Sahasralinga, Sacred Hindu site in Uttara Kannada District, India
Sahasralinga is a sacred site featuring hundreds of stone lingas carved into the rocks along the Shalmala River in Karnataka. The formations spread across the riverbank, creating an extensive field of stone monuments.
The lingas were commissioned during the reign of King Sadashivaraya of Sirsi, who sought an heir to his throne. These stone monuments emerged from the king's personal religious vow.
Hindu pilgrims visit this site during Shivaratri to perform rituals and offer prayers at the riverside stone formations. The reverence for these monuments is deeply rooted in local spiritual practices.
The carved lingas are best viewed when the river water level is low. The nearby town of Sirsi offers accommodation and dining options for visitors.
Each stone linga includes a carved Nandi bull figure positioned in front, creating patterns across the riverbed rocks. This pairing of sacred symbols is carried out consistently across hundreds of examples.
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