Overview

Legend has it that while on his way to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita, Rama stopped at this very place to pray to Lord Shiva. He built an idol of Shiva, the 'Shivaling', out of sand and worshiped it. The Walkeshwar Temple gets its name from Valuka Ishwar—Sanskrit for Sand Shiva—an avatar of Shiva. Walkeshwar Temple was built in AD 1127 under the patronage of the Silhara kings who ruled over the area. Despite being so close to the sea, the temple has a fresh water tank called Banganga Tank. The source of water is an underground spring, though according to legend it is actually the River Ganga summoned by Rama through his arrow or 'bana'. The Banganga Festival which showcases Hindustani classical music and features eminent pundits and maestros is held annually at this temple.