The term 'Mahatobhara' designates this temple as one of the most prominent, ancient, and strictly governed shrines in the coastal Karnataka region.
The temple is the focal point of the annual Puttur Jathre, which attracts tens of thousands of devotees to the town center.
The sacred tank, Periya Kere, is considered one of the largest temple ponds in the district and plays a central role in the 'Avabritha Snana' ritual.
The temple follows a specific administrative code as it is a major Muzrai department-controlled institution.
The annual fair includes the 'Bande' event, where a specific stone is moved in a ritual procession, a practice unique to this temple's history.
Mahatobhara Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its significant religious status in the Dakshina Kannada district. The temple is famous for the 'Puttur Jathre,' an annual ten-day festival characterized by the 'Bande' ritual and a grand car festival. Its architectural style reflects the traditional Tuluva temple design with a tiled sloping roof and copper-plated sanctum. The temple complex features a large sacred tank known as 'Periya Kere' which is integral to the ritualistic life of the shrine. It is classified as a 'Mahatobhara' temple, denoting its high historical and spiritual prominence in the region. The deity, Shri Mahalingeshwara, is enshrined in the form of a Shiva Linga. The temple premises house several sub-shrines dedicated to other deities, maintaining a strict ritual calendar. As of June 2026, the temple remains a functional center for daily Vedic worship and community-led religious festivals.
From the edge of the temple tank looking toward the main gopuram during golden hour.
Visit during the annual Jathre (usually in April) to witness the elaborate cultural processions.
Walk around the perimeter of the sacred temple tank for the best views of the architecture reflected in the water.
Check local calendars before visiting, as certain areas of the inner sanctum are restricted during specific Vedic rituals.
Avoid taking photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum or during active prayer rituals.
The temple is exceptionally busy during the ten-day annual Jathre festival held in the summer; expect high crowd volumes and potential traffic diversions.
Traditional Indian attire is requested; men are often required to remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum; leather items must be left outside.
