Markandeswara or Markandeya Temple is located on a small Hill known as Markandeya Hills in Vakkaleri village of Kolar District.  There is a Welcome Arch located at the foot hill.  There is a Motorable Ghat Road leading from the Welcome Arch upto the Hilltop Temple.  The parking space just opposite to the Temple is so spacious and the aerial view from there is breath-taking.  The Presiding Deity of the Temple is Lord Shiva.  The Presiding Deity Shiva is also known by the name Kalantaka here.  Goddess Parvathi is found in a separate Sub Shrine.  It is believed that Lord Yama threw His noose on Markandeya, son of Sage Brihanda Rishi but could not kill him since Lord Shiva intervened and saved the life of 16 Year old Markandeya.  It is said that the markings of the noose of Lord Yama and a 3 finger mark could still be seen on the Lingam found in the Sanctum Sanctorum. This Temple was built during the Chola period and is linked with pre-historic Markandeya  Purana.  There are sub Shirnes for Lord Veerabadraswamy, Sapthamathas, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramaniya Swamy, Chandikeshwarar, Kalabhairavar and Srinivasa Perumal.  There is a Mandapam where small functions could be held.  A dining hall with tap facilities was also built and added at a later stage.  There are Three Nandhis in this Temple viz. Yoga Nandhi, Bhoga Nandhi and Dwaja Nandhi.  There is a perinial deep well which has not gone dry or parched till date.   The Temple has huge compond wall and there are stone carvings all over the Temple.  The Vilva Tree is the Sthala Viruksham or Sacred Tree of this Temple.  Since this Temple is located in a picturesque hilltop ambience there is a steady flow of Devotees and Tourists alike.  

Temple Timing; 10 AM to 4 PM

Temple Phone Number: 94486 41948 and 97310 29823

Distance from Bangalore to Markandeya Hills is 63 Kms

Distance from Chennai to Markandeya Hills is 285 Kms

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