Male Mahadeshwara Hills is a well-known pilgrimage centre in the State. It is a hill range located in the Hanur taluk and is 3,200 feet above sea level. It is told that MM Hills constitutes of seven hills ‘Elu Male’ namely Anemale, Jenumale, Kadumale, Kanumale, Ponnachimale, Pavalamale and Pachchemale.
The ancient and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim centre. The deity of the temple is in the form of a linga. According to records, a Veerashaiva Saint, Mahadeshwara who lived during 14th-15th centuries, settled on the top of this hill and attained samadhi (salvation). He had a large number of devotees and thus this area became a sacred place. In his honour, the temple was constructed here.
There is also a considerable large image of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle) here along with a number of other shrines around the place. Around a lakh of devotees from South India congregate here for the Car Festival held during the festivals of Shivarathri, Ugadi, Gauri festival, Mahalaya Amavasye and Deepavali. There are many folk songs in Kannada which sing praises of Male Mahadeshwara Hills/ Temple.