Karnataka Temples

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple – Timings, Poojas and Significance

February 14, 2023, Sasidhar Darla 16 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

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.

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple – Facts

Darshan Timings	5:30 am to 9:30 pm
Poojas	Aksharabhyasam, Chandika Yaga, Yakshagana
Tours	Mangalore Temple Tour
Location	Mangalore, Karnataka
Deity	Goddess Durga
Significance	For settling family and property disputes
Entry Fee	General Darshan: Free.
Dress Code	Traditional wear
Best Time to Visit	September to February
Photography	Not allowed
Parking	Free
Festivals	Navratri

Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple Real Story

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple administration is also dedicated to charity as it provides free Annadanam and other aids free of cost to the weaker sections of the society.

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple Puja Timings

The timings for Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple are:

Puja’s and Rituals	Timings
Regular Temple Timings	4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Temple Cleaning	4:00 AM
Abhishekam	6:00 AM
Abhishekam to Udbhava Linga	6:30 AM
Morning Mahappoja	12:30 PM
Pradosha Pooja	7:00 AM
Evening Mahappoja	7:30 PM
Rangapooja	8:30 PM

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple Rituals and Seva List

Puja and Rituals at Kateel Durga Parmeshwar Temple — Devotees and Priests offering Puja and Rituals at the temple of Kateel Durga Parmeshwari.

Thrimadhura Naivedyam – The Goddess is offered Sugar, Honey, and Butter as Bhog or Naivedyam for the day on behalf of the devotee.
Panchamrutha Abhisheka – The deity is bathed with five holy “Amrit” or Nectar. They are Milk, Honey, Curd, Sugar, and Ghee.
Ranga Pooja – The Goddess is worshiped with either 24 rows of Deepams or with 64 rows of Deepams on behalf of the devotee.
Aksharabhyasa – The couples with children of age 2 – 5 can perform the Seva as a start to the education of their children. The performing of this ritual is special because the presiding deity Durga Parameshwari is the Goddess of intelligence and knowledge.
Sathyanarayana Pooja – The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Pooja can be performed on any day but is believed to be extremely auspicious if performed on the eve of Chithra Pournami. The Pooja is performed to attain peace, prosperity, to remove obstacles and to be free from the negative thoughts.
Chandika Yagna – The Chandika Homam requires the presence of 7 priests. They chant the 700 verses and hymns from the Devi Mahatmayam. Offerings of the Payasam (sweet pudding or Kheer) are made to Agni during the chantings.
Tulabhara Seva – This Seva includes the devotee sitting on one side of the Tula or the weighing balance. On the other side, offerings are arranged until the weight of the devotee and the offerings balance themselves. The offerings are then donated to the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple.
Annadana – The Maha Annadana Seva can be performed by the devotees. The food or the Prasadam will be worshiped and distributed to all the visiting devotees for the day on behalf of the prescribing devotee.
Trikala Pooja – The Seva includes performing three Poojas in a day, one each at dawn, noon and dusk.
Mrityunjaya Homam – This Pooja is done to increase longevity and immortality of the person. The devotee asks for forgiveness from Lord Shiva and asks for a long healthy and prosperous life.
The Kateela Yakshagana Mela – The Kateela Mela is a Seva in which troupe of artists performs the Yakshagana drama with music and dance for the devotees. It is believed that the Seva pleases the Goddess as she loves art, music, and dance.

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple remains open until midnight on special occasions like Navarathri and other important festival days.

Cost of Puja/Sevas in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple

Puja/Sevas	Cost
Karthi Pooja	Rs. 10.00
Hovina Pooja	Rs. 120.00
Durga Namaskara	Rs. 60.00
Kunkumarchane	Rs. 30.00
Panchakajjaya	Rs. 20.00
Karpoorarathi	Rs. 30.00
Sahasra Namarchane	Rs. 60.00
Panchamritha Abhisheka	Rs. 70.00
Shree Sookthabhisheka	Rs. 40.00
Amrithpadi Nandadeepa	Rs. 120.00
Alankara Pooja	Rs. 120.00
Maha Pooja	Rs. 170.00
Sarva Seva	Rs. 1000.00
Ranga Pooja	Rs. 3000.00
Mristanna Puja	Rs. 250.00
Ksheera Payasa	Rs. 80.00
Ratha Hoovina Pooja	Rs. 80.00
Kannika Pooja	Rs. 20.00
Annadana Seva	Rs. 2500.00
Maha Annadana Seva	Rs. 20000.00
Samooha Seva	Rs. 100.00

The divine image of Kateel Durga Parmeshwari — The picture of Goddess Durga in the temple sanctum at Kateel Durga Parmeshwari.

All the online Sevas will be charged with 1.55% additional Processing charges and Service tax. Also the final net amount is rounded to Rupees.

Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple Dress Code

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple administration does not impose any strict dress code but it is recommended to wear decent clothes to the Temple. Shorts, Bathing wear, and miniskirts are not allowed inside the Temple. Any material made of animal skin is not allowed inside the temple premises.

Significance of Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple

Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Significance — 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.
The Goddess is bathed with tender coconut water as it is believed that it is her favorite drink. No one drinks Tender coconut water in the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple without offering it to the Goddess first. As per the legend, the Goddess appeared as the dancer Mohini in Arunasura’s garden.
The Sanctum of the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple is perpetually wet and the Kumkum offered to the devotees is always wet. It is believed that River Nandini blesses the devotees in this way. The Temple is primarily visited by devotees to settle family and property disputes as well as to relieve themselves from heart-related diseases and infections.
The Annadanam is performed in the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple twice daily. Thousands of pilgrims are fed daily in the huge kitchen that is well equipped with all the modern amenities. During the Mesha Sankranama, the Balimoorthi or the Utsava Moorthi is worshiped in the Annadanam hall in front of heaps of rice and coconut.
The Kateel Mela is a unique and popular feature attributed to the Temple. The tradition began in the mid-19th century and continues till date. The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple currently has five troupes of Yakshagaana artists who perform the art and drama of the Yakshagaana for the devotees.
The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple provides a large number of special services named as “Prayschitha Seva” that can be performed at the Temple premises. These Sevas are Chandika Yagna, Tender coconut Abhishekam, Trikala Pooja, Griha Shanti (akin to the Navagraha Pooja), Durga Homam, Mrityunjaya Homam, Siver Chariot festival and the Golden Palanquin festival.
The Theerthasnana or bathing in the Theertha (holy water) in the Temple is considered as extremely sacred. It is believed that one can redeem himself from his sins and fight misfortune in his life after taking a Snana or bath with the holy water.
The Golden Chariot housed at the Temple Complex is the biggest Gold Chariot in Karnataka. The value of the chariot can be estimated at Rupees four billion.

The Yakshagana dance is performed by the devotees on every special day throughout the year. The devotees genuinely believe that Goddess Durga reveals a part of herself during the performance.

The History and Legends attached with Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple

Yakshagana Performance by devotees in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple — Yakshagana dance performance by devotees during Festival celebration in Kateel Durga Temple.

The legend behind the origin of the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple is mentioned in sources like Markandeya Purana. The Sahyadrikanda of the Skanda Purana also relates to the legends. Sri Nirjararanya Mahatmayam and in Devi Bhagavatha Mahatmayam are two more sources for the legends related to the temple.

The legend begins with the battle between Goddess Shakti and demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Both were eventually killed in the battle. However, Arunasura, their minister fled the battle and gathered all the remaining demons. He became their king and started disturbing the sages and munis by disturbing the Yagnas. The Gods learned of this and stopped the rains.

Seeing the situation worsening, Maharishi Jabali visited Lord Brahma and requested him to send Kamadhenu (a holy cow) for completing a ritual. Lord Brahma replied that since Kamadhenu was unavailable, Nandini her daughter would come for the ritual. However, Nandini refused and insulted the Maharishi. The Maharishi became angry and cursed her that she will flow as a river on the Earth’s surface.

Nandini was mortified and prayed to Sri Adi Parashakti. The Goddess said that she could not lift the curse, but she will take birth from Nandini and relieve her from the curse in due course of time. Satisfied, Nandini descended on Earth and started flowing from the Kanakachala mountain.

Meanwhile, Arunasura started strict penance and obtained a boon from Lord Brahma. He wished that he will not be killed by any God, demon, reptile, Yaksha, Gandharva, Kinnara, Kimpurusha, Siddha, Sadhya, Vidhyadhara, man, woman, by any weapons or by animals on two and four feet.

Lord Brahma granted him the boon. He asked for a boon from Goddess Saraswati who blessed him by saying that as long as he chants the Gayathri Mantra every day, Death will not touch him.

Boosted by the boons, he created a huge army and started terrorizing people. He even defeated Indra and subjugated him. Lord Indra went to the trinity for help. Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva requested the help of the Supreme Mother Sri Adi Parashakti. She agreed to help but said that Arunasura had to be converted into an atheist.

Brihaspathi, disguised as a Brahmin met Arunasura and after a long debate, convinced him of the futility of his belief in reciting the Gayathri Mantra. He convinced Arunasura that he was the supreme being and should be worshiped above all Gods and Goddesses. Arunasura eventually became a tyrant.

Sri Adi Parashakti disguised herself as a beautiful and seductive Mohini and appeared in the gardens of Arunasura’s kingdom. He was informed by his ministers of the beautiful damsel in the Gardens. Arunasura reached the garden and was captivated by her beauty. He proposed her but she refused.

After trying to persuade her repeatedly, she went inside a rock. Arunasura broke the rock and out came a swarm of bees that stung him all over the body. The Goddess took the form of a big and furious bee named “Bhramara” and repeatedly attacked him until he died.

Maharishi Jabali along with other Gods offered the furious form of the Goddess with tender coconut and calmed her down. Maharishi Jabali, Indra, Nandini, and other Gods requested her to make the place as her abode. Sri Adi Parashakti appeared as a Linga in the middle of the river Nandini.

Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple Architecture

Architecture of Kateel Durga Parmeshwari — The fascinating and unique architecture of Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple

The town of Kateel gets its name from the words ‘Kati‘ meaning the middle of the center and ‘La‘ meaning the place. Thus, the word Kateela means “The place in the center” referring to the center of the River Nandini which originates in the Kanakachala mountain and flows till Pravanje where it integrates into the sea.

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple architecture resembles the Kerala style of construction. Apart from the deity Goddess Durga Parameshwari, one can also visit several smaller shrines inside the Temple Complex. After entering the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple from the main entrance, a huge rock can be seen just before entering the bridge.

This is the Raktheshwari form of the Goddess from where she came out as a Bee to kill the demon Arunasura. The rock is worshiped three times a day and devotees offer tender coconuts to the rock as a symbol of their affection for the Goddess.

Other Shrines present in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple — Different other Idols in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari temple during rituals.

The Temple also has shrines dedicated to Mahaganapathi, Shasthara, Kshethrapalaka, Nagasannidhi, Goddess Chamundi and to Lord Brahma.

Festivals celebrated at Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple

Festivals celebrated at Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple — Few of the famous festivals celebrated at the Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple.

Annual festival – The grand Temple festival begins on the day before the Mesha Sankranama (Solar New Year). The gateway and the entrances to the Temple are decorated and Ankura Pooja is performed for the deity. On the day of Mesha Sankranama, the temple flag is hoisted called as Dhvajarohana.
Vasanthotsava – The festival marks the beginning of the spring. Special Poojas and rituals are followed for the Goddess at the Vasantha Mandap of the Temple. Lots of flowers, fruits and vegetables are offered to the Goddess first and then later distributed to the devotees as Prasadam.
Hattanadhi Pattanaje – The Yakshagana troupes end their tour on the tenth day of the Vrishabha month which usually falls in May. Six podiums are set up on the Ratha street where they perform for the last time for the year after which they stop for the year.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami – The Temple celebrated the birth of Lord Krishna in a grand manner. The Mosarakudde ( an earthen pot filled with buttermilk is hung on top between two poles) ritual is celebrated amidst great fanfare followed by a Yakshagana performance in the evening.
Kadiru Habba or Navanna – This unique celebration in the month of Bhadrapada or August – September signifies the good health and prosperity. On this day, a bunch of spikes of corn is taken to the temple and sanctified in the presence of the Goddess.
Navarathri – The grand festival dedicated to the Goddess is celebrated for nine days followed by Vijayadasami on the tenth day. The Chandika Homam and the Ranga Poojas are conducted on all nine days of Navarathri.
Magha Pournami – The auspicious day is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Magha or January – February. The day signifies the descent of River Nandini to Earth to relieve the severe drought conditions and sufferings of the human race.

Besides the above festivals, several other important days are observed by the Temple administration like Rashi Pooja, Dhanu Pooja, Bhajana Mangalothsava, and Naga Panchami.

How to reach Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple?

By Air – The nearest airport is the Bajpe International Airport in the city of Mangalore which is just 16 km away. Mangalore is well connected to several major cities and towns of the country. Regular flights are available from New Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
By Train – The nearest railway station is Mulki which is 11 km away from Kateel. It is connected to Bengaluru, Mandya, Mysore, Hassan, Subrahmanya, Surathkal, Mookambika, Murudeshwar, Honnavar, Karwar, Gokarna, Thane, and Mangalore. The other important stations nearby are Surathkal and Mangalore. Mangalore Junction is connected to several cities of the country.
By Road – The town can be approached on NH17. Regular buses are operated by both the Government as well as the private operators from Mangalore, Bengaluru, Mysore and several other pilgrim towns in Karnataka.

Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple Accommodation

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple administration has constructed three lodges to accommodate the devotees. These lodges provide the basic facilities like AC, Parking facilities and 24 hours power supply. The names of the lodges are Nandini Lodge, Bhramari Lodge, and Durgaprasad Lodge.

Apart from the staying options provided by the Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, several private lodges are available for booking. Some of the popular ones are Laxminarayana Mandira and the Gopalkrishna Sabha Bhavana.

For the Theerthasnana, the Temple administration makes special provisions for the devotee and has to be informed in advance.

Where to eat near Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple –

Prasadam for the devotees in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple — The devotees visiting the temple can eat the Prasadam served by the temple trust.

Apart from the Annadana, there are a few small hotels located near the Temple complex that serves good quality food. A variety of cuisines ranging from simple South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Italian are served at the Hotels here.

The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple administration provides free meals every day to all the visiting devotees at 12:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

The Temple provides free lunch and dinner to all the visiting pilgrims. The Timings are 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 8:30 PM to 10 PM.

What are the Temples nearby Kateel Durga Parmeshwari –

Temples near Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Templ — Devotees can also enjoying travelling to the nearby temple close to Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple.

Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple – The Temple is located just 22 km away from the town of Kateel. The presiding deities of the Temple are Lord Anantha (Lord Shiva) and Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu). The Temple is well known for Serpent worship. The deity Sri Anantha Padmanabha faces west.

Sri Udupi Krishna Temple – The unique Temple of Sri Krishna in a Bal Avatar is situated at a distance of 25 km from Kateel. The idol of Sri Krishna is represented as a child holding a churning rod in one hand and a rope on the other. The idol is believed to be made in Dwarka during Sri Krishna’s reign by his wife Rukmini.

Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Polali – The ancient temple that dates back to the 8^th century is situated in a town called Polali, 23 km away from Kateel. The unique feature of the Temple is that the idol of the presiding deity Sri Raja Rajeshwari is 10 feet tall and is fully molded in clay.

Nelliteertha Temple – The Temple is also called as the Nelliteertha Cave Temple and is located 20 km away from Kateel. The Temple dates back to 1487 AD. The presiding deity of the Temple is Lord Somanatheshwara, a form of Lord Shiva.

Besides these Temples, the city of Mangalore is just 27 kms away. Several religious centers and historic temples are home to the city like Sri Mangaladevi Temple etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kateel Durga Parmeshwari

How much distance is Kateel Durga Parmeshwari from Mangalore city?

Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is about 26 kilometers away from Mangalore.

Where is the temple of Kateel Durga Parmeshwari situated?

The holy temple is situated on an islet in the middle of the sacred river Nandini

What are the noted festivals celebrated in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple?

The noted festive events celebrated in the temple are Uthsavanga, Aropana, Flag Hoisting, Souramana Yugadi, and Rathotsava.

Is there any online portal available for Sevas and Rituals in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple?

You can perform Poojas/Sevas using Credit Card, Debit Card, or online Bank Accounts through secured internet payment to the trust.

Is marriage halls also available in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple?

Yes, through advance booking with the temple trust, one can book Private marriage halls in Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple.

Is there any restriction on female devotees before entering the temple?

Female devotees should not enter the temple for the first 5 days of their menstruation period.
Female devotees should not enter the temple when pregnant after six months or late.

Where should devotees contact for specific information about the temple?

Devotees can get more or specific information from the administrator, Hereditary Trustee or Temple Manager.

Are there any facilities available for the disabled and senior citizen Devotees?

Yes, the wheelchair is available for physical handicapped Devotees to enter comfortably seeking blessings from Kateel Durga Parmeshwari Temple.

Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples, Shakti Peetha

Chamundeshwari Temple of Mysore is a landmark of the temple architecture of Karnataka. You can get a sight of the Chamundeshwari Temple from a distance as the Chamunda hills rise to a height of 3489 feet. Located in close proximity to the Mysore Palace, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, also known as Goddess Durga. Goddess Chamundeshwari, the fierce incarnation of Shakti is the deity of the Mysore kings for hundreds of years.

The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is known by the name of Krouncha Pitham; Shakti Peethas refer to the sites on which the body parts of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her and wandering through different places in deep morose. It is believed that the hair of Goddess Sati fell at the site where the Chamundeshwari Temple has been constructed. It is named after the name of the place; the site was known as Krouncha Puri during the Puranic times. The deity is seated on a lion with a trident in her hand, which is pierced into the demon Mahisasura. The buffalo lies in the body of the asur.

The Chamundeshwari Temple was built during the Hoysala rule in the 12^th century. The temple is enormous and there are 1000 steps to reach the hilltop to the temple. The Chamundeshwari Temple comes with a seven-storied Gopura. The interiors of the sanctum are spectacular with numerous intricate carvings. While the statue of Goddess Chamundeshwari is said to be made of gold, the entrance gates are made of silver. The Chamundeshwari Temple is a quadrangle structure, built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple can be segregated into different parts, like the doorways, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa and Prakara. The Gopura consists of a small tower, known as Vimana while the Shikaras come with glittering golden Kalashas. The inside of the entrances of the Chamundeshwari Temple is adorned with images of Lord Ganesha, while the images of Dwarpalakas, that is, doorkeepers seem to guard the goddess.

There is also a Kalbhairab temple within the temple complex, dedicated to Kalbhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Kalbhairab temple also features a huge granite statue of Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva. With a height of 15 feet and length of 24 feet, this idol is adorned with bells.

History and Legend of Chamundeshwari Temple

The temple is the oldest temple in the hills of Mysore. It is not only a bearer of the rich cultural history of South India but also has several myths revolving around its foundation.

It is believed that demon Mahisasura tortured the people of Mysore and hence the goddess rose to her power to destroy the evil forces and relieve the people.
The temple had been built almost 1000 years ago and was the home deity of the monarchs of Wodeyars.
The place where the temple is located was known as Trimuta Kshetra, meaning a place surrounded by eight hills. The Chamunda Hill lies at the western part of the group. It is believed that Lord Shiva used to reside at the Mahabaleshwar temple and hence this hill was named as Mahabaladri.
The deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is in a seated posture with eight shoulders, known as Ashta Bhujas. This deity is considered to be very old, being established by sage Markandeya.
It is believed that when Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was blessed by the Goddess Chamunda, he decided to build the beautiful Gopura in 1827 AD. He also gifted a Simha Vahana, that is, the vehicle of the goddess along with other animal vehicles to the temple.
The proof that the temple was revamped by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III lies within the temple complex. There is a large 6 feet statue of the king in religious apparel along with his three wives, Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa within the shrine.

Significance of the Chamundeshwari Temple

Being one of the oldest shrines of Mysore, the Temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Chamundeshwari Temple holds a significant place in the religious facet of Karnataka.

It is believed that Goddess Chamunda, the slyer of demon Mahisarsura and Chanda, Munda fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
The route to the Chamundeshwari Temple is through dense jungles and hence, visitors can view breathtaking natural beauty and is a great bird watching area.
Visitors can get a panoramic view of Mysore from the Chamunda hilltop. The Mysore Palace looks imposing when lit with lights during the festive season of Dusshera from the hilltop.
The statue of Mahisasura near the Chamundeshwari Temple is an amazing piece of architecture.
The Chamundeshwari Temple is also important due to the small footprints of the goddess that is found within it, along with a flagstaff.
The rare images of Anjaneya, Nandini, and Kamalini also enhance the importance of the Chamundeshwari Temple.

Chamundeshwari Temple Timings

A strict schedule is followed at the Temple for worship and offerings.

Time for visiting Devi Chamundeshwari is from 7.30 am to 2 pm in the morning, again from 3.30 pm to 6 pm in the afternoon and again from 7.30 pm to 9 pm in the evening.
Abhisheka Timings are from 6 am to 7.30 am in the morning and again from 6 pm to 7.30 pm in the evening on all days except Fridays. On Fridays, the timing is from 5 am to 6.30 am.

Chamundeshwari Temple Food Timings

Free meals are served at the Temple and the meal is known as Dasoha.
After worshipping the goddess, laddu is offered to the devotees. Cleaning drinking water is also available for visitors.
Plastic bags are not allowed within the temple complex to keep the hill areas and the waters clean.

Festivals celebrated at the Chamundeshwari Temple

Temple is one of the important shrines of Mysore and hence are marked with major religious celebrations.

Navaratri Festival: Navaratri is celebrated to mark the success of the goddess in demolishing the demon and hence is an important affair. Devotees line up at the Chamundeshwari Temple to offer their prayers during the festival. This festival is also known as the Mysore Dasara festival.
Rathothsava Festival: 10 days after Dusshera, this festival takes place. On the auspicious day of the full moon, known as Ashwayuja Purnima, this car festival takes place. The deity of goddess Chamundeshwari is mounted on the vehicle. A representative of the royal family of Wodeyar draws the chariot in a symbolic manner following the rituals and then the vehicle along with the deity is taken around the Chamundeshwari Temple.
Theppothsava Festival: Thousands of devotees gather at the Chamundeshwari Temple to witness the pious celebration of Theppothsava, which means the floating festival. The festival takes place in the night and the deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is taken round the Devi Tank on a boat. As lights fall on the crystalline waters of the tank, a magical environment is created.

Poojas and Rituals at Chamundeshwari Temple

The worship of the goddess is a glamorous affair at the temple. Multiple priests are engaged in the worship of the deity. The royal family donates gifts to the temple to maintain the pomp and show of the shrine.
Coconuts, fruits, and fresh flowers are the popular ingredients in the worship of goddess Chamundeshwari.
Ashada Shukravara, that is, the first Friday of the Hindu lunar month is considered auspicious and devotees folk here to check out the special puja.
Devotees may also request for special sevas like homas, abhishekas, and utsavas by intimating the temple committee prior to two days.
Devotees can also offer saree to the goddess by 30 days prior intimation to the Chamundeshwari temple committee.

How to reach: Road, Rail, and Air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Chamundeshwari Temple is the Bangalore airport. You can get direct buses and taxis to Mysore from here.
By Train: The Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station to the Chamundeshwari Temple. You can get trains to the city from the other towns and there are auto-rickshaws, cabs, and buses available for your next part of the journey to the Chamundeshwari Temple.
By Road: Though located at an elevation, the Chamundeshwari Temple is connected with a proper motorable road. There is also a different route to the Chamundeshwari Temple through the Nanjangud side. There are buses available to the Chamundeshwari Temple from all parts of the Mysore city. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plies buses to the temple every day with a time gap of 30 minutes from the City Bus Stand. You may also hire cabs to the temple; it is a 10-12 kilometers drive from the Mysore city.

Hotels in Mysore: Where to stay

The Chamundeshwari Temple committee maintains a guest house for the devotees. This 20 room guest house comes with decent amenities. Mysore is an important city of Karnataka and hence tourists can find both deluxe and budget hotels easily near the Chamundeshwari Temple. Radisson Blu Plaza, The Viceroy Comforts, Ginger Mysore, United 21 Mysore, Pai Vista, and Royal Orchid Metropole are to name a few.

Where to eat

There are several vegetarian restaurants around the Chamundeshwari Temple. From hot dosas to piping hot coffee, you can get both authentic South Indian and other types of dishes out here. Visitors can also enjoy pizzas at the nearby food joints. Vinayaka Mylari, The Foodie Restaurant, Hotel RRR Restaurant, Little Woods and Corner House are some of the popular restaurants near the Chamundeshwari Temple.

Nearby Temples

Mysore is known for its beautiful palaces and sacred shrines. Some of the other temples worth visiting the city are:

Narayanaswamy Temple: Located near the Chamundeshwari Temple is this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Cheluva Narayana Swamy, also known as Tirunarayana. The inscriptions on the pillars of the shrine are invaluable.
Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple houses 40 bronze statues of gods and goddesses. The murals which adorn the walls of the temple are jewels of the Mysore painting school.
Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Nambinarayana, this ancient shrine has interesting facts revolving around it. The temple is also famous for its beautiful statues.
Mahabaleshwara Temple: Also located at the Chamundi Hills, this temple is in close proximity to the Chamundeshwari Temple. Dedicated to Mahabaladri, this temple is impressive with images of Sapta Matrikas, Nataraja, Parvathi, and Bhairava.

The Chamundi Village located near the temple is also an attraction of the place due to its unique lifestyle and simplicity.

Someshwara Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 7, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Someshwara Temple Mangalore is located at a distance of 13 km from Mangalore and is situated beside the Someshwara village. This temple is one of the Dwadasha Kshetras of our country. And it is because of this temple that the place is famous as Someshwara.

https://youtu.be/kxTOJJACQKc

Someshwara Temple Mangalore Video

What is the history of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

The Someshwara temple has a mythical history that speaks of legendary time’s right from Trethayuga of Ramayana times. According to beliefs, King Kharasura who worshipped Lord Somanatha built the temple. He was a relative of Ravana. But historically speaking, Kings of Alupa Dynasty built the temple in the 10th century A.D.

The temple was under the Administrative rule of Kadambas of Banavasi, and Cholula Kings of Ullala of 12th Century A.D. Moreover, the two inscriptions in the temple say that its renovation took place in 15th Century A.D. at the time of Vijayanagara King Immadi Devaraya by Rajaguru Sree Kriyashaktri Devavodeya.

What is the significance of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here’s the significance of Someshwara Temple:

A lake near Somanatha temple exists that is “Gadha Teertha”. Moreover, devotees believe that Bhimasena built it.
Two famous stone inscriptions are there on the temple walls. One is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple, while another is present on a small stone pillar near Pakashala.
The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD.
The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as:
“Saka 1117”
“Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha”.
Also, Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she donated Jaladhani about 450 years ago. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festival.

What are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5:00 am	1:00 pm
Evening	5:00 pm	8:00 pm

Which festivals are celebrated at Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Someshwara Temple are:

The Jatra Mahotsava is the grand festival in the temple. It is a 7 days ritual with many a poojas and splendor.
Laksha Deepotsava is another important festival of the temple and takes place in Tula masa. On the day Kshetra pooja is held in the beginning and then Appada pooja and Ranga pooja of Sri Siddivinayaka is held.
On the day of Shivarathri, Shiva pooja, Ranga pooja rituals are held and Bhootabali is given. After this, the archaka of Holla sect seeks the blessing of the Main Deity for offering prasada to Kattige i.e., for Nagabana.

How to reach Mangalore?

Here’s how to reach Someshwara Temple:

Air: Mangalore International Airport at Kenjar is the nearest airport about 41 Km away.
Rail: Mangalore is the Major Railway Station nearest to the temple, about 13 Km. The Ullala Railway Station is 1 Km from the temple.
Road: Someshwara Bus stop is at a walking distance from the temple.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Someshwara Temple are:

Goldfinch Hotel at Bunts Hostel road near Jyothi circle is a great place where you can check-in. It also provides grand facilities and is near the location.
The Gateway Hotel of Old Port Road is another place to check-in. It has a fitness center and an outside pool which guests enjoy.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some places to visit near Someshwara Temple are:

Bekal Fort: Located 63 km south of Mangalore is in the state of Kerala. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era.
Kadri Manjunatha Temple: It is on Kadri hills, in Mangalore is just 3 Km away from the venue. This popular and beautiful temple has tanks with natural springs and late rite caves surrounding it. These caves are also popular as Pandava Caves. Devotees also believe that the Pandavas came to this cave and stayed there.

Hoysaleswara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 7, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Hoysaleswara Temple of Halebeedu is another masterpiece of Indian temple architecture. Located at the banks of an enchanting lake, this temple is encircled with manicured gardens, while the atmosphere is serene. The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and exhibits Hoysala architectural style.

History and Legend of Hoysaleswara Temple

The Hoysaleswara temple of Halebeedu narrates the glorious history of ancient India and hence is a must-visit.

Temple was constructed in the 12^th century, within the time period of 1120 CE and 1150 CE.
Temple was built by the Hoysala ruler King Vishnuvardhana. It is believed that the temple was named Hoysaleswara Temple after Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara.
When the Hoysaleswara temple was built the place was known as Dwarasamudra.
Temple was ransacked twice by the Delhi sultans in the 14^th This led to the name of the city as Haldebeedu, which means the ruined city.
The construction of the Hoysaleswara temple was financed by the Shaivas (devotees of Lord Shiva).
It is believed that the Chennakesava Temple was built during this time and was a Vaishnava temple. The Hoysaleswara temple was constructed by the Shaivas as a competition to the Chennakesava Temple.

Significance of the Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara temple is known for its exquisite architecture and is one of the important temples of South India.

Hoysaleswara temple is one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva in South India.
The temple structure of the Hoysaleswara temple is considered to be very complex due to the presence of projections and recesses.
While the exteriors of the temple are adorned with fine sculptures, the interiors of the temple are comparatively simple.
The temple complex has couple of temples within it; one is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and the other is dedicated to Shantaladevi, the queen of King Vishnuvardhana, who built the temple. The temples consist of Shiva Lingum.
There are other shrines within the temple complex, dedicated to other gods and goddesses. One of the shrines is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple has 7 feet tall statue of the Sun God along with a massive stone bull (Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva).
Another marvel of the Hoysaleswara temple is the set of sculptures of Lord Ganesha. While the right part of the external wall of the temple starts with an image of a dancing Ganesha, there are almost 240 images of Lord Ganesha in different poses.
The four pillars which lie within the temple are characterized with images of Madanika, within brackets.
The Garuda Pillar is an important part of the temple. Garudas refer to the bodyguards of the monarchs and their queens. These inseparable guards used to commit suicide with the death of their master. This complete story is depicted at the Garuda Pillar, where the guards are seen cutting their heads with knives. There is also an inscription engraved over the pillar which commemorates the death of one such guard, Kuruva Lakshma, the bodyguard of Veera Ballala II.
The ceiling of the temple is also unique. Known as Sunakasi, this part of the temple is decorated with miniature roofs and attics which are in a ruined state.
The layout of the Hoysaleswara temple is also well defined and hence every sculpture is easily visible.
The museum within the temple complex is another important part of the site. This is a treasure house of the excavated sculptures, wooden handicrafts, maps and photos of the deities and the temples.

Hoysaleswara Temple Timings

Hoysaleswara Temple opens at 6:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm.
Tourists can visit any time of the year to the Hoysaleswara Temple.
The museum located at the temple premises is open only Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Hoysaleswara Temple Food Timings

Hoysaleswara Temple is open to tourists for sightseeing and the deities are not worshiped here. Hence there is no ritual of serving ‘Prasada.’

Dress Code of Hoysaleswara Temple

Tourists are suggested to be in long dresses to maintain the decorum of the temple. As the weather is hot here, hence light-colored dresses are preferred.
Shoes have to be kept outside the temple premises. There is a shoe keeper at the entrance where you can keep your shoes for a nominal rate.

Festivals celebrated here

Hoysaleswara Temple is visited by tourists for its spectacular architecture and festivals do not take place at its premises.

Poojas and Rituals at Hoysaleswara Temple

The deities of Hoysaleswara temple are not worshipped at present and hence no pooja or rituals take place here.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

The Hoysaleswara temple is easily accessible from all parts of the country.

By Air: The Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to the Hoysaleswara Temple, located almost 168 km from the temple. This domestic terminal is approximately 222 km from the international airport of Bangalore. Mangalore airport has direct flights from Chennai and Bangalore and is also well connected with the other airports of the country. There are direct taxis available from the airport to the temple.

By Train: The Hassan railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. It is located approximately at 27 km from the temple, while the other nearby stations are the Mangalore and Mysore railway stations. If you are travelling from Kerala, then Thalassery and Kannur railway stations have direct trains to Hassan. This station is well connected with the other parts of the country. Dharwar, H Nizamuddin, Kannur, Karwar, Mysore, Shimoga Town, Talguppa and Yesvantpur Junction are some of the major railway stations from where there are trains to Hassan railway station. Smet Mysore Express, Mys Shimoga Express, Sharavati Express, Kannur Express and Dwr Mysore Express are the major trains that regular take you to the site. Tourists can also avail direct taxis, auto rickshaws and buses outside the station to the Hoysaleswara Temple.

By Road: There are regular buses and taxis available that can directly take the tourists to the temple. There are regular buses by KSRTC that ply between the major cities and Halebeedu. Private buses from the Majestic bus stand of Bangalore ply directly to Hoysaleswara temple. The temple is located at 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore. Tour the city of Halebeedu in auto rickshaws to get the local vibe.

Hotels in Halebeedu: Where to stay

Halebeedu is a hub of the rich heritage of Karnataka and hence several hotels have developed near the temple. These hotels not only provide decent accommodation to the tourists but also offer premium services, depending on the needs of the visitors. You can avail of both budget and deluxe accommodation at Halebeedu. Hotel Mayura Shantala, Sumukha Residency, Vishnu Regency are approximately 15 km from the temple, while the Hoysala Village Resort, Gateway Hotel, Stay Simple Riverdale, La Flora Pavanputra Resort and Spa are almost 24 km from the site.

Where to eat

Visitors can relish authentic South Indian food at the nearby hotels. There is a government hotel opposite the temple, just at 100 meters from the bus stand, where you can get both South Indian and North Indian food. This eats out is open from morning till 10 pm and is both cost-effective and hygienic. Customers can choose to eat at the patio or at the garden. Shankar hotel is another popular food joint at Halebeedu, which is open from 7 am to 9.30 pm and serves South Indian food. Tourists can also relish non-vegetarian dishes like chicken and fish curry at a nearby restaurant, located beside the Canara Bank.

Nearby Temples

The Halebeedu temple complex consists of some of the most famous temples of Karnataka.

Kedareswara Temple: This temple lies at 400 meters from the Hoysaleswara temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 12th The temple architecture is amazing with a star-shaped layout and intricately designed sculptures, portraying incidents from the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Jain Basadi: Halebeedu is a popular Jain pilgrimage. The Jain Basadi is located at 1 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. There are three Jain temples in this complex, namely, Parshwanath Swamy Temple, Adinatha Swamy Temple, and Shantinatha Swamy Temple. These temples are a treasure of exquisite carvings, like a black stone sculpture of Parshwanath Temple with a serpent carved head, which seems to protect the deity.
Shravanabelagola: Located at 50 kilometers from Hassan district, this South Indian pilgrimage is known for its Jain temple. The site is famous for its 58 feet high, granite Bahubali statue. There are several temples located at the twin hills of the place, Vindhyagiri, and Chandragiri, like the Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi and Chennana Basadi.
Belur: Another temple town of Karnataka, Belur lies at 40 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. The city is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of this shrine are adorned with perfect carvings of gods, goddesses, mythological figures and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishad.
Lakshmi Devi Temple: Located at Doddagaddavalli, this temple is just 16 km from the Hoysaleswara temple. This is one of the oldest temples built during the rule of the Hoysalas. This soapstone temple stores some precious Kannada inscriptions, well-defined sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of Bhairava and Bhoothnatha, Goddess Kali and Lord Vishnu.

Hence be at Hoysaleswara temple to feel proud of the rich heritage of India. Not only the temple is beautiful with its fine sculptures, these perfect carvings also take you back in the golden days, narrating the incidents from the golden times.

Udupi Krishna Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

February 1, 2024, Sasidhar Darla 8 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Krishna Temples, Mukti Sthala

Udupi Krishna Temple (one of the Seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka), dedicated to Lord Krishna is in the town of Udupi, Karnataka. The temple complex is also a Matha where the priests live and perform their daily duties. Vaishnavite Saint Madhwacharya, somewhere during the 13th century constructed the temple.

What are the timings of Udupi Krishna Temple?

Udupi Krishna temple can be visited from 5 am till 11 am in the morning and then from 5 pm till 9 pm. However, the timings change during festivals and other special occasions. Here are the timings of Udupi Krishna Temple:

Ritual	Timings
Temple opening hours	4:30 am
Nirmalya Visarjana Puja	4:50 am
Ushakala Puja	6 am
Akshya patra-Gopuja	6:15 am
Vishwaroopa Darshana	6:20 am
Panchamritabhisheka	6:30 am
Udvartana Puja	7:00 am
Kalasha Puja	7:30 am
Teertha Puja	7:40 am
Alankara Puja	8:30 am
Avasara Sanakadi Puja	10:30 am
Mahapuja	11:00 am
Chamara Seva	7:00 pm
Ratripuja	7:30 pm
Rangapuja	7:40 pm
Utsava	8:00 pm
Thottilu Puja	8:30 pm
Kolalu Seva	8:40 pm
Ekanta Seva	8:50 pm

Food being served at Udupi Krishna Temple

What is the significance of Udupi Krishna Temple?

The significance of Udupi Krishna Temple is that it is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. The other six are Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana, and Gokarna. These places are together the Parashurama Kshetras. Devotees believe that these Temples were built on land of Parashurama from the sea.

The actual darshan of the Lord is through a grilled window known as the Navagraha Kitiki or as the Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka’s window). The window has nine squares, each dedicated to the nine planets. Also, the window is covered on all sides with silver plating with carvings depicting the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.

The main idol of Lord Krishna shows him as a small boy holding a churning rod on the right hand and rope on the left hand. This representation of Lord Krishna can be seen nowhere in India but Udupi.

LORD KRISHNA OF UDUPI

The murti of Lord Krishna is unique and vibrant

The lamps that are kept near the main idol of Lord Krishna were first lighted by Sri Madhawacharya in the 13th century and are still kept burning.

The idols of Lord Mukhyapradana (Anjaneya or Hanuman) and Garuda kept in the Udupi Krishna Temple in their respective shrines were brought here from Ayodhya and installed.

It is believed that Chandra (The Moon God) did penance in Udupi to release him from the curse of Daksha Prajapati. Lord Shiva was impressed by his devotion and relieved him of the curse of Daksha.

A small shrine for Goddess Bhagirathi (Ganga) is in the southwest corner of the Madhava Sarovar. When the young Madhwacharya could not visit Badrinath, River Ganga herself flowed south to the Temple and gave him a darshan. A white stream of water emerged from the South West corner. Therefore a shrine of River Ganga was eventually built.

It is not closed in the afternoon. The holy trip to Udupi Krishna Temple is complete after visiting the Anatheshwara Temple and the Chandramouleeshwara temple before visiting the Udupi Krishna Temple. Aarti and Archana items are available in shops near the main entrance.

Devotees worship the idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a small boy. They believe that Saint Madhwacharya anointed his eight disciples to take care of the functioning of the Temple and to propagate his philosophy and studies.

These eight disciples created their own Matha and presently rotate their responsibilities every two years. The eight Mathas that run the Temple Administration are Palimar Mutt, Krishna Mutt, Kaniyour Mutt, Sode Mutt, Puttige Mutt, Admar Mutt, Shirur Mutt, and Pejawar Mutt.

The Udupi Krishna Temple complex resembles an Ashram with a huge Tank or Sarovar popular as the Madhav Sarovar. The main temple has a Mandap and the Garbhagriha. The main door of the sanctum is not open and visitors can view God only trough a meshed window that contains figures of Avatars of Lord Vishnu. Smaller shrines for Lord Hanuman famous here as Lord Mukhyaprana, Garuda and to Saint Madhwacharya are also there.

What is the history of Udupi Krishna Temple?

According to history, a popular legend is associated with Udupi Krishna Temple. An ardent devotee of Lord Krishna by the name of Kanaka Dasa arrived in Udupi in the early 16th century. As per ancient scriptures, Udupi was popular as Sivalli or as Rajathapeetapuram.

The place was pious even before the construction of the Krishna Temple due to the existence of the Anantheshwara Temple and the Chandramouleeshwara Temple.

The story of how the Udupi Krishna Temple came into existence is a very interesting one. There is a description of the events in the Madhava Vijaya, a biography of the Saint Madhwacharya and in a seventeenth century work by Sri Raghuvarya Thirtha.

As per Sri Raghuvarya Thirtha, Lord Krishna’s birth mother Devaki often complained to the Lord about being unable to witness the childhood of her beloved son Krishna. She wished that Lord make her happy and fortunate like mother Yashoda. Lord Krishna assumed the form of a small boy and played with Devaki. When churning butter, Krishna broke the churn and ate the lumps of butter.

He also snatched the churning rope from Devaki and started playing with it. Rukmini Devi, Wife of Krishna wanted to preserve the memory and had an idol made depicting Lord Krishna holding a churning rod and rope. She worshiped the idol regularly. After Lord Krishna departed to heaven, Arjuna moved the idol to Rukminivana and worshiped it with Chandana. With passage of time, a thick layer of clay deposited on the idol until the merchants boarded it into a vessel mistaking it for a ballast.

What is the dress code for Udupi Krishna Temple?

The male devotees should not wear shirts and vests inside the Udupi Krishna Temple complex. Also, they should avoid short pants and the Bermudas. We also request female devotees to dress traditional ethnic wear.

What are the poojas and rituals performed at Udupi Krishna Temple?

A sequence of fourteen Poojas is performed for the deity every day. They are:

Nirmalya Visarjana

The priest performs the Pooja at 5:30 AM every morning. In addition, he removes the decorations, ornaments, apparels and flowers offered to the God on the previous day. Then he bathes the idol. Finally he offers Naivedyam made from Tulasi, Bengal gram, Curd, Puffed Rice, jaggery, Ginger and coconut, Betel leaves and Ghee.

Ushakala Pooja

First of all the priest performs the Abhishekam of the deity at 6 am with the holy water stored in silver vessels. Then he conducts Eight Aartis and offers Sandal paste, Tulasi, Rice, Milk, Curd, coconut, Banana, and Betel Leaves.

Akshaya Patra and co – Pooja

The priest performs the Seva at 6:15 AM. He then worships a cow selected from the Cowshed. Then he distributes Rice and Jaggery to the cows.

Panchamrita Pooja

The Pooja starts at 6:30 AM. Both the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana are worshiped with the Panchamrit. After removing the sandal paste and flowers, in the Surya Saale of the Temple, the priest showers the idol with Gold coins. Then he bathes Lord Krishna with Ghee, Milk, Honey, Curd and Sugar. Finally, he offers 32 tender coconuts to the deity along with the Bananas.

Udvartana Pooja

The Pooja starts at 7 AM. The priest bathes the idol in perfumed water. Then, he offers tender coconuts, milk and butter and finally raises the Aarti.

Kalasha Pooja

The ritual occurs at 7:30 AM. The priest keeps gold Kalasas in front of the idol and performs pooja. Then, he offers cooked rice to the God which he later offers to Garuda. After the offering, the priest disperses the cooked rice into the Madhava Sarovar as feed for the Fishes.

Theertha Pooja

The Pooja takes place at 7:40 AM. First of all, the priest uses the holy water from the gold vessel for the main Abhishek. Then he dries the idol with a clean piece of cloth and decorates it with Tulasi garlands, flowers, and Sandal paste. Finally, he gives the holy water from this Abhishek as Theertham to the devotees. Hence this puja is known as The Theertha Pooja.

Alankara Pooja

The Pooja takes place at 8:30 AM. The priest decorates the idol with Gold ornaments and Silk clothing. Then he offers Tulasi garlands to the God. Finally he offers Rice, Sweets, Milk, Curds, Coconuts, Bananas and Betel leaves to the God amidst the singing of hymns and songs by the Matha musicians.

Avasara Pooja

The priest performs an Aarti to the God after offering Rice and Coconuts. This Pooja happens at 10:30 AM.

Maha Pooja

This Pooja is the most important Pooja of the day and the head of the Matha himself performs it at 11 AM. He offers rice, Tulasi, and sandal paste to the God amidst the chantings of Vishnu Ssahasranama, Krishna Stotra, and Brahma Stotra.

The Naivedya articles such as pots of cooked rice, sweets, and eatables, payasam, panchakajjaya, coconuts, plantains, betel leaves etc. are placed before the God. The priest comes out of the Sanctum and closes the door. Devotees believe that Madhwacharya himself makes the offerings to the God. After some time, the priests return and perform Aartis. Finally after firing two country Guns, signaling the occurrence of the Pooja, the people of the Town begin eating their meal.

Sri Mukhyaprana Pooja

The Naivedyams offered to Sri Krishna during the Maha puja are offered again to Sri Mukhyaprana. The Priest then performs the Aarti.

Sri Madhwacharya Pooja

The same Naivedyam is then offered to Sri Madhwacharya.

Simhasana Pooja

The Simhasana is offered the Naivedyam.

Pradakshina Namaskara

The priest goes around the idol four times and then proceeds to the Madhav Sarovar where he worships Goddess Bhagirathi. He dispers the offerings in the Sarovar. Then he proceeds to the Vrindavana and then to the Cowshed where he feeds the Cows. Afterwards he returns to the Simhasana where he distributes the Theertham to other priests and devotees. Finally he proceeds to the dining hall.

Chamara Seva

This Pooja takes place at 7 PM. Pooja is offered to sacred books and the Vigraha. Kirtans and bhajans are sung by the Udupi Krishna Temple musicians. Two huge baskets of puffed rice and Jaggery are offered to the God and an Aarti is raised.

Ratri Pooja

The usual Naivedyam consisting of pots of cooked rice, ghee, jaggery, tender coconut and milk is offered. Aarti is raised on this occasion as the music and chanting of hymns continues. This Pooja occurs at 7:30 PM.

Ranga Pooja

This service to God happens at 7:40 PM. The priest spreads four pots of Panchakajjaya on Banana leaves in a line in front of Sri Mukyaprana. Then he lights rows of lamps on either side and performs an Aarti. The devotees take the Utsava Murthi around the Matha and make offerings. The also recite songs and kirtans.

Ekantha Seva

This Pooja happens at 8:50 PM. The Utsava murti is laid down on a golden cradle. Aarti is raised and lullabies are sung. The blowing of a Conch indicates the end of rituals for the day.

Besides these daily rituals, as a devotee, a number of Sevas can be offered to the God. Some of them are Akhanda Saptotsava, Laksha Deepotsava, Maha Puja Rathotsava, Sarva Seva, Annadanam, Ksheera Abhishek, Nanda Deepa, Godaana, Sahasranamarchana, Ashtotta Archana, Karpoora Mangal Aarti and Vaayustuti Parayana.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Udupi Krishna Temple are:

The Saptosava

Devotees celebrate the unique festival in the Udupi Krishna Temple in a grand manner for a period of seven days. The festival begins five days before the Makara Sankranama or Makara Sankranthi in January. During the first five days of the festival, they place the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana on the Garuda ratha and idols of Lord Anantheshwara and Chandreshwara on the Mahapuja ratha. Then they take the two Rathas around the town.

Rathotsava

Ratho Utsava beiing celebrated at Udupi Krishna Temple

With great gallore and glory, the Rathoutsava gets celebrated at Udupi

On the day of Makara Sankranthi, the sixth day, the priests place Utsava Murthis of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana in a golden palanquin and take them to the Madhava Sarovar. There they place them in a decorated float and take them around the Sarovar. This Utsava is the Teppotsava. Devotees believe that Sri Madhwacharya installed the idol of Lord Krishna in the sanctum on the day of Makara Sankranthi.

Afterwards the priests take the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Mukhyaprana, Lord Anantheshwara and Lord Chandreshwara to the three chariots. Then they place the idol of Lord Krishna on the main beautifully decorated Brahma Ratha. They place the idol of Lord Mukhyaprana in the Garuda Ratha and the idols of Chandreshwara and Anantheshwara in the Mahapuja Ratha.

Thousands of devotees pull the three chariots chanting the names of the Lord. After the Rathas reach the Temple, the priests take the idols to the Vasantha Mahal where they place the God in a cradle and perform the Pooja for him. After the Poojas, they take the idols to the sanctum where the Flute Seva and Ekantha Seva takes place signaling the end of the day.

Churnotsava

On the last day, after the Mahapuja, the devotees bring Utsava Murthis of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprayana in a gold palanquin to the main chariot named Brahma Ratha. The priests perform Mangala Aarti for the Lords and then offers sweets and fruits.

One should observe that during this ritual; a Garuda always revolves around the chariot from above. Then the chariots go around the Ratha street and then to the Madhava Sarovar. After that, the priests bathe the Lord. Then all the priests and people take a dip in the Sarovar. The unique feature is that the priests offer flowers smeared with a gold paste to the Lord and then disperse them into the crowd. Hence, the name of the occasion became Churnotsava.

Shri Krishna Jayanti

The auspicious day occurs in August – September. The devotees and the priests observe a complete fast for the entire day. On the next day morning, a large number of guests are fed with special offerings like milk sweets.

A clay image of Sri Krishna is taken around the town in a Ratha and the Handi ceremony is celebrated with great energy. Handi is the process of breaking clay pots that hang between buildings and poles. Devotees take out a parade in which people dress as animals, masked figures and entertain the crowd. Then they submerge the idol in the Madhava Sarovar signaling the end of the celebrations.

Mesha Sankranti

The Hindu New Year usually falls in the month of April. The festival is popular Vishu (Kerala), Puthandu (Tamil), Baisakhi (Punjab), and Bihu (Assam) and devotees celebrate it by taking out a Ratha Yatra of Lord Krishna and then doing a Pooja in a cradle.

Vasantotsava

The day marks the beginning of the spring season and usually celebrated in March – April. The special Pooja and Prasadam take place for two months during the period. A Ratha Yatra for the God takes place every night starting from the day of Akshaya Tritiya and ending on the Vaisakha Poornima in May.

Sri Madhava Navami

Devotees believe that this is the day on which Saint Madhwacharya disappeared from mortal sight. Special Poojas take place for the Saint at the Anathasana Temple. People also believe that he is still present as a holy spirit. The mass feeding of Brahmins, as well as recitation of the Madhwavijaya (biography of Madhwacharya), takes place.

Holi Kamadahana

The auspicious and festive day of Holi occurs in March. On this day, a procession of Lord Krishna starts from the Temple till Kadiyali and back. An effigy of Lord Kamadeva (God of Love) is burnt in accordance of the mythological tale where he sacrifices himself so that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati fall in love after the death of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva.

Devotees smear themselves with colored water and paste and revel in the festival. Devotees also believe that Holi was Lord Krishna’s favorite festival and they celebrate it with enthusiasm, especially in Mathura and Dwarka. (Learn more about Dwarka Somnath Tour Package)

Besides the above festivals devotees celebrate Ram Navami, Narasimha Jayanti, Bhagirathi Jayanti, Chaturmasa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Deepavali, Subramanya Shashti, and Gurusamaradhana with great spiritual significance and fervor.

The Tulasi Vrindavana Festival – In the month of Karthik (November – December), the priest decorates and worships a sacred Tulasi plant and a lamp post in the North of the Temple by singing holy songs and recitals for a period of twelve days.

Janmasthami at Udupi Krishna Temple

How to reach Udupi Krishna Temple?

Here’s how to reach Udupi Krishna Temple:

Air – Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport 59 km away from the town.
Train – Udupi is an important railway station in the Konkan Railway route. Trains are available from cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Kohlapur, Trivandrum and Madgaon.
Road – KSRTC operated regular buses from Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Mysore.

Where to stay nearby?

The holy town of Udupi is bustling with small hotels and lodges that offer the devotees a decent option to stay overnight.

Hotel Sri Krishna Residency: This hotel is located in an area with shops 2 km from the 13th-century Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Hindu temple, 4 km from Udupi train station and 9 km from Padukare Beach along the Laccadive Sea.
Rukmini Residency: Located in a commercial area with shops as well as restaurants, this hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple. It is only 3 km away from the train station.
Hotel Sriram Residency: This supremely furnished deluxe hotel is a 4-minute walk from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Hindu temple and 8 km from Malpe Beach.

Where to eat nearby?

The Bhojana Saale in the northern part of the Udupi Krishna Temple is where the devotees are fed. One can eat the Prasadam served at the Temple kitchen. Several restaurants serve delicious Udupi cuisine (mainly Idlis, Dosas, Vada, Sambhar) along with North Indian cuisine as well.

One can also find Non-vegetarian food, especially seafood in restaurants.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Udupi Krishna Temple are:

Chandramouleeshwara Temple

The Temple is just opposite to the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. Some believe that this is the place where Chandra did his penance and Lord Shiva relieved him of the curse of Daksha which stated that Chandra will keep decreasing in size and eventually disappear. Lord Shiva gave a boon that he will decrease in size for 15 days and then increase for 15 days in a month. The Temple is for Lord Shiva.

Devotees also believe that the Linga changes color from black in the morning, blue at noon and white at night. Some also believe that one must visit the Chandramouleeshwara Temple and the Anantheshwara Temple before visiting the Krishna Temple.

Anatheshwara Temple

The Temple legend says that Sage Parashurama retrieved the land from the sea and made his devotee Ramabhoja as the King. During the plowing of the land to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna, he accidently killed a snake. To relieve the sin, he made a silver peetham known as Rajatha Peetham in Kannada with images of a snake carved on it.

Shri Janardhana Mahakali Temple

The Temple is in Ambalpay area in Udupi, about 3 km away from the Sri Krishna Temple. The presiding deity of the beautiful temple is Goddess Mahakali. Devotees also believe that she came down to Earth as a guardian for the town and eventually Janardhana Swamy followed her.

Batte Vinayaka Temple

The temple is one of the oldest temples in the district, constructed by the Barkur kingdom. The unique feature of the temple is that the idol of Lord Ganapathi is facing the North but leaning towards West.

Sri Mahishamardhini Temple

The Temple is in Kadiyali. The temple’s history dates back to around 1200 years. The idol of Mahishamardhini is in a standing posture with four arms. She holds the Prayaga chakra on one hand and the Shanka on the other. The idol also depicts her piercing the head of the demon Mahishasura.

Visit the Udupi Krishna Temple

This year if you wish to seek the holy blessings of the Lord Krishna, then visit his shrine to bring peace to your mind.