Lord Shiva, revered as Pashupati in the Indus Civilization, is worshipped across India – from Kashmir to Kanyakumari – leading to a diverse array of deity idols in the country. Notably, the Shiva idol in Murdeshwar, Uttara Karnataka district, stands out as the tallest and widest in India, followed closely by the Lord Shiva idol in Sivagiri, Vijayapura district (Karnataka). Together with the renowned Gol Gumbaj, Bara Kaman, and Ibrahim Roja monuments, this Shiva idol has transformed into a key tourist destination in Vijayapura. Situated just three kilometres from the city, along Sindagi road, the Lord Shiva idol is nestled amidst a lush green forest spanning approximately 18 acres. Spanning a total length of 85 feet, this statue was constructed by Basant Kumar Patil, former chairman of the Board of Film Commerce, and his family. A team of six sculptors from Shimoga, supported by 100 helpers, dedicated approximately a year to its creation.
Crafted from cement, steel, and concrete, the colossal Shiva idol in Sivagiri boasts a weight of around 1500 tons. Adorned with Rudraksha beads, each weighing 50 kg and measuring 1.5 feet in diameter, the idol also features a serpent coiled around Shiva’s neck, extending to a length of 145 feet. Installed in 2006, visitors can have Darshan from 7 am to 8 pm.
Travellers heading to Sivagiri can conveniently reach Vijayapura Bus Stand by bus, situated in close proximity. The well-connected railway station links to major cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai. For those coming from other states by air, international airports like Goa, Pune, and Hyderabad are the nearest options, with Belgaum serving as the closest domestic airport to the Sivagiri temple in Vijayapura.
Mahashivaratri at Sivagiri is marked by special pujas, adorning Shiva with flowers, fruits, and seeds. The temple hosts various functions, including bhajan programs, during this auspicious occasion. Devotees observe fasting for Ishtarthasiddhi, seeking fulfilment of their cherished desires.
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