Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple is located in Hejmadi village in the Udupi district of Karnataka. Hejmadi is a small coastal village situated near Mulki on the Udupi–Mangalore highway. The temple can be easily seen from the road by its beautiful Swagatha Gopura (entrance tower). The temple is surrounded by greenery and a peaceful village atmosphere, creating a calm and spiritual environment for devotees. It serves as an important religious center for the local community and visiting pilgrims.
The original temple is believed to be more than 800 years old. Although the exact date of construction is not clearly recorded in historical documents, local tradition strongly supports its great antiquity. The temple has been worshipped continuously for many generations and remains an important place of devotion in the region.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Mahalingeshwara, a powerful form of Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a sacred Shiva Linga. The deity is regarded as the Gramadevata (village guardian deity) of Hejmadi, believed to protect the people and bring prosperity to the region. Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for health, peace, protection, and removal of obstacles. The temple also follows local coastal traditions such as Naga Pooja (serpent worship) and Daiva Kola (traditional spirit worship), showing the strong connection between temple worship and regional culture.
The temple is built in traditional coastal Karnataka style architecture and has several unique features. One of the most special aspects is its rare Gajaprashta-style sanctum, which has a shape resembling the back of an elephant and is considered architecturally significant. The temple complex includes a beautiful Swagatha Gopura at the entrance, the main sanctum housing the Shiva Linga, and a Pushkarni (sacred temple tank) within the premises. A huge and majestic statue of Lord Shiva stands in front of the temple, enhancing its spiritual presence. The temple has undergone recent renovation, which has improved its beauty while preserving its ancient character.
According to traditional belief, the temple was built by the Chowtarasa rulers, who were local chieftains of the region. Over time, the temple developed as an important center of worship for villagers and travelers passing along the coastal route. It has been preserved and maintained by generations of devotees and was renovated in recent years to restore its structure and beauty while maintaining its traditional importance
Local belief says that Lord Shiva manifested at this sacred place in the form of Mahalingeshwara to bless and protect the village. The divine presence of the Shiva Linga made the place highly sacred, and the villagers began regular worship. A temple was later constructed around the sacred spot, and the deity came to be worshipped as the guardian of the village. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered here remove difficulties, cure illnesses, and bring peace and prosperity in life.
Mahashivaratri is the most important festival celebrated in the temple with great devotion. Special abhisheka, poojas, and night-long worship are conducted, attracting large numbers of devotees. The annual temple festival is also celebrated with traditional rituals and community participation. The temple is well known for conducting Naga Pooja and Daiva Kola, which are important traditional practices of coastal Karnataka. Monthly Pradosha Pooja dedicated to Lord Shiva is also observed regularly and is considered highly auspicious.
