There is no temple and no scripture has mentioned it. Yes this is truly an incredible place to visit.
From the month of February onwards when summer starts and the Shalmala river loses its volume, there appear on the river bed, many Shivalingas, thousands that dot the area. This place is Sahasralinga, a holy place for those who worship the Hindu god Shiva. Located around 14 km from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada in Karnataka, Sahasralinga is where you will find around 1000 shivalingas, big and small.
During the time of king Sadashivarayavarma, the ruler of Sirsi Kingdom, these carvings were installed as a result of the king’s religious beliefs. The legend of Sahasralinga says the king of Sonda or Swadi Akasappa Nayaka, during the 15th century AD., had no children. He was advised by a priest to make 1008 Shivalingas to be blessed with children. So, the king had every stone at the bed of the Shalmala River converted into a Shivalinga. The story goes that he then had children.
There are many carvings of Nandi the bull, Ganesha, snakes and Devi carvings.
Whatever the reason may be, these lingas must have had a big influence on the people because till date the site is considered holy. Every Maha Shivratri, people from far and wide come to this place as pilgrimage.
How to reach
By road:
From Bangalore 500+ kms
From Nearest Town 17kms (Sirsi)
This place is on the way to Yellapur from Sirsi at about 17kms from Sirsi. After Bhairumbe you will have to get down at a bus-stop called Hul Gol bus-stop and walk towards Hulgol and from the main road it is around 2kms distance.
By air: Bangalore 500+ kms
