Pictorial Post: Thousands and thousands of Shiva idols — a sight of someone’s devotion, faith and tribute!

3 min readAug 3, 2019

Around 100 kms from Bangalore is a small village called Kammasandra where you will find a Temple which has close to crore of Shiva idols. Situated amongst the gold fields of Kolar, the main Shiva idol in this Temple is about 33 meters tall.

The temple was founded by Swamy Sambha Shiva Murthy with the intent of installing one crore idols, hence the name “Kotilingeshwara” (Koti’ means ‘crore’). The statues vary between 1 foot and 3 feet in height and are installed around the temple by devotees since 1980. Daily puja’s are performed at all the installed Shiva idols by the priests with music, drums and chanting’s while pouring water on the idols.

For me, it was a fascinating close view to the devotee’s reverence and faith. Thankfully, India is blessed with such amazing temples and the stories along with it.

The temple timings are from 6 am to 9 pm with very nominal entry fee. Best time to visit will be during Winters or Rainy months in India. There are not many restaurants or eat out places around, hence advisable to carry food along. The surroundings will give you the flavor of a village with minimal urban intrusion.

Let me take you through this amazing Temple through my pictures –