[gd1418]

Seeing the pictures posted by Shishir, it appears that camera is being allowed.

Originally Posted by _chikku

And no cameras were allowed too.

[shishir_bn]

Originally Posted by gd1418

Seeing the pictures posted by Shishir, it appears that camera is being allowed.

Camera can be taken inside the temple by paying the Camera fees.

[Raghunath Singh]

@Chikku: The surroundings were decent, ample parking space and inside was also fine, not filthy anywhere. They charge you somewhere between 150-200 for using one camera, I found that to be outrageous. I saw people taking photos using their mobile cameras.....you have to be very careful if you are undertaking any special pooja, they try to fleece you at every step. Just make the payment at the registration counter and avoid any massive tips barring some 'dakshina' for the priests etc.

[shishir_bn]

Originally Posted by sdp1975

So I need to get off NH4 at Kolar and drive towards Bangarpet, are the signages clear enough to do this ?

After you cross one Cafe COffee day, there is a flyover and a deviation to the service road. You should take the service road before the flyover and then go below it and take a right turn to reach Bangarpet and then it is straight road.

If you don't want to go inside the city then you go over the flyover and in the next intersection you have to take a right turn which leads to Bethamangala and then you have to take straight to reach the Kotilingeshwar road. This road is very scenic but not a wide road. Goes between villages.

Originally Posted by sdp1975

Any recommendations on eateries on the way ?

You can just find a Kamat and a CCD en-route to this place

Originally Posted by _chikku

How is the place maintained now ? Four years ago it was filthy inside and outside.
And no cameras were allowed too.

The place is very clean. You have ample space for car parking and the whole area is maintained very neatly now.
You have to pay 100/- at the counter to take the camera inside.

[Irish]

Oh my god! So many Shiv Lingas at one place?

By the way, how big is this place? 90 lakh (9 Million) is too much for somebody to arrange at one place. Also all the lingas are placed properly with proper distance.


- Irish

[akshay380]

Originally Posted by Ragul

I am sorry to say, but I strongly suspect that the principles laid out in the shilpashastras have been completely ignored. Nowhere to be seen are graceful lines angles and curves. The main lingam looks like an Indian Oil fuel Depot converted into a religious object. It looks more of an insult to the glorious tradition of Indian sculpture. The smaller ones may be more true to style.

Agree with this. Somehow it looks like a tank made out of cement.

[shishir_bn]

Originally Posted by Irish

Oh my god! So many Shiv Lingas at one place?

By the way, how big is this place? 90 lakh (9 Million) is too much for somebody to arrange at one place. Also all the lingas are placed properly with proper distance.


- Irish

All the idols are placed at equal distance. It is a huge place. IIRC somewhere I saw that it is more than 10 acre plot

[bhawik]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am planning to undertake this trip in the long weekend of 15 Aug. If someone has been there recently, can you tell me if I should be careful about something lest I get lost or some gimmick within the temple I should be aware of? Staying in HAL, I plan to take the KR Puram Hanging bridge Hoskote Kolar route.

[bhawik]

I went to Kotilingeswara temple on Saturday and found the drive on NH4 to be great. My new Celerio performed superbly and could reach speeds of 140 without the AC being on.
As most of you have already described, it is a commercial temple with lingas in all shapes and sizes. There were smaller temples of panch mukhi hanuman, ganesha that were good to visit. A new section with idols of several other gods in being constructed. It might be good to visit this place after another year when the new section is complete.

[scorpion_blore]

Thanks for the wonderful travelogue. Have been thinking about visiting Kotilingeshwara and Lepakshi during a weekend.

I have seen few reviews where they complained about the ground getting too hot and difficult to walk on. What is the best time to reach this place according to you?