popular for the several miracles he had done in all those villages he visited. Later he decided to move into the thick forests of MM hills. The uninhabited forests were surrounded by seventy-seven peaks in seven circles. Saint Mahadeshwara went into the forest to save the saints who were captured by a king Sharavana who performed black magic. The forests were only inhabited by some indigenous tribes and wild animals.

The seven peaks that were identified by the legendary stories were: Jenumale, Anumale, Pachchemale, Kanumale, Pavalamale, Kongumale and Ponnachimale. All together they are known as Male Mahadeshwara hills or MM hills. The tribes became his disciples and led a disciplinary life thereafter. The Archaks of the temple were from these tribal families who continue to do their service tothe temple generation-to-generation

Mahadeshwara Temple Establishment at MM Hills

The Temple of Mahadeshwara was built by a Rich Landlord Junje Gowda. Later the management of the temple was done by the Sri Salur Matt, another establishment by Saint Mahadeswara himself until 1953, when it was handed over to Madras Government. After the formation of Karnataka Government, the temple authorities passed over the power to the trustee committee founded by the Muzaria Department and appointed by Karnataka Government.

Kamsale – The Devotees of Mahadeshwara

A group of folk singers Kamsale performs near the temple singing the tales of Mahadeshwara and his miracles. The group got their name from the usage of Kamsale in their singing. Kamsale is a round shaped two bronze plates that are used to keep the rhythm flow. The group