Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority
Development authority · Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar
This statutory authority was created in 2013 to run and develop the Male Mahadeshwara Swamy shrine in the forested hills of Chamarajanagar district, about 150 km from Mysuru. The deity, Male Mahadeshwara, is a saint revered as an incarnation of Shiva. The shrine draws large crowds on new-moon days and festivals. A 2025 amendment let the authority adopt nearby Category C temples, add district and state monitoring committees, and strengthen rules on plastic, water and sanitation in the hill area.
How it is run
The authority is chaired by the Chief Minister, with ministers, MPs, MLAs, officials and nominated members. Under the 2025 amendment, the State Government appoints a senior Group-A officer of the Endowment Department as Secretary and chief executive.
Tips for pilgrims
- The shrine is in forested hills inside a protected wildlife area. Plan to arrive before dark and expect forest-road travel times.
- Expect peak crowds on amavasya (new-moon) days, Maha Shivaratri and Deepavali. A 2020-era seva website (mmhillstemple.com) is no longer the temple's, so book sevas at the temple counter.
Temples it runs
- Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple – Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar