Male Mahadeshwara Hills is a well-known pilgrimage centre in the State. It is a hill range located in the Hanur taluk and is 3,200 feet above sea level. It is told that MM Hills constitutes of seven hills ‘Elu Male’ namely Anemale, Jenumale, Kadumale, Kanumale, Ponnachimale, Pavalamale and Pachchemale.
The ancient and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim centre. The deity of the temple is in the form of a linga. According to records, a Veerashaiva Saint, Mahadeshwara who lived during 14th-15th centuries, settled on the top of this hill and attained samadhi (salvation). He had a large number of devotees and thus this area became a sacred place. In his honour, the temple was constructed here.
There is also a considerable large image of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle) here along with a number of other shrines around the place. Around a lakh of devotees from South India congregate here for the Car Festival held during the festivals of Shivarathri, Ugadi, Gauri festival, Mahalaya Amavasye and Deepavali. There are many folk songs in Kannada which sing praises of Male Mahadeshwara Hills/ Temple.
How to reach: MM Hills is 135 kms from Bengaluru city and 138 kms from Mysuru (nearest airport and railway station). Taxis can be hired from Mysuru to reach MM Hills. Limited bus service is available to reach MM hills but hiring a taxi is recommended.
Stay: Accommodation is available in the nearby town of Kollegala, 72 kms from MM Hills. KSTDC hotel Bharachukki in Shivanasamudra (91 kms), Jungle Lodges & Resorts campus in K-Gudi (120 kms) are good options to play your stay. More options are available at Mysuru city (138 kms)
