Yellur is a place of historical importance as it houses the famous Shiva temple which is believed to be more than 1000 years old. It showcases the country’s rich heritage and culture, this is a must-see place for you.
The place lies in the Kudremukh National Park and is covered in acres of lush green forests, plantations and fertile fields. The soil is perfect for planting crops. For those who have a thirst for adventure and who love nature, this is a place where you want to be.
According to the Puranas, a shudra king, Kunda Raja, known for his integrity, requested Bhargava Muni to stay for a while in his kingdom. The invitation was refused on the basis that there were no temples, sacred rivers, brahmins or tulsi. The King felt dejected and set off to the banks of the sacred river Ganga where he did penance to please Shiva, the Hindu god. Pleased with the King’s devotion, Shiva appears and granted him a wish. The King requested Shiva to stay in his kingdom. The wish was granted to the King and Shiva also said that this place would be free from hatred and enmity and thus Yellur became one of his favourite abodes.
Meanwhile, a poor woman, who recently buried her son, was hunting for food in the jungle. She accidentally lands upon a tuber that she tried to remove. In the effort, she had cut the tuber from which blood started oozing out. She thought that was her son ‘Yellu’ and started screaming. Shiva appeared to her there in the form of linga. That’s how the place got its name Yellu– Ur.
Legend also says that when King Kunda Raja and his men poured coconut water on the tuber it stopped bleeding. The famous Vishweshwara temple was built in this place. The devotees visiting this temple offer tender coconuts to be blessed by Lord Shiva. Oil from tender coconuts is also being offered regularly to ensure that the lamps in the temple never go out and to invoke blessings.
This temple built in the 11th century A.D. is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also called Vishweshwara and goes by the name Yellur Shri Vishweshwara Temple. Mahathobhara Shri Vishweshwara Temple is another name by which this temple is addressed. Over 1000 years old, this temple is situated on the border of the village and is the central place of worship for many pilgrims and devotees from Yellur, its surrounding areas, from neighbouring districts and all over the country. This temple is famous for its tender coconut abhishekam by which devotees and pilgrims pay their respects to Vishweshwara. Offering Pawan or gold coins and lighting earthen lamps using coconut oil are the other rituals done here to please Lord Shiva.
Udupi, Malpe, and Maravanthe are the nearby places one can visit during the Yellur trip. This temple can be visited throughout the year.
