Shree Shishileshwara Temple
Shishila is a remote village about 110 kilometres away from Mangalore and it comes under the jurisdiction of Beltangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada District. It has a significant place for its sheer natural beauty coupled with healing powers of God Shishileshwara. The Shishileshwara temple is situated on the banks of Kapila River in Shishila village.
History
The history of Shishileshwara temple dates back to 700 years. This place is also referred as Matsya Theertha. The Mahashir (in Tulu ‘Peruvelu’) fish is found in huge numbers in the Kapila river.
The fish in the Kapila River at Shishila are believed to be sacred and Naivedyam is offered to them after offering daily pujas. It is also believed that one can get rid of all types of skin disease after worshipping at Shishileshwara temple and feeding the fish in Kapila River.
There are two rocks in the river. While one is ‘Huli Kallu’ (rock named after tiger), the other is called as ‘Dana Kallu’ (rock named after cow). According to mythology, a tiger and a cow reached the river when tiger chased the cow. But God did not want violence. Hence, he converted tiger and cow into rocks. The rocks do wear the looks of cow and tiger. These rocks are also worshipped during the annual festival.
According to the temple sources, pilgrims throng in big numbers from January and May. Many devotees come here with offerings for fulfilling their wishes. They also enjoy watching fish in the river and feed them with rice, beaten rice and puffed rice. While watching these fishes and natural beauty here, one can forget all the miseries of life. Shishila indeed has that power. The freedom, love and care experienced by fish here perhaps is something which is very unique to this place only.
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