will be surprised to know that a Sahastralinga is built even outside India. Cambodia, considered to be the largest Hindu temple in the world outside India, has another Sahastralinga dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Located about 25 kilometers away from Angkor Wat temple, these thousands of Shivalinga sculptures built in the middle of the river have been providing spiritual experience to the local people for years. Although no one worships these Lingas, they attract a large number of tourists from all over the world.