“Sri Bheemalingeshwara” located in Bheemeshwara near Kargal town, which is in Shivamogga District of Karnataka state (between Sagara and Bhatkal border in the dense forest). The specialty of Bheemeshwara waterfalls is that the water never dries out through out the year. On MahaShivarathri, there will be a huge Puja offered to the Lord by the local people every year. Bheemeshwara Temple is a Shiva temple which is a heaven for nature lovers, for many obvious reasons, mountains of Western Ghats lie vast as far as eyes can see.
Bheemeshwara temple is one of the oldest temple in karnataka which has not received proper attention of tourism department. Bheemeshwara temple is between Sagara and Bhatkal border in the dense forest. Bheemeshwara temple also has waterfalls which is more beautiful during rainy season. Bheemeshwara temple was constructed by Bheema by bringing Shivlinga at the place, the second brother among Pandavas during their agnaythavasa and was established by Dharmaraya – elder brother of Pandavas on Shivrathri. Arjuna bowed an arrow at the nearby mountain to bring the water for worship which is there even today as Sarala river which has not drained out so far.
This is very beautiful ancient historical temple. On the way to temple you can view the beauty of “Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary”. This place is suitable for medium level trekking. According to the tale, Shiva Linga was established by Bheema of Pandavas during his Agnaatavasa to honor this deed a temple was built here for his name which is the Bheemeswara Temple.
The fascinating Bheemeshwara waterfall formed when Arjuna used his arrow to extract water from the rocks and it’s situated just next to the temple.This temple located 5kms from the Kogar-Bhatkal road; the initial approach starts with delightful walk through the mud road inside the pristine forests which covers the sky and filial destination goes through paved Stone steps. Its tough approach would cause to safe from crowd; so we can sense here the serenity and calmness inside the temple without any disturbance.
Bheemeshwara has no sign boards to get the lead on the way which makes it difficult for tourist to reach the place. Start from Sagara towards Honnavara road and reach Jog circle which is 29 km and take left diversion towards Kargal-Bhatkal road and drive to pass Kargal, Muppane to reach Kogar ghats which has cement roads. Drive down 3 km from Kogar Ghat to find a board directing towards Bheemeshwara temple. take right turn and drive for a kilometer till the vehicle can reach and start trekking from the place. During rainy season vehicles cannot reach the place and one has to trek last 8 kilometers