Sri Mahalingeswara Temple is an ancient shrine located at
Adoor in
Kasargod District of
Kerala. It is believed to have been founded by
Arjuna, the legendary hero of the
Mahabharata.
Standing in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of River Payaswini, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script, which is related to the western Chalukya King Kirthi Varma II of 745-755 AD.
Makara Samkramam is an auspicious day in the temple. On this day, a Sahasra Kumbhabhishekam with feeding of a large number of people occurs. The annual jatra or festival begins with hoisting of the temple flag (Dhwaja Arohanam) on the 27th of Kumbham (February/March). This grand festival ends with a holy dip (Avabhritha Snanam) in the water of the Payaswini on the 4th of Meenam (April).
Adoor is about 45 km east of Kasargod town.
