Few temples in Karnataka make a first impression quite like Kotilingeshwara, where a single 108 ft (33 m) Shiva linga rises above a field of hundreds of thousands of smaller lingas. The complex sits in Kammasandra village, in Kolar district, within the old gold-mining belt east of Bengaluru. This guide covers what the site is, how to reach it, when to go, what it costs and how to plan a calm half-day visit.
Kotilingeshwara is a Shiva temple in Kammasandra village, Kolar district, Karnataka, developed from 1980 by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy. According to the Kolar district administration, its centrepiece is a 108 ft (33 m) Shiva linga with a 35 ft (11 m) Nandi, surrounded by lakhs of small lingas spread over about 15 acres.
Key takeaways
- The Kolar district administration lists the main linga at 108 ft (33 m) and the Nandi at 35 ft (11 m), set on a platform about 60 ft long and 40 ft wide.
- Kotilingeshwara is in Kammasandra village, Kolar district, Karnataka, about 100 km east of Bengaluru and roughly 14 km from Bangarpet, per travel guides.
- Darshan is free; installing a personal linga (pratishthapana) carries a fee set by the temple trust — reconfirm at the counter before you plan one.
- Maha Shivaratri (February or March) is the biggest day; a travel guide reports about 2 lakh devotees, so expect long queues then.
- The name comes from the Kannada word for crore (ten million); the founder’s stated aim was one crore lingas, though the site today holds lakhs, per the district administration and Wikipedia.
- A half-day is enough; nearby you can add Kolar town’s old temples and the Antara Gange hills for a full day trip.
About Kotilingeshwara and quick facts
Kotilingeshwara is a living Shiva temple complex in Kammasandra village, Kolar district, Karnataka, best known for one very tall linga and a surrounding field of smaller ones. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the district administration describes the main linga as one of the largest of its kind, at 108 ft (33 m), with an 11 m (35 ft) Nandi facing it.
The temple was developed from 1980 under Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy, who set out to install one crore (ten million) lingas — the source of the name, since koti is Kannada for crore. In practice the complex holds lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of lingas spread across about 15 acres, ranging from roughly 1 ft to 3 ft tall, according to the Kolar district administration; Wikipedia puts the realistic figure at about 6.5 lakh. It is not an Archaeological Survey of India monument but a modern devotional site run by its own trust.
Do not confuse this Kotilingeshwara in Kolar with the separate Kotilingeshwara / Kotilingala sites elsewhere in India; the one in this guide is the Kammasandra complex near the Kolar Gold Fields.
| Location | Kammasandra village, Kolar district, Karnataka |
|---|---|
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Kotilingeshwara) |
| Main linga | 108 ft / 33 m (district administration) |
| Nandi | 35 ft / 11 m on a platform ~60 ft x 40 ft |
| Small lingas | Lakhs, across about 15 acres |
| Developed from | 1980, by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy |
| Approx. elevation | 839 m (2,754 ft) (Wikipedia) |
| From Bengaluru | About 100 km |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours at the temple |
Best time to visit
The most comfortable months are October to February, when the Kolar plateau is dry and mild. The temple is open year round, so the choice is mainly about weather and crowds. Summers (March to May) get hot on the open, shadeless grounds, and the southwest monsoon brings intermittent rain from June to September.
Maha Shivaratri, usually in February or March, is the single biggest day here. A travel guide reports the temple drawing about 2 lakh devotees for the festival, so if you want a quiet darshan, avoid that week and pick an ordinary weekday morning instead. For broader route ideas across the state, see our Karnataka travel guide.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, dry | Oct–Feb | Best overall; mild days, clear skies, easiest sightseeing |
| Festival | Feb–Mar | Maha Shivaratri; very large crowds, long queues |
| Hot, dry | Mar–May | Hot on the open grounds; go early and carry water |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Intermittent rain, greener surroundings, fewer visitors |
How to reach Kotilingeshwara
The simplest way to reach Kotilingeshwara is to drive or take a train from Bengaluru, about 100 km to the west, and finish the last stretch by road. The temple lies near Bangarpet in the Kolar Gold Fields area, so most visitors route through either Kolar town or Bangarpet.
By air: The nearest airport is Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, about 100 km away, according to the Kolar district administration. From there it is a road transfer of roughly two to three hours depending on traffic.
By train: Bangarpet is the main railway junction for the area and is well connected to Bengaluru; from Bangarpet you take a local bus, auto or taxi to the temple. The Kolar district administration lists Koramandal as the nearest station, about 8 km away. Check current train timings on IRCTC/NTES before relying on a specific service.
By road: Kotilingeshwara is an easy self-drive or cab day trip from Bengaluru via Hoskote and Kolar. The Kammasandra village bus stop is about 0.5 km from the temple, per the district administration, and KSRTC and private buses serve Kolar and Bangarpet through the day. If you are basing yourself in the city first, our Bengaluru travel guide helps with where to start.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru (city) | ~100 km | 2.5–3 hr by road |
| Bengaluru airport | ~100 km | Nearest airport |
| Bangarpet | ~14 km | Nearest major rail junction |
| Koramandal station | ~8 km | Nearest station (district admin) |
| Kammasandra bus stop | ~0.5 km | Walkable to the gate |
What to see and do
The main thing to do at Kotilingeshwara is to walk the linga field and circle the giant linga and Nandi; most of the site is open-air and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Below are the features worth your time, drawn from the Kolar district administration’s description.
- The 108 ft Shiva linga: The centrepiece, standing 108 ft (33 m) tall. A close water tank is used by devotees for abhisheka (ritual bathing of the linga).
- The 35 ft Nandi: A large seated Nandi (Shiva’s bull mount), 35 ft (11 m) tall, on a platform about 60 ft long and 40 ft wide, facing the main linga.
- The field of small lingas: Lakhs of lingas, roughly 1 ft to 3 ft tall, laid out in rows across about 15 acres — the sight that gives the temple its name.
- Eleven shrines: The complex has eleven smaller temples for various deities. Wikipedia lists shrines associated with Brahma, Vishnu, Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Annapoorneshwari, Venkataramana, Panchamukha Ganapathi, Anjaneya and others.
- Linga pratishthapana: Devotees can have a linga installed in their own name (pratishthapana, the ritual installation of a linga). This is the practice that continues to grow the field.
| Feature | Detail | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Main linga + tank | 108 ft / 33 m linga; abhisheka tank nearby | 20–30 min |
| Nandi | 35 ft / 11 m on raised platform | 10–15 min |
| Linga field | Lakhs of lingas over ~15 acres | 30–45 min |
| Eleven shrines | Brahma, Vishnu, Rama, Anjaneya and more | 20–30 min |
According to local belief, the site began when a one-time non-believer turned devotee and placed the first lingas here; the story later inspired the 2001 Kannada–Telugu film Sri Manjunatha. Treat this as devotional legend rather than documented history.
A suggested half-day plan
A half-day covers Kotilingeshwara comfortably from Bengaluru, and a full day lets you add Kolar town. Keep the morning for the temple, when the open grounds are cooler.
- Half day: Leave Bengaluru by 7 am, reach around 9.30–10 am, spend about two hours at the temple, and return by early afternoon.
- Full day: Do the temple in the morning, have lunch near Bangarpet or Kolar, then add Kolar town’s old temples and the Antara Gange hills before heading back.
- Festival day (Maha Shivaratri): Start much earlier, expect long queues and heavy traffic near the village, and allow the whole day.
Where to stay
Most visitors do Kotilingeshwara as a day trip and sleep in Bengaluru, which has the widest choice; Kolar and Bangarpet offer only basic options. There are no large resorts at the temple itself. The figures below are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed when you book.
- Budget (₹800–₹1,800): Simple lodges in Kolar and Bangarpet, handy if you want an early festival-day start.
- Mid-range (₹2,000–₹4,500): Business and highway hotels in and around Bengaluru’s eastern suburbs, convenient for a day trip.
- Higher-end (₹5,000+): Full-service hotels in Bengaluru city; best if you are combining the trip with other plans.
Book ahead around Maha Shivaratri, when the nearest towns fill quickly. If you are coming from the coast or the hills instead, you might plan via our Mangalore travel guide or Chikmagalur travel guide.
Food to try
Expect simple South Indian vegetarian food near the temple rather than fine dining. Small eateries around the complex and in Bangarpet and Kolar serve the usual plateau staples.
- Idli and dosa (steamed rice cakes; crisp fermented rice-and-lentil crepes) — the standard breakfast.
- Ragi mudde (steamed finger-millet balls eaten with sambar or curry) — a staple of this part of Karnataka.
- Bisi bele bath (a hot rice-lentil-vegetable dish with a spiced masala) — common on lunch menus.
- Filter coffee (strong South Indian coffee with chicory and milk) — easy to find around the bus stands.
Carry water and snacks, as choices right at the temple are limited, especially on busy days.
Budget breakdown
A day trip from Bengaluru is inexpensive, since darshan is free and the main cost is transport. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a one-day visit (as of October 2026); it assumes a shared cab or train plus local transport, and excludes any voluntary seva or linga installation.
| Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (shared) | ₹400–₹1,200 | Train + local, or shared cab from Bengaluru |
| Temple entry | Free | No entry fee for darshan |
| Food | ₹150–₹400 | Breakfast and lunch at local eateries |
| Offerings / misc. | ₹100–₹300 | Flowers, prasad, donations |
| Total | ₹650–₹1,900 | Excludes linga pratishthapana fee |
If you want a linga installed in your name, the temple trust sets a separate fee. A travel guide cited around ₹6,000 as a planning estimate; treat this as indicative and reconfirm the current amount at the counter.
Permits, rules and etiquette
No permits are required to visit Kotilingeshwara — it is an open public temple, not a protected or restricted zone, so there is no ILP, ASI ticket or forest permit involved. Normal temple etiquette applies.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple; cover shoulders and knees.
- Remove footwear before entering shrine areas; the open grounds can get hot underfoot by midday.
- Follow any photography instructions posted on site; rules can differ between the open field and inner shrines, so ask if unsure.
- Keep the grounds clean and avoid single-use plastic where bins or notices indicate.
Practical tips
Plan Kotilingeshwara as an early, low-key half-day and you will have a calm visit. A few practical notes:
- Go early: Mornings are cooler on the open, largely unshaded grounds; midday sun is strong from March to May.
- Cash and UPI: Carry some cash for small eateries, offerings and local transport; do not assume card machines near the village.
- Sun protection: A hat, sunscreen and water matter here more than at a shaded temple.
- Altitude: At about 839 m the site poses no altitude concern; this section does not apply the way it would in the Himalaya.
- Health: The nearest well-equipped hospitals are in Kolar and Bangarpet; carry any personal medicines.
- Solo women travellers: It is a busy, family-oriented pilgrimage site; stick to daytime visits and arranged transport, as you would anywhere.
Nearby places
Kotilingeshwara pairs well with Kolar town’s older temples and hills for a full day. The distances below are approximate and routed via Kolar or Bangarpet; reconfirm before you set out.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) | Same taluk (Bangarpet) | Historic gold-mining township and its remnants |
| Kolar town temples | ~30–40 km | Kolaramma (goddess) and Someshwara temples, old Dravidian shrines |
| Antara Gange | ~3–4 km from Kolar town | Hill caves and a spring called “Southern Kashi” |
| Bengaluru | ~100 km | Base city, museums, gardens and onward travel |
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Shiva linga at Kotilingeshwara?
The main Shiva linga at Kotilingeshwara is 108 ft (33 m) tall, according to the Kolar district administration. It is paired with a 35 ft (11 m) Nandi set on a raised platform. The complex also holds lakhs of smaller lingas, roughly 1 ft to 3 ft tall, spread over about 15 acres.
How do I reach Kotilingeshwara from Bengaluru?
Kotilingeshwara is about 100 km east of Bengaluru, a 2.5–3 hour drive via Hoskote and Kolar. You can self-drive, take a cab, or train to Bangarpet (the nearest major junction, about 14 km away) and finish by local bus, auto or taxi. The nearest airport is Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.
What are the timings of Kotilingeshwara temple?
Kotilingeshwara is open daily, generally from early morning, but sources differ on the closing time, with listings ranging from early evening to night. Because published hours vary, reconfirm the current timings with the temple trust before you travel, and plan a morning visit to beat both the heat and the crowds.
Is there an entry fee at Kotilingeshwara?
There is no entry fee for darshan at Kotilingeshwara. The main cost is getting there. If you want a linga installed in your own name (pratishthapana), the temple trust charges a separate fee that you should confirm at the counter, as published figures are only indicative and change over time.
Why is it called Kotilingeshwara?
The name Kotilingeshwara comes from the Kannada word koti, meaning crore (ten million). The founder, Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy, set a goal of installing one crore lingas from 1980 onward. In practice the site holds lakhs of lingas today, which is still enough to give the field its striking scale.
How much time do I need at Kotilingeshwara?
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours at Kotilingeshwara to see the main linga, the Nandi, the field of small lingas and the eleven shrines. A half-day covers the round trip from Bengaluru, while a full day lets you add Kolar town’s older temples and the Antara Gange hills nearby.
Last updated and sources
Kotilingeshwara suits anyone drawn to Shiva temples, unusual sacred landscapes or an easy day trip from Bengaluru; go on a cool-season morning, and save Maha Shivaratri only if you want the crowds. Reconfirm timings and any fees before you set out.
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kolar District Administration, Government of Karnataka, Kotilingeshwara temple page (kolar.nic.in); Kolar District Administration, Antara Gange / Kolar tourism pages (kolar.nic.in); Wikipedia, “Kotilingeshwara” (en.wikipedia.org); Trawell, Kotilingeshwara travel information (trawell.in). Accessed September 2026.
