Sahasralinga - A thousand Shivlings shine here on a riverbed

From the depths of the ocean to the flowing rivers, Water- so vital for life to exist, hides within its belly lot of secrets. One such secret lies embedded on Shalmala river bed - A place called SAHASRALINGA. Sahasra translates to thousand in Sanskrit and as name suggest "Thousand linga's or Shivlings".The place is unique because the linga's are situated on rocks of the river Shalmala. Carved on riverine rocks, Sahasralinga looks very artistic and beautiful.

Sahasralinga is a pilgrimage place, located around 14 kms from town of Sirsi in Uttar Kannada district nestled in lush green Western Ghats. River Shalmala which originates from Dharwad flows quietly through the pristine forest near the village of Sonda. The bed of this river has huge boulders as well as small rocks and each one of them have Shivalinga carved on them. Some even have more than one Shivalinga and even Nandi - the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Originally every Linga had a Nandi facing it but now many seems to be damaged due to forces of nature.

In middle of the river bed there are these two huge boulders which has beautifully carved Nandi on its side. It seems as if the artisans have given life to these lifeless rocks.   

The first sight of these engraved Shivalinga is breathtaking, it just leaves one spellbound. The river itself has become a temple with Shivalinga carved stones lay scattered all over. Most of the Linga's are visible when the water level in the river is not high hence ideal time to visit this place would be post monsoon from October to May.

When we visited the place in March, water level was quite low which allowed us the freedom to move around at each rock and get a whole sum view of the carved rocks, though at few places the rocks are quite slippery. Also since it's considered a place of worship so we had left our shoes on the banks of the river which made it little difficult to move around on slippery and rocky river bed. Add to it, March scorching sun had heated the rocks to such an extent that it was difficult to stand on the rocks without the linga's and not burn our feet.

History says that these one thousand Shivlinga's on river bed are believed to have been commissioned to be carved by Sadashiva Raya who was also called King of Sirsi of Vijayanagar kingdom during 1678 - 1718. The local legend says that the king did not have any heir to the throne and hence was advised by a priest to make 1008 Shivalings to be blessed with children. So the king had every stone at the riverbed converted into Shivlinga. The story goes that the king had children, from then on these are called votive linga's, something made to get something in return. Even today the locals worship them as wish-fulfilling Shivlinga's. 

Though there are such Sahasralinga's in various other locations like one near Parshurameshvara temple in Orissa where a huge linga carries on itself 1008 miniature linga's. Similarly near Hampi many Shiva linga's are found on banks of river Tungabhadra. But the spot near Sirsi is unique in a way that here the linga's are carved in various sizes and scattered all over the riverbed. When I spoke to one of the purohit sitting near his makeshift on banks of Shalmala river, he mentioned that at Sahasralinga there would be close to 100-150 Shivalinga's now. But due to forces of ravenous waters during the rainy season many have got destroyed or buried deep in the riverbed or swept away, some were also taken away by the locals but there are many still found in a distance of 8 kms upstream and downstream of the river banks. 

Historians opine that there flourished in India a traditional cult that worshiped Lord Shiva in open. Sahasralinga is therefore considered as a manifestation of such worship.There is also a belief that representing an icon in multiplicity is intended to show the enormous power of the multiplied object.

Interestingly there exist a similar place in Cambodia near the world famous heritage site of Angkor Wat. "Kbal Spean", also known as valley of 1000 linga's. This place also has number of carvings on river bed just like in Sahasralinga. More on this place in the attached link (1000 lingas).

Sahasralinga could have been our own backyard Kbal Spean but what we have done is dirty the place with puja items, picnickers who take bath and litter around. I was appalled when the purohit I talked to said during the day of Shivratri, each Shivalinga is occupied by a purohit offering to do puja to the devotees who come to wash their doshas and sins !!

Sahasralinga is a serene, picturesque location amidst lush green nature, where one can relax, lavishly soak and blend in the glory of unspoiled natural ambiance only if we ourselves take the ownership and ensure that we don't litter around and spoil the beauty of the location. The Shalmala river and its banks are considered as a biodiversity treasure house and is rich in flora and fauna and there is a urgent need to protect this heritage and declare it as a natural heritage site.

How to reach: Sahasralinga is easily accessible from Sirsi at a distance of 14 kms on Sirsi - Yellapur road. Buses plying on the above route will drop at Sahasralinga junction at 1.5 kms from where one can walk down or take rickshaw if available. There is a canteen available for basic refreshments.

Other Attractions around:  Just next to a parking lot at Sahasralinga lies a cable hanging bridge overlooking the river Shalmala where one can take a stroll and get beautiful view of flowing river and pristine forest around. The bridge also connects the Bhairumbe - Hulekal villages. The distance between Sirsi and these villages have been reduced by 15 kms with inauguration of this bridge.

Marikamba Temple: The 17th century temple in heart of Sirsi town is dedicated to form of Goddess Durga. Known as "Doddamma temple" meaning elder sister to all Mariamma's in Karnataka. The central idol of this beautiful temple is an eight armed image of Goddess Durga known as Renuka.
What Goddess Ambaji temple is to Gujarat, Marikamba Goddess temple is to state of Karnataka. Sirsi Marikamba jaatre of deity is held every alternate year in month of February is one of the biggest fair of Karnataka state.

Banavasi: Known for its rural tourism projects, this town was historically capital of Kadamba dynasty and is famous for it's 9th century Madhukeshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This town lies around 23 kms from Sirsi town. The town is well known for its sugarcane jaggery that you can taste as fresh as possible.