Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple is a sacred and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the serene Devaragudde Hill in Moodubelle village in Kaup Taluk near Udupi in Karnataka. The temple is built on a small hill known as Devaragudde, which means “Hill of the Gods.”
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshiped as Shree Mahalingeshwara — “The Great Lord of the Linga.” The Shiva Linga in the sanctum is believed to be Swayambhu, or self-manifested, discovered on this very hill by divine revelation. Devotees experience a deep sense of calm and spiritual energy in the presence of this Linga, which is the eternal symbol of Lord Shiva’s cosmic power.
Alongside the main deity, the temple houses shrines for Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Lord Surya Narayana (the Sun God). The Surya Narayana idol, carved in stone and holding lotus flowers in both hands, is a rare and beautiful depiction, representing radiance, purity, and divine light.
The temple showcases traditional Tulu Nadu architecture, known for its simplicity, strength, and harmony with nature. The main sanctum is built of stone with a modest structure, radiating ancient craftsmanship. The Surya Narayana shrine stands out for its unique circular stone design, believed to date back to the 16th century CE — one of the few such shrines in coastal Karnataka.
The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old. According to local tradition, it was founded by a noblewoman named Ballalthi of the Belle Ballal family, an ancient royal lineage that once ruled this area. The Ballals, who were once Jains, later embraced Shaivism and made this temple their spiritual center.
Over centuries, the temple became the heart of the Belle community, maintained through generations by the Belle Melmane and Kelamane families. It underwent several restorations, the most recent and grandest being the Brahmakalashotsava held in April 2024, marking a new chapter in its long history.
In ancient times, the hill where the temple now stands was known as Mullugudde, the “Hill of Thorns.” Though overgrown and wild, sages believed it to be filled with divine energy and often meditated there.
A noblewoman named Ballalthi from the Belle Ballal family once had a divine dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and said, “I dwell upon this sacred hill. Install me here so my blessings may reach all.” Guided by this vision, she discovered a natural Shiva Linga emerging from the ground at Devaragudde. Recognizing it as self-manifested, she consecrated it with devotion, marking the beginning of the Mahalingeshwara Temple.
Later, a miraculous event occurred — a radiant light was seen rising from the eastern slope at sunrise, believed to be the presence of Lord Surya Narayana. To honor this, devotees built a circular stone shrine for the Sun God. A shrine for Lord Ganesha was also added later, completing the divine trinity of Shiva, Surya, and Ganesha, representing wisdom, energy, and salvation.
Through centuries of devotion and reconstruction, the temple has remained a beacon of faith. Even today, devotees believe that Lord Mahalingeshwara resides eternally on Devaragudde, showering blessings on all who pray with a pure heart.
Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple in Moodubelle celebrates its festivals with great devotion and joy. The most important among them is the Annual Rathotsava (Car Festival), held every February, when Lord Mahalingeshwara is taken in a grand procession on a beautifully decorated chariot, accompanied by music, chants, and hundreds of devotees.
The temple also observes Maha Shivaratri with night-long prayers, abhishekas, and bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva. During Karthika Deepotsava and Deepavali, the temple glows with rows of oil lamps, creating a divine and serene atmosphere. Navarathri and Ugadi are celebrated with special poojas, cultural programs, and community gatherings, filling the temple premises with faith, music, and festive spirit throughout the year.
