After a pretty long gap, I thought of taking a break and traveling around Mangaluru (Mangmore) city.
I would recommend staying in Mangaluru (also known as Mangalore). Mangaluru serves as an excellent base for your travels, offering well-connected roads to reach these destinations easily. Moreover, staying in Mangaluru provides the added advantage of enjoying a vibrant beach life along with your cultural and spiritual excursions.
To my surprise, the city of Mangaluru is not only surrounded by Udupi, Kukke Subrahmanya, and Dharmasthala, but it also boasts several other ancient and spiritually significant places worth visiting. If you find yourself in Mangaluru, make sure not to miss the following destinations:
- Mangala Devi temple
- khadri Manjunath temple
- Durga Parameshwari devi, Katil
- Udupi Krishna & Ananteeshwara (Madhvacharya adrusha place)
- Pajaka Kshetra
- Mahalakshmi temple – on the way back from Udupi to Mlore
- Ghorakhnath temple, kalabhairava, Seeta Bhavi, Pandavara guha
- Gokarnatheswhara temple
- Sadashiva rudra devar temple, Surya
- Dharmasthala Manjunath temple
- Soutadka Ganapathi (Ghante Ganapathi)
- Kukke Subrahmanya & Kukke Adi Subrahmanya temple
The Mangaladevi Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple at Bolara in the city of Mangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka, situated about three km southwest of the city centre. The temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi.
The city of Mangalore is named after the presiding deity, Mangaladevi. The temple is of significant antiquity and is believed to have been built during the 9th century by Kundavarman, the most famous king of the Alupa dynasty during the 9th century, under the patronage of Matsyendranath.
As per another legend, the temple is believed to have been built by Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu and later expanded by Kundavarman.
The temple is built in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the South Indian state of Kerala and Western Ghats, with most of its structure made of wood. The presiding deity, Mangaladevi in the central shrine is in a seated posture. There are shrines around the sanctum for other deities.
In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by trustees. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm.
Kadri Manjunath temple
Kadri Manjunath temple is a must visit temple once in a lifetime. The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is said to be built during the 10th or 11th century. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century.
The bronze (panchlauha) idol of Lokeshwar (identified as Brahma) is a must see and experience the beauty of Lord Brahma, about 5 feet high, of which the temple is called the oldest of the South Indian temples. It has an inscription dated 968 A.D. (or 1068 A.D.[1]), engraved on the pedestal.
It is believed that Parashurama who was living in Sahyadri, killed the Kshathriyas who were cruel and donated the lands to Kashyapa.
He prayed to Lord Shiva for a place to live. Lord Shiva assured Parashurama that if he performed a penance at Kadali Kshethra, Lord Shiva would reincarnate as Manjunatha for the betterment of the world.
As per Shiva’s orders Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and created a place for his penance. Yielding to Parashurama’s prayers Lord Shiva appeared to him as Manjunatha with Goddess Parvathi and stayed at Kadri for the betterment of the world.
Gomukha and water tanks
There is a natural spring at an elevated location at the back of the temple. It is called Gomukha. It is believed that the water flows from Bhageerathi river, in Kashi and thereby it gets its name as Kashi Bhageerathi theertha.
The water from this spring is let into nine ponds of different sizes adjacent to it. Devotees take holy dip themselves in these ponds before entering the main temple
Durga Parameshwari Devi, Kateel
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located in Kateel, Karnataka.
The Temple is situated on an islet formed naturally in the middle of the river Nandini. The town of Kateel lies 29 km from Mangalore city center and is considered as one of the holiest temple towns in India.
The divine rock and Nandini river that are very significant in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple.
The Linga of the main deity, Goddess Durga Parameshwari is an Udbhavalinga which means that it is self-manifested and not installed by anyone. The Linga is decorated in the form of Goddess Ambika, a form of Durga who symbolizes marital and family harmony.
Udupi Sri Krishna and Ananteeshwara Temples
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Ananteeshwara Temple are two famous Hindu temples located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a major pilgrimage center for devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as “Udupi Krishna”.
The temple was founded in the 13th century by the saint and philosopher, Sri Madhvacharya. He is also known as Sri Ananda Teertha. The idol of Lord Krishna, which has been installed by Sri Madhvacharya himself.
The temple is also known for its unique food offering, called the “prasadam”, which is served to the devotees. The prasadam, which consists of rice, dal, and vegetables, is prepared in the temple kitchen and is considered to be very holy.
Ananteeshwara
Ananteeshwara Temple is another popular temple located in the town of Udupi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
The temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century AD and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. The temple’s main attraction is a massive statue of Lord Shiva in a seated posture, which is adorned with precious jewels and intricate carvings.
The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Ganesh, Goddess Durga, and Lord Vishnu.
Both of these temples are considered to be important centers of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus, and are visited by thousands of devotees every year. They are also important landmarks of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Pajaka Kshetra
Pajaka Kshetra is a small village located near Udupi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
It is famous for being the birthplace of the saint and philosopher, Sri Madhvacharya, who is also known as Sri Ananda Teertha.
Pajaka Kshetra is believed to have been the ancestral home of Sri Madhvacharya’s family and he was born here in the 13th century. The village is also home to a temple dedicated to Sri Madhvacharya, which is called the “Ananda Teertha Temple”.
Apart from the Ananda Tirtha Temple, there are several other small temples in Pajaka Kshetra dedicated to various deities. One of the most famous is the “Vadiraja Matha”, which was established by Sri Vadiraja Teertha, a disciple of Sri Madhvacharya.
The matha is known for its beautiful architecture and is an important pilgrimage center for devotees of the Dvaita school of Vedanta philosophy, which was founded by Sri Madhvacharya.
Pajaka Kshetra is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with lush green fields and rolling hills all around. Visitors to the village can take a leisurely stroll through the fields or climb up the nearby hills to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
The village is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike, and is visited by thousands of people every year.
Mahalakshmi temple, Uchila
Shree Mahalakshmi Devasthana or Sri Mahalakshmi Temple is located in the village of Uchila, which is in the Udupi district of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
The Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila is believed to have been built around 700 years ago and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the region.
The temple’s main attraction is a beautiful idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi, which is made of black stone and is adorned with gold and precious jewels.
The temple is known for its rich and fascinating history, and is associated with many legends and myths.
One popular story is that the temple was built by the great sage Parashurama, who is said to have worshiped Goddess Mahalakshmi here.
The Sri Mahalakshmi Temple is also known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple’s exterior is adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings, while the interior features intricate murals and paintings.
The temple also has a large pond and a beautifully landscaped garden, which add to its serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple
Gokarnanatheshwara temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the city of Mangaluru in Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the 10th century AD.
Gokarnanatheshwara temple is an important landmark of Mangaluru and a must-visit destination to know Hindu culture and spirituality.
The temple is known for its unique architecture, which blends the traditional Dravidian style with the Western Chalukya style.
It features a large gopuram (tower) at the entrance, which is adorned with intricate carvings of deities and other mythological figures.
The sanctum houses the lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) and is surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, and Goddess Annapoorneshwari.
The Gokarnanatheshwara temple in Mangaluru features a large pushkarni (holy pond) and a natural water source that originates from the top of a nearby mountain and flows continuously, 24×7 and 365 days a year.
The temple is also connected to the Gorakhnath temple through an internal passageway. This holy site is an important pilgrimage destination for those interested in Hindu spirituality and culture.
The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year, especially during the annual festival of Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and special poojas and rituals are performed.
Surya Sadashiva Rudra Devar:
The Surya Sadashiva Rudra Devar temple is located in Ujire, which is a small town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam (symbol of Shiva).
The Surya temple is probably only one of its kind because of its unique tradition of clay offerings which symbolizes man’s Earthly desires.
The devotees along with their clay offerings have to go to the temple preferably on Mondays along with a coconut and a kg of rice.
The clay structures to be offered once your wishes are fulfilled and what other than the actual clay offerings made by devotees lying in the temple, can give you the evidence of sanctity of this deity.
You can make a wish either by visiting the temple or sitting at your home.
Once your wishes are fulfilled, all you need to offer is a small idol or doll made of clay that replicates or represents what you wished for.
For instance, if you wish for a child, you can offer the replica of a cradle or the small doll that represents the child.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 14th century AD and has undergone several renovations and additions over the years.
It features a simple yet elegant architectural style and is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills.
The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the annual festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion.
The festival is marked by special poojas, offerings, and rituals that are performed throughout the day and night.
Overall, the Sadashiva Rudra Devar temple is an important landmark of Ujire and a must-visit destination for Hindu culture and spirituality.
Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple
Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple is also known as Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple located in the village of Dharmasthala in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped in the form of Lord Manjunatha Swamy.
History: The temple has a rich history dating back several centuries. It was built by the Jain chieftain Birmanna Pergade and later came under the control of the Heggade family in the 16th century. The Heggade family has been managing and maintaining the temple for over 800 years.
Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva. The main idol is made of gold and stands about 3 feet tall. The deity is depicted in a seated posture and is adorned with various ornaments.
Rituals and Festivals: The temple follows a strict set of rituals and conducts regular pujas and offerings to Lord Manjunatha.
Devotees can participate in various rituals such as Abhisheka (ritual bathing of the deity), Panchamrutha Abhisheka (using a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), and Rudrabhisheka.
The temple celebrates several festivals, including Mahashivaratri, Karthika Deepotsava, and Laksha Deepotsava, which attract a large number of devotees.
Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple is not only a place of worship but also an institution that embodies principles of righteousness, compassion, and service.
Soutadka Ganapathi
Soutadka Ganapathi, also known as Ghante Ganapathi, is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
It is located in the village of Soutadka, near Dharmasthala, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.
The temple is popularly known as Ghante Ganapathi due to the large number of bells (ghantas) that adorn the deity.
History and Significance: The temple has a history that dates back several centuries. It is believed to have been established by a sage named Agastya.
Soutadka Ganapathi is considered a sacred place of worship, and devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes.
Idol and Appearance: The main idol of Lord Ganesha in Soutadka Ganapathi Temple is made of clay and stands about 6 feet tall.
The unique feature of this idol is its striking resemblance to Lord Venkateshwara (Lord Balaji) of Tirupati, with a crown, ornaments, and a crescent moon on the forehead.
The idol holds a modaka (a sweet delicacy) in one hand and a noose (pasa) in the other.
Ghantas (Bells): The temple is known for its impressive display of bells. Devotees offer bells of various sizes to Lord Ganesha as a symbol of their devotion and gratitude.
The bells are then hung around the temple premises, creating a melodious and enchanting atmosphere.
It is said that ringing these bells brings good luck and fulfills desires.
Rituals and Festivals: The temple follows daily rituals and conducts regular pujas (worship ceremonies) to Lord Ganesha. Devotees can participate in the various rituals, including Abhisheka (ritual bathing of the deity) and Archana (chanting of the Lord’s names).
The temple celebrates major festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi with great enthusiasm, attracting a large number of devotees.
Dharmasthala Connection: Soutadka Ganapathi Temple is located in close proximity to Dharmasthala, another prominent religious destination in Karnataka.
Many devotees visiting Dharmasthala also make it a point to visit Soutadka Ganapathi to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Soutadka Ganapathi, with its unique idol and the enchanting presence of the ghantas (bells), offers a distinct spiritual experience to the devotees.
The temple’s natural surroundings and its association with the nearby Dharmasthala temple make it a noteworthy place of worship in the region.
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple and Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple and Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple are two prominent Hindu temples located in the village of Subrahmanya, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.
Both temples are dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Lord Murugan or Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
While the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is the main temple, Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple is an associated temple located a few kilometers away.
Kukke Subrahmanya Temple:
History and Significance: Kukke Subrahmanya Temple has a significant historical and mythological importance.
It is believed to be one of the seven sacred pilgrimage sites associated with Lord Subrahmanya, and it holds a prominent place in Hindu mythology and scriptures.
The temple is considered to be a place of power and is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes and provide relief from Sarpa Dosha (affliction caused by serpent deities).
Legend: According to mythology, Lord Subrahmanya killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura, and other demons in this region.
It is believed that Lord Subrahmanya blessed the area and established his presence here, making it a sacred place of worship.
Sarpa Dosha Pooja: Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is particularly renowned for performing Sarpa Dosha Pooja.
Sarpa Dosha is a belief associated with affliction caused by serpent deities in one’s horoscope.
Devotees visit the temple to perform this special pooja to seek relief from the negative effects of Sarpa Dosha.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, with the annual Shasti festival being the most important one.
Shasti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, and it attracts a large number of devotees.
The temple also celebrates Vaikunta Ekadashi, Maha Shivaratri, and other significant Hindu festivals.
Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple:
Location: Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple is located about 1.5 kilometers from the main Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.
Legend: According to mythology, Lord Subrahmanya came to Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple first before proceeding to Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.
Hence, Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple is considered the original abode of Lord Subrahmanya in this region.
Rituals and Poojas: The temple follows similar rituals and poojas as the main temple.
Devotees can perform special rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Subrahmanya at this temple as well.
Both Kukke Subrahmanya Temple and Kukke Adi Subrahmanya Temple are significant pilgrimage centers dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya.
They attract a large number of devotees seeking the blessings and protection of the deity.
The temples’ historical significance, mythology, and the performance of special rituals make them important religious destinations in Karnataka.
