India is well known for Cultural diversity – here is an ancient temple, renovated couple of decades back.
Kotilingeswara means: Koti = 10 million, Liga = aniconic representation of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva & Eswara = God.
There are (supposed to be) 10 Million Lingas in this temple (in 2018, it was reported that 9.4 Million were installed). There are Lingas with many sizes (normally between 1 foot to 3 feet), out of which the largest one is 103 Feet high (claimed to be the largest and the tallest Shivalinga in Asia). The devotees contribute these Lingas to the temple.
Lord Nandi is worshiped as the ‘vehicle’ of Lord Shiva and present in all Lord Shiva Temples. Here, the Lord Nandi has 33 feet Height and is installed on a large platform. This 15 Acre temple campus is surrounded by thousands of Lingas.
Although the temple is ancient, its renovation was in 1980; since then, this temple has started attracting millions of devotees & tourists.
A meditation centre, a marriage hall, few guest rooms and an exhibition center are attached to the temple. The temple is open from 5AM to 9 PM, everyday.
Thank you for tagging me, and by the way, your posts are never boring! I love what you do, the photos, the details and the effort that each time you put in the creation of what you share with us.
Honestly, it’s the first time ever I read about this temple. However, I might say that, even before reading the content, I recognized that this is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva, because of the trident.
, dear @BorrisS - I respect all religions, & in the journey, humbly, I tried/wanted to learn many… but your instant reactions on Indian heritage, positively “SHOCKed” me… dear friend…
"because of the trident. - appreciate your sharpness… “Tridents” are not seen very prominently… but you have noticed it.
Indeed, the trident really got my intention, because few Gods are illustrated with it, such as Shiva, Poseidon and Neptune. However, there might be other, of which I’m not aware.
PS: I think that Goddess Durga has one too if I’m not mistaken.
I was really impressed by these Lingas dear @TravellerG : at first glance they seemed to me some instruments, some particular knobs that who knows that portals can open! I then noticed from your photos that almost all are directed towards the same point: does this provision also have a meaning?
I respect you my dear friend for your consistent supports by following my posts & inspiring me, @davidhyno . Expect your patronage in future too. You, Borris like few friends are my inspirations & motivators - many times, I feel like stop postings - but remembering you all… still continuing.
Friend, David, Yes, you are very correct - ie. the Tail of the LINGA is supposed to point towards north. Well, there are many mythological versions for all these themes; some of them are very interesting…
Personal NOTE: I read one of your reply to Mr. Ermest, why we are missing your POSTS - due to other different commitments, which consumes time, including family…
I get my Voice Notes recorded (in typed form) in Google Keep App and edit it when time permits; of course, I do spend time (my wife helps, many times) to search & select photos…
Many of us are sure, we are waiting for your ‘new posts’. pleasee…
, dear