Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple
ವಿಟ್ಲ ಶ್ರೀ ಪಂಚಲಿಂಗೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ
Shiva (Panchalingeshwara) temple · Vitla (Vittal), Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India
Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple is a Shiva temple in the town of Vitla, also spelt Vittal, in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka (TV9 Kannada; Daijiworld). It is among the Shiva temples of the district where Maha Shivaratri is marked with special pujas and rituals (Mangalore Today; Daijiworld), and its annual car festival (rathotsava) is held in January (Daijiworld; TV9 Kannada).
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple
Regional news reports on Maha Shivaratri in coastal Karnataka name the Vitla Panchalingeshwara temple among the shrines holding special pujas and rituals for the festival (Mangalore Today; Daijiworld).
The temple is also part of the temple circuit around Mangaluru and Puttur: the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation's Mangaluru division has included it in festival-season pilgrimage package tours alongside the Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple (Daijiworld; Mangalorean.com).
Heritage
History of Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple
The sources consulted do not give a founding date or a documented building history for the temple that could be confirmed by more than one independent publisher, so none is given here. The temple's annual rathotsava is reported in January in both 2013 and 2025 (Daijiworld; TV9 Kannada).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The annual rathotsava and Maha Shivaratri draw large gatherings (Daijiworld; TV9 Kannada; Mangalore Today). Confirm current arrangements, festival dates and ritual timings with the temple administration before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple
Rathotsava (annual car festival)
The temple's annual festival is marked by a chariot procession through Vittal, reported on 28 January in 2013 (Daijiworld) and again in January 2025 (TV9 Kannada).
Maha Shivaratri
The temple holds special pujas and rituals for Maha Shivaratri, as reported for 26 February 2025 (Mangalore Today; Daijiworld).
Location
How to Reach Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple
Vitla is a town in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district (TV9 Kannada; Daijiworld). During festival seasons the KSRTC Mangaluru division has run one-day pilgrimage package tours from Mangaluru that include the Vittal Panchalingeshwara temple (Daijiworld; Mangalorean.com). Check current KSRTC services and routes before travelling, as these packages are seasonal (Daijiworld; Mangalorean.com).
Location: Vitla (Vittal), Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India 574243
More in Hindu temples in Karnataka · Shiva (Panchalingeshwara) temples · Temples in Bantwal Taluk · Temples in Dakshina Kannada District
Questions
Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Vitla Panchalingeshwara temple?
It is in the town of Vitla (Vittal) in Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka (TV9 Kannada; Daijiworld).
Which deity is worshipped here?
The temple is a Shiva shrine, and it observes Maha Shivaratri with special pujas (Mangalore Today; Daijiworld).
When is the Vitla temple car festival?
The annual rathotsava is held in January; reports describe it on 28 January 2013 and in January 2025 (Daijiworld; TV9 Kannada). Confirm the exact date with the temple each year.
Is Maha Shivaratri celebrated at the temple?
Yes. Regional news reports list the Vitla Sri Panchalingeshwara temple among the Dakshina Kannada temples holding special pujas and rituals on Maha Shivaratri in 2025 (Mangalore Today; Daijiworld).
Do any organised pilgrimage tours include the temple?
The KSRTC Mangaluru division has included the Vittal Panchalingeshwara temple in seasonal one-day temple package tours, together with the Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple (Daijiworld; Mangalorean.com). These tours are seasonal, so check with KSRTC before planning.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Daijiworld — Bantwal: Grandeur, glamour at Vittal Temple Annual Festival (29 January 2013)
- Daijiworld — Brahma Kalashabhisheka held at Panchalingeshwara Temple (22 January 2013)
- Daijiworld — Mangaluru: KSRTC to operate pilgrimage tour package for Deepavali (21 October 2022)
- Daijiworld — Mangaluru/Udupi: Coastal Karnataka celebrates Maha Shivaratri with fervor (26 February 2025)
- TV9 Kannada — Drone hits Vitla Panchalingeshwara deity and priest during rathotsava (23 January 2025, Kannada)
- Mangalorean.com — Local KSRTC's Mluru Dasara Darshana package tours off on a positive note (16 October 2023)
- Mangalore Today — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi celebrate Maha Shivaratri with grand festivities (26 February 2025)
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