My Trip to MM Hills

OLD UNPUBLISHED DRAFT FROM 2022

Hi everyone, recently I went on a trip to a temple named Malai/Male Mahadeshwara Hills. It is located in Hanur which is in the Chamrajnagar district in Karnataka. The temple is on a mountain and is surrounded by beautiful green mountains that are a memorable sight to see. There are 7 mountains that together form MM Hills, they are named Jenumale, Anumale, Pavalamale, Pachchemale, Kongumale, and Ponnachimale. The history of the temple is fascinating as it is said that Lord Mahadeshwara(an incarnation of Lord Shiva) had performed several miracles and good deeds in his life and later came to the hills around 600 years ago and performed penance on the hills. It is believed that Lord Mahadeshwara stayed there and continues to perform penance to Lord Shiva in the form of a linga in the temple's garbhagriha(a place where the temple's main deity is kept). Lord Mahadeshwara(an incarnation of Lord Shiva) was originally known as Saint Mahadeshwara as he saved villagers and saints from black magic cast by an evil king Shravana. Saint Mahadeshwara even though it wasn't safe went to the place where the saints and villagers were being held captive to save them from a tiger, hence the name "Huli Vahana" he is also known by. Saint Mahadeshwara later established a mutt in this place and helped the region, villagers, and local tribes. Saint Mahadeshwara later enlightened the local tribes who became his disciples. The temple is a beautiful and positive place to visit and I would recommend visiting it if you go to Hanur. At the temple, they offer Anna Dhasoha(free food) which visitors and devotees can eat.

Maanvi