Sri Amareshwar Temple Aurad,Karnataka

The *Sri Amareshwar Temple* in Aurad, located in Bidar district, Karnataka, is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Amareshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century. A 12th-century inscription inside the temple mentions that 15 Ghale of land near Dodda Betta was donated for its development.

The ancient Amareshwara Temple is located in the central part of Aurad town. It is thought to be from around the 10th century. According to an inscription found at the temple, the area was originally known as Amareshwarawadi, Amarawadi, Avarawadi, and eventually became Aurad.

*Architecture*

The temple’s design follows the traditional Dravidian style, with finely carved pillars and a large hall. Two Gaja Lakshmi sculptures, which represent prosperity and well-being, are placed at the entrance.

*Sthalapurana (Legend)*

According to local legends, Lord Amareshwara, a saint from heaven, meditated for many years before the 10th century. Nearby, in the village of Yanagunda, cows would go to the forest every day to graze. One day, while Lord Amareshwara was meditating, a cow was seen feeding her milk to an anthill that had formed near him.

When the cow returned home, its udder was empty. The farmer noticed this and decided to follow the cow into the forest. The cow stopped at a specific spot, stood over a mound, and its milk flowed into a small hole in the ground. Curious, the farmer began to dig and discovered a linga (a symbol of Lord Shiva). The villagers call this linga “Udbhava Linga,” meaning “self-manifested linga.”

The current temple was built by devotees to honor this sacred event.

Every year, during Maha Shivaratri, the temple hosts the *Amareshwar Jaatra*, attracting thousands of devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Amareshwara.