Adoor Mahalingeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the attractive village of Adoor, situated in the east of Kasargod. This 13th century temple on the southern bank of river Payaswini is believed to have been founded by Arjuna, the legendary Pandava archer. In this temple one can see the converted inscription of Sanskrit in Kannada script in the temple shows that it is someway related to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II of 745-755 AD.
The annual march or Yatra which is the most significant part of the festival of the temple starts with Dhwaja Arohanam which is the hoisting of the temple flag celebrated on the 27th of Kumbham happens in February and March and concludes with the Avabhritha Snanam or the holy dip in the water of the Payaswini River on the fourth of Meenam which falls in the month of April every year. During the cheerful days, Kathakali and other theatrical performances are staged. Makara Samkramam is another important festival celebrated here with much zeal. According to the mythology, a Harijan, discovered the Shiva lingam while he was on his way to his work. Makara Samkramam is held to honor that event and on this day Sahasra Kumbha Abhishekam and feeding of the poor and the needy people are held.