Karnataka Temples

Kadri Manjunath Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and Significance

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 8 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Kadri Manjunath Temple of Sri Manjunatha is located in Kadri, Mangalore. Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the best examples of religious harmony, where people from two faiths, Hinduism and Buddhism worship together with the deity of Lord Shiva as Lord Manjunatha.

Kadri Manjunath Temple – Facts

Darshan Timings	6:30 AM – 2:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishek, Mahapuja, Karthika Puja and Belli Rathotsava
Location	Mangalore, Karnataka
Tours	Mangalore Temple Tour
Deity	Lord Shiva
Significance	One of the seven Teerthas
Entry Fee	General Darshan: Free.
Dress Code	Traditional wear
Photography	Not Allowed
Parking	Free
Festivals	Kadirotsava, Karthika Masam, Navaratri, and Sivaratri.

The divine temple of Kadri Manjunath in Mangalore

The Annadana Seva is provided to all visiting devotees between 12:30 PM to 2 PM.

Kadri Manjunath Temple Puja Timings

Pujas and Rituals	Timings
Morning Temple Opening	5:40 AM
Rudrabhishek	7:30 AM
Rudrabhishek	11:00 AM
Ekadasa Rudrabhishek	11:30 AM
Maha Puja	12:00 PM
Evening Temple Opening	4:00 PM
Rudrabhishek	7:30 PM
Karthika Puja	7:45 PM
Belli Rathotsava	8:00 PM

Puja and Rituals at Kadri Manjunath Temple — The Inner sanctum Mahapuja in Kadri Manjunath Temple by the Priest.

Poojas and Rituals at Kadri Manjunath Temple

Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam – The Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam Pooja is performed for all the eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. After the aavahan sthaapna, the Laghu-nyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. Abhishekam is done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 Dravyas prescribed in the Shiv Purana.
Shata Rudrabhishekam – The Pooja is considered to be extremely auspicious and sacred. It is believed that by performing the Pooja, one can obtain protection and fulfillment of the wishes from God.
Bilva Archana – The Archana is performed for the deity with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
Karpoora Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord with Camphor known as the Karpoora 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.
Sahasranama Archana – The Lord is worshiped by reciting his 1008 names and singing chants praising him on behalf of the devotee.
Navagraha Shanti Homam – The Homam is performed for devotees who want o remove the ill-effects of placement of planets in their horoscope. It helps in removing obstacles from achieving the goal.
Shukra-Aditya Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Shukra Dasha ending and Ravi Dasha beginning. This is mainly performed for a happy marital life and good parental health.
Kuja-Rahu Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Kuja Dasha ending and Rahu Dasha’s beginning.
Rahu – Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Rahu Dasha ending and Guru Dasha’s beginning.
Ranga Pooja – The Goddess is worshiped with either 24 rows of Deepams or with 64 rows of Deepams on behalf of the devotee.
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.
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.

Dress Code at Kadri Manjunath Temple –

Devoteees in traditional dresscode in Kadri Manjunath Temple — Devotees and Small Kids dressed up traditionally for the festivals and puja in Kadri Manjunath Temple.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple does not prescribe to any strict dress code but it is recommended to wear decent clothes. Shorts, Bermudas, Miniskirts, and Beachwear are to be avoided for the visit.

The water’s source in Gaumukha cannot be traced to date. However, devotees believe that River Ganga herself flows into these Theerthas from Varanasi.

Significance of Kadri Manjunath Temple

The Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the foremost examples of the confluence of diverse religious beliefs and their peaceful practice. The presiding deity is called Lord Manjunathaswamy in the Vaishnavite style. Sri Lokeshwara or Trilokeshwar in Shaivite style and as Sri Avalokitesvara in Buddhist style.
The presiding deity, Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva is depicted in a unique Buddhist form. The deity has three faces, six arms, and a Mukut or a Crown depicting Dhyani Buddha.
The idol is made of the Panchaloha element. The Panchaloha is traditionally an alloy of five metals. The composition of the alloy was kept as a secret for several centuries and is often mentioned in the Shilpa Shastras. The metals involved were later found out to be a mix of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, and Lead.
It is believed that worshiping idols made of the Panchaloha material imparts balance, self-confidence, health, fortune, and peace of mind.
The Theerthas of most of the Temples in India is either located on par or below the Temple elevation. However, in Kadri Manjunath Temple, the seven main Theerthas is located 20 feet above the Temple’s location. Water collects into this seven holy theerthas from the Gaumukha, a cow’s mouth shaped cavern.
The town of Kadri is the biggest center of worship for the Natha cult or sampradaya. Macchendra Natha, a disciple of Adinatha along with his disciple Gorakh Natha made Kadiri Vihara their home in the 10th century. They discovered the Kundalini system of Yoga.
The caves surrounding the vicinity of the Kadri Manjunath Temple are called Pandava Caves and it is believed that the Pandavas resided here during their period of exile.

The interesting and unique fact about the Kadri Manjunath Temple is that it was a major Buddhist center of worship till the 10th century.

The History and Legends attached with Kadri Manjunath Temple

The legend goes by that Parashurama accomplished his goals by destroying the 21 generations of Kshatriyas all over the country. He than donated the land won to Sage Kashyapa. He wanted to do penance to Lord Shiva to redeem himself of the sins of killing Kshatriyas.
However, he did not know where to perform the penance as he had donated everything to Sage Kashyapa. Hence, he requested Lord Shiva for land, who appeared before him and asked him to proceed with his worship in Kadalivana.
Kadalivana was immersed in the ocean. He asked Lord Varuna (King of oceans) to release Kadalivana who refused to let go of the region. Parashurama took his ax, roared and threw it into the ocean. Afraid, Lord Varuna relieved the land to Parashurama as requested.
Another legend that establishes the Kadri Manjunath Temple origins states that the famous Sage Matsyendranatha (believed to be an incarnation of Shiva), his queen Mangala (incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and Sage Gorakhnatha visited Kadri. Impressed by the historical importance of the region, he wanted to establish a Shiva Linga at the place.
He instructed Gorakhnatha to obtain a Linga from Kashi for the purpose. Gorakhnatha was delayed in bringing the Linga to the place. Sage Matsyendranatha did penance for the appearance of the Linga. Eventually, Lord Shiva granted him his wish and appeared as an Udbhavalinga. The Linga brought by Sage Gorakhnatha was eventually taken by Sri Annappa Swamy to Dharmasthala.

A bronze image of a Buddha can be found on a Garuda vehicle of Lord Vishnu. This Temple represents in totality, the transition stage of Buddhism being absorbed into Hinduism.

The architecture of Kadri Manjunath Temple

According to legends, Parashurama located Kadalivana and observed the presence of one Rasakoopa (well) there. As promised, Lord Shiva appeared as a Linga in the well. He ordered Parashurama to construct a Temple with the help of Vishwakarma (God of Architecture). Accordingly, Vishwakarma constructed the Temple and the town.
The Manjunatha temple complex is square-shaped and is located on a hill. The figure of Sage Matsyendranatha graces the southern portion of the Temple. An idol of Sringinathas having a three hooded Naga overlooking it can be seen behind the figure of the Sage.
Similarly, on the western side, the 6 feet tall statue of Sage Gorakhanath can be found. The Deepasthambha can be found on the northern side of the complex.
The Kadri Manjunath Temple is believed to be built sometime during the 12th-13th century. The records show that the solid granite structure was renovated in the 14th century.
The Kadri Manjunath Temple architectural style resembles that of the Vijayanagara style of construction. A partially faded script in the kitchen of the Temple states that a King (whose name cannot be read) donated land for the construction and renovation of the Temple.
The earliest reference to the region of Kadri Temple can be seen in an engraving on the pedestal of the beautiful idol of Sri Lokeshwara. The inscription dated 968 AD states that King Kundavarma of the Alupa dynasty installed the idol in the Kadarika Vihara.
In Buddhist traditions, “Kadarika” means “hillside pasture land” and “Vihara” refers to a name given by Buddhists to any settlement. This inscription gave proof that a Buddhist settlement existed at the place in the 10th century.

Statues and Idols Present in Kadri Manjunath Temple — Different Statues and bronze idols of Gods that can be seen in Kadri Manjunath Temple.

There are several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayyappa, Kateel Durga Parameshwari, Goddess Manjushri, Lord Ganapathi, and Vyasa Muni that can be found in the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at Kadri Manjunath Temple

Festivals in Kadri Manjunath Temple — The celebrations held in Kadri Manjunath Temple with much pomp and glory during the festive season.

Annual Festival – This Kadri Manjunath Temple festival is celebrated in a grand manner for nine days. The festivities begin in January on the day of Makara Sankranthi.

The first day comprises of an early morning Abhishekam to the Lord and a Dhwajarohana event in the evening. The Temple flag is raised indicating the beginning of the 9-day extravaganza. The Garudarohana will take place after the flag-raising ceremony is over.
On the first and the seventh day, a unique ritual called the Kanchil takes place. In this ritual, small kids dressed up as brides and grooms perform a parade in front of God.
The procession with the idol starts at 7 PM every evening and proceeds to Bikarnekatte, Mallikatte, Mundanakatte and then to Konchadi on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth day respectively. After the end of the procession, Mahapooja, Nithyabali, and Bhootha Bali will be performed on all the nine days.
The Maharathothsava will be held on the eighth day of the festival. Poojas like the Ratha Kalasha Pooja and the Mahapooja are performed in the morning. The Ratha Yatra starts at 6 PM. After the procession ends, Mahapooja, Bhoothabali, and the Shayana Pooja are performed for God.
The Lord will be placed in the Theertha Mandapam and given a ritualistic bath in the morning. Mahapooja and the Thulabhara Seva will be performed. The flag is brought down indicating the end of the celebrations.

Krishna Janmashtami – A Sandalwood statue of Lord Krishna is taken around in a procession to Gopala Krishna Mutt in the evening. The next day at 6 PM, the idol is brought back to the Temple with great enthusiasm. The Handi festival consisting of Mosuru or Buttermilk is broken by enthusiastic participants.
Sri Ganesh Chaturthi – The morning of the day marks the beginning of the Ganahoma with 108 coconuts. Special Modaka, made of Coconut, Arecanut, and jaggery are offered to Lord Ganapathi.
Maha Shivaratri – The festival is celebrated in February or March. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit’s episode in mythology. The day is celebrated with great reverence.
Sowramana Ugadi – On this auspicious day, Mahapooja will be done for the Lord. Vegetables will be offered to the Lord in the evening followed by a reading of the Panchanga (predictions for the New Year).

Some of the other occasions celebrated are Dhanupooja, Laksha Deepothsava, Karthik Somavara, Narakachaturdashi, Navaratri, and Rugupakarma.

How to reach Kadri Manjunath Temple by Road, Rail, and Air

Kadri has located just 4 km from the Mangalore city center.

By Air – The city of Mangalore is connected to all the major cities of India as well as the surrounding countries due to the presence of the Bajpe International Airport. The Airport lies at a distance of 10 km from the city center.
By Train – There are two main stations in Mangalore – Mangalore Junction and Mangalore Central. Trains from almost all major cities either stop or terminate here. Mangalore is well connected to cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vizag, Trivandrum and many more.
By Road – Mangalore is well connected by roads and highways. One can board buses from Bengaluru, Goa, Chennai, Karwar, Pune, and Mysore.

The Temple is further sanctified by the seven holy Theerthas presents at an elevation from the main sanctum. The main Theertha is called Gomukha Bhagirathi Theertha.

Where to stay in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Place to stay in Kadri Manjunath Temple — The Kadri Manjunath Temple, Dharamsthala for devotees to stay and rest.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple administration operated one guest house consisting of 21 single rooms and 3 double rooms which can be booked by the devotees.
A large number of private hotels are available for accommodating pilgrims and tourists alike. The rooms may range from standard to AC suites in five-star hotels.
A large number of Government offices also operate guest houses in the city which can be booked by contacting them. Mangalore is a coastal city and offers beautiful beaches. Hence, resorts are abundant here.

Devotees keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special Poojas are performed for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.

Where to eat in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Food in Kadri Manjunath Temple for devotees and tourist — Devotees can have a meal organized by the Temple or association or eat at the various south Indian restaurants close to Kadri Manjunath Temple.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple provides Annadana to all devotees from 12:30 PM to 2 PM.
Besides the Kadri Manjunath Temple, several other private restaurants are available throughout the bustling city of Mangalore.
The city offers a wide variety of cuisines like Konkani, Seafood, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian and Thai.
Several popular food joints are Hotel Narayana for Seafood, Hotel Guthu for authentic local cuisine and Chutneys for North Indian Vegetarian and Giri Manja for Seafood.

Nearby Temples in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Temples near Kadri Manjunath — Different significant temples that devotees can visit near Kadri Manjunath Temple.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple – The Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathi dates back to 800 years and can be visited in the heart of the city. The Temple has been mentioned in several Puranas like the Sthalapurana. Sri Dashabhuja Mahaganapati, Sri Sharabeshwara, and Siddhi Lakshmi are the presiding deities of the Temple.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple – The Temple dedicated to Lord Gokarnanatheshwara, another form of Lord Shiva is situated at Kudroli, 5 km away from the city center. The Saint Sri Narayana Guru consecrated the Shiva Linga at the Temple in 1912. The Gopuram is 60 feet high and is decorated with beautiful divine sculptures depicting several Gods and Goddesses.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple – The famous and sacred shrine dedicated to Sri Durga Parameshwari is situated in Kateel, 26 km from Mangalore. The Temple is located on the banks of the River Nandini. Several legends are associated with the Temple, which is mentioned in the Puranas themselves.
Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple – The Temple is located just 12 km away from the Mangalore city center. The presiding deities of the Temple are Lord Anantha (Lord Shiva) and Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu). The Temple is known for Serpent worship. The deity Sri Anantha Padmanabha faces west.
Thousand Pillars Jain Temple – The Temple is located at a distance of 37 km in Moodbidri. The presiding deity of the Jain Temple is Sri Chandranath Swamy. The Temple dates back to 1430 AD. A 2.5-meter high statue of Sri Chandranath Swamy is worshiped here. The style of architecture resembles the Vijayanagara construction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kadri Manjunath Temple

Are online tickets available for Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the counter for the same day Pooja. Online booking is not available for any of this poojas.

What are the preferable dress codes for devotees visiting Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Preferable dress codes for –
Men: White Pancha, Dhoti/ Kurta, Pyjama
Women: Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/ Chudidhar with Dupatta/ Half Saree.

What is the climate condition in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The climate is tropical in Kadri Manjunath Temple. It has significant rainfall most months, with a short dry season.

What is the closest airport to Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The closest airport for devotees and tourist is situated at Gaggal which is around 50 km away from Kadri Temple.

What is Maha rathothsava that is held in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Maha manmaharathothsava or chariot uthsava is popular for its mass feeding. Devotees all over the world assemble to seek the blessings of Lord Shree Manjunatha and to be a part of the grand ceremony.

What is the main event that is celebrated in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The main event here is Lakshadeepotsava, when a 9-day fair is held.

What are the facilities available for tourist in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The facilities available for tourists and devotees are Food Stalls, Accommodation, Washrooms, Lockers

Murudeshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

March 9, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 74 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Mukti Sthala, Shiva Temples

Murudeshwar Temple of Karnataka is one of the Mukti Sthala and boasts the world’s second-largest Shiva statue which commands attention in the blue skyline surrounded by sea.

Murudeshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Murudeshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishekam
Festivals	Shravan, Mahashivratri

Murudeshwar Temple Video

The land of the temple just protrudes out of the mainland. Hence, the Arabian Sea surrounds the temple on three sides. The Murudeshwar Temple Complex begins with a huge 20-storied Gopuram.

The whole Murudeshwar Temple Complex is modern except the main Sanctum which is still dark and retains the old form. Further, businessman and philanthropist R.N. Shetty constructed the new temple complex.

What are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Murudeshwar Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM	1:00 PM
Evening Darshan	3:00 PM	8:30 PM
Morning Pooja	6:30 AM	7:30 AM
Maha Pooja	12:15 PM	1:00 PM
Night Pooja	7:15 PM	8:15 PM

Which sevas and poojas take place at Murudeshwar Temple?

The Sevas consist of the Daily Sevas and the Yearly Sevas. The Daily Sevas at the Murudeshwar Temple are:

Rudrabhishekam: This pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshiped as fire or Rudra. The puja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences.
Panchamritha Abhishekam: The Linga is bathed with five “Amrit” or “Nectars”. They are Milk, Honey, Ghee, Sugar, and Curd.
Panchakajjaya: The Panchakajjaya is a Prasadam unique to the region of Karnataka. Several types of Panchakajjaya can be made but the most common one uses Green Gram, Coconut, Jaggery, Sesame, Cardamom, and Ghee. This is offered as Naivedyam to God during the prayers.
Bilvarchane: In this archana one offers Bilva leaves to the Linga of the God.
Chandan Abhishekam: The idol of the Lord is bathed with Chandan or the Sandalwood paste.
Bhasmarchane: The Archana takes place by applying “Bhasm” or ash (Vibhuti) to the Linga of Lord Shiva.
Navagraha Pooja: The nine Gods representing the nine planets are worshiped for good luck and fortune in one’s life.
Ekadasa Rudra: All the major Puranas mention that Lord Shiva has eleven forms of Rudra that the devotees worship with their respective shlokas and mantras. These eleven forms are Mahadeva, Shiva, Maha Rudra, Shankara, Neelalohita, Eesana, Vijaya Rudra, Bhima, Devadeva, Bhavodbhava, and Adityamaka Srirudra.

Besides the above Sevas, the other daily Sevas include Aanastharpana, Thilarchane, Shivasahasranama, Sudarshana Japa, Lalitha Sahasranama Pooja, Kumkumarchane, Durga Sahasranama, Ganapathi and Subramanya Sahasranama, and Anjaneya Sahasranama.

The Yearly Sevas at the Murudeshwar Temple are:

Sarva Deva Pooja: Devotees worship all the shrines of the Murudeshwar Temple and the daily Poojas take place on the devotee’s behalf on any particular day of the year.
Nanda Deepa Seva: The priests light The Nanda Deepa Stambh with lamps on behalf of the devotee.
Annastarpana Seva: The Annadanam takes place for devotees for one full day.

What is the significance of Murudeshwar Temple?

The significance of Murudeshwar Temple is that it houses the cloth covering the famed and sacred Atma Linga of Lord Shiva. As per Hinduism, all the Gods attained mortality and invincibility by worshiping the Atma Linga of Lord Shiva. The Atma Linga originally resided in the heart of Lord Shiva.

However, the Lord gave it to Ravana as a reward for his penance.

The Sri Murudeshwar Temple is one of the five Temples famous in Karnataka as the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva. The other four Temples are in Nanjanagud, Dharmasthala, Dhareshwara, and Gokarna.

Moreover, the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva is the main highlight of the Murudeshwar Temple. The statue is the world’s second-largest Shiva statue at a height of 123 feet. The tallest statue of Lord Shiva is the Kailashnath Mahadev statue in Nepal. The design of the statue is in such a way that the first rays of the Sun that falls on the coast illuminate Lord Shiva first.

The towering Gopuram built at the entrance of the Murudeshwar Temple is the second tallest Gopuram in India at a height of 237.5 feet. The Tallest Gopuram is present at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, Tamilnadu. The unique feature of this Gopuram is that devotees can enter the Gopuram and can go to the top from where they can view the surroundings.

Devotees can perform various Sevas like Abhishekam to the Linga of Lord Rameshwara by themselves.

A Lamp or Deepam is kept inside the main shrine of Lord Murudeshwara, which is said to be burning since the Murudeshwar Temple was built. Devotees also believe that pouring oil into it and then glancing at your image on the oil surface blesses one with luck and prosperity.

What is the history of Murudeshwar Temple?

According to history and legends in the chapters of the epic Ramayana, Kaikesi who was the mother of Ravana was also a devotee of shiva. She used to make Lingas out of the beach sand and pray to them daily. However, every night, the sea washed the Linga. Seeing the distraught mother, Ravana promised to her that he will proceed to Mount Kailash and bring back Lord Shiva’s Atma Linga itself to her.

Ravana went to Mount Kailash and performed severe penance to impress Lord Shiva. He sang his praises in the acclaimed Shiva Tandava Stotram. He chopped one of his ten heads as a gift for Lord Shiva. Eventually, Lord Shiva granted him a wish. Ravana asked for the Atma Linga from Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva then took out the Atma Linga from his heart and offered it to Ravana but placed a condition that he should not keep the Linga down until he reaches his destination. If he keeps the Linga down, the Linga will become affixed and nothing can separate it. Ravana agreed and started proceeding southwards towards his kingdom. All the other Lords were afraid as they were sure that Ravana will misuse the Atma Linga to create havoc in the world.

Narada approached Lord Ganesha and requested him to interrupt Ravana’s journey. Lord Ganesha was aware of Ravana’s daily rituals especially about the evening bath Ravana would take. With the help of Lord Vishnu, who blotted out the Sun to give an appearance of dusk, Lord Ganesha turned himself into a small boy. Ravana wanted to take a bath but could not put down the idol.

Lord Ganesha disguised as a boy, passed him. Ravana called him and passed on the idol to him giving instructions that he must not place the idol on the ground. The boy placed the idol on the ground before Ravana returned from his bath. Lord Vishnu unblocked the sun and it was daylight again. The place where Lord Ganesha placed the idol is popular as Gokarna.

Ravana became furious and tried to uproot the Linga but he could not accomplish it. He threw the case covering the Linga which fell to a place called Sajjeshwara. The lid of the case which held the Linga fell in a place called Gunavanthe and the string covering the Linga fell at Dhareshwara. The cloth covering the Linga fell in Murudeshwar.

When Lord Shiva learned of this, he visited these five places and worshiped the Lingas there. He declared that these places will be known as the Pancha Kshetras and anyone who worships here will be free from all their sins.

What is the dress code of Murudeshwar Temple?

The Murudeshwar Temple does not impose any particular dress code for entering into the temple complex. However, one must wear decent clothes to the temple.

What are the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Murudeshwar temple are:

Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode in mythology. Devotees also keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.
Karthik Purnima: The festive day is celebrated in the month of Karthik, usually in November – December. It is believed that Lord Shiva destroyed the three demon cities, collectively known as Tripura of the Tripurasura demon on this day. Some also believe that the day signified the birth of Lord Karthikeyan (Murugan), son of Lord Shiva.

How to reach Murudeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Murudeshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which is at a distance of 165 km from the Murudeshwar Temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Murudeshwar. The Karwar express from Bengaluru connects Murudeshwar to other important towns.
Road: Regular buses are available from major cities of Karnataka.

Where to stay near Murudeshwar Temple?

Several options for a stay are available for pilgrims in the town of Murudeshwar as well as in Bhatkal which is 16 km away. The RNS Residency Hotel is just beside the Murudeshwar Temple and offers sea-facing rooms. Amenities like a swimming pool and a gym are also available.

Apart from that, resorts are available a few kilometers away from Murudeshwar. Also, The Naveen Beach Resort and the Kamath Yatri Nivas are the nearest to the temple complex.

Where to eat near Murudeshwar Temple?

One can visit the canteen near the Parking place in front of the Murudeshwar Temple Complex for small meals like Dosas, Vadas, Coffee, and Tea. The town of Murudeshwar is host to a large number of small restaurants that primarily serve authentic South Indian cuisine.

The majority of the hotels in the town are either near the beach or near the railway station. Certain hotels near the railway station serve North Indian dishes as well as Chinese cuisine. One can also find Non-vegetarian hotels to get a taste of delicious seafood native to the beaches.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some temples near Murudeshwar temple are:

Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna: The temple is located 54 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. The Linga of the temple is the Atma Linga, which Lord Shiva gave to Ravana. Gokarna is also a Mukti Sthala, where funeral rites take place.
Idagunji Maha Ganapathi Temple: The famous and ancient temple for Lord Ganesha is about 20 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. It dates back to about 1500 years.
Kollur Mookambika Temple: The famous temple is 60 km away from Murudeshwar Temple. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of the Linga is that it consists of two unequal parts – The Smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Murudeshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Murudeshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Murudeshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Murudeshwar starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Murudeshwar?

In Murudeshwar, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 15 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Murudeshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Shravanabelagola Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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

Shravanabelagola Temple is a testimony to the religious beliefs of the Jains. This religion is believed to have come into existence from 7^th-5^th century BCE along the eastern India. It laid the importance of world renunciation and played a significant role in rejecting the religious culture of the Brahman or priestly class in society.

With time, Jainism spread across the globe and it became a prominent path to attain salvation for a large number of people. Shravanabelagola Temple is a sacred Jain pilgrimage destination which is located towards the north-west of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a famous place for people who want to experience and learn more about Jain culture, beliefs, and traditions.

This place derives its name from a pond called ‘bili-gola’ or white pond which is located between two hills. People from all over the world gather here all around the year to attain spiritual bliss and enlightenment.

History & Legend of Shravanabelagola Temple

Legends say that Rishaba-Admatha had two sons namely, Bharata and Bahubali. While the former was the king of Ayodhya, the latter was the ruler of Paudanapura. Bharata wanted to become the Chakravarthi emperor and hence decided to attack Paudanapura. Bahubali refused to surrender and proclaimed war. In this situation, the elder statesmen of both the sides decided to avoid bloodshed by arranging for a dual battle between the two brothers. The battle consisted of three parts namely, the Dristi Yuddha where the person needs to stare at another individual without closing the eyelids, the Jala Yuddha where water is splashed on a person till he turns his face away and finally, the Malla Yuddha which symbolizes wrestling. Bahubali emerged as the winner in all the three forms and this angered Bharata. He then decided to attack Bahubali with his chakra but it just circled him thrice and failed to attack him. Bahubali felt disgusted and decided to leave worldly pleasures and walk on the path of purification of his soul. He stood in the Kayotsarga or standing posture for about a year without any food or water. From ant hills to snakes, his legs were covered with dangerous creatures and later he was successful in attaining the knowledge about the universe or Kevaljnan. From then on, he is called as Bahubali-Kevali or Gommateshwara.
There are many historical references that are associated with Shravanabelagola. As per to the Jain Bhadrabahu tradition, one of the successors of Mahaveera breathed his last in a cave here while leading a migration from Ujjain to South India owing to a 12-year-old famine.
Additionally, there are many monuments that are formed by the Gangas and Hoysalas who were ardent followers of the religion. These shrines can be spotted in the hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri.

Significance of Shravanabelagola Temple

Shravanabelagola Temple is a famous holy place for the Jains. The followers believe that their Guru resides here in a Mutt.
There is also a Sanskrit Patashala for interested candidates to study Sanskrit and Shastras.
Vindhyagiri is the hill which is 470 feet high and located on solid rock. There are about 660 steps to climb barefoot in order to reach the top of the hill. While youngsters can climb the hill, old people can avail of the palanquin service.
There is 58 feet high monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara situated atop the Vindhyagiri hill. It is said to be constructed by Chavundaraya, the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Talakad Ganga Kingdom in 981 A.D. This monolithic statue is made of granite and stands tall over the adjacent countryside.
Vindhyagiri or Indragiri, as it is also known was called as Dodda Betta. There are 7 types of monuments, eight temples of varied sizes, four mandapas, two ponds, five gateways, three pillars, two arches and 172 inscriptions found in this place. The inscriptions belong to the late 10th to 19th centuries A.D. and are inscribed in languages like Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil, etc.
Chandragiri also called as Chikka Betta or Kalbappu is the home to notable Bhadrabahu Basadi and Chandragupta Basadi. The hill is 200 feet in height and consists of 192 steps. The imprint of the revered saint Bhadrabahu’s feet can be found here. Emperor Ashoka had built a basadi for Chandragupta Maurya in the 3^rd century B.C. The great emperor had spent his days at this place.
While tourists and pilgrims visit this shrine throughout the year but it is best to pay a visit during the months of September to March.
While people from the southern state of Kannada refer to this icon as the Gommateshwara statue, the Jains refer to it as Bahubali.

Shravanabelagola Temple Timings

Shravanabelagola Temple opens its gates at 6 A.M. and closes at 6:30 P.M.
However, it remains closed from 11:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Shravanabelagola Temple Food Timings

Prasad is offered to all the devotees from 12 noon.
Pilgrims can offer dry fruits as Prasad to the Lord.

Festivals celebrated at Shravanabelagola Temple

The Mahamasthakabhisheka or popularly referred to as the head anointing ceremony of the Lord Gommateshwara Sri Bahubali is the most special festival which is observed once in every 12 years. It marks a significant event in the Jain religious calendar. There are many pilgrims who visit this auspicious shrine from various corners of the world. The festival is celebrated here for over 12 days and people throng this religious destination in large numbers.

Poojas and Rituals at Shravanabelagola Temple

There is a special ritual that needs to be observed before the head anointing ceremony is held. This consists of a big wooden scaffolding that is constructed around the Lord Gommateshwara statue. Thousands of pilgrims arrive for this occasion. And, the most important part of this festival consists of chanting holy mantras and pouring gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs that are poured over the head of the statue. The devotees believe that while the offerings are poured over the icon, strong spiritual energy is passed from the auspicious deity. These offerings are made available to the people who stand in a queue and are believed to assist pilgrims in their search of enlightenment.
And the ritual of the Mahamasthakabhisheka ceremony consists of a beautiful ceremony where the icon is anointed with a mixture comprising of water, turmeric, rice flour, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, gold and silver flowers. The next head anointing ceremony will be held in 2018.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

By Air– As Shravanabelagola is an important international destination for the Jains, it is well connected and easily accessible for tourists by air as well. For people who are keen to travel by flight, the Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 158 km from this shrine. One can opt for buses or private cab services to reach the temple from the airport.
By Train– Train serves as a crucial and most preferred form of transportation for thousands of devotees. In order to reach the temple, the nearest railway station comprises of Hassan Railway Station which is located at a distance of 57 km. The Mysore Railway Station is also located at a close distance of 85 km.
By Road– Shravanabelagola is well-connected with almost every part of Southern India. The national highways are also well-linked with this shrine. This auspicious place is 51 km from Hassan, 85 km from Mysore, 158 km from Bangalore and 233 km from Mangalore. However, there are few direct buses from Mysore to Shravanabelagola. Channarayapatna is the nearby town which has direct buses and private vehicles that fly to and fro from the shrine.

Hotels in Karnataka: Where to stay

Karnataka is an important destination for both religious and business reasons. There are many important religious shrines that are located in this southern state. So, if you are on a tight budget or a traveler with moderate to luxury choices, there are ample opportunities available for tourists of all kinds. Choose from a double bed to triple and four-bedded rooms with private balconies if you are traveling with your family and elderly people. And for single travelers, sharing accommodation is also offered by major lodging providers. The rooms are often found clean and are equipped with basic furniture’s. They also come with attached bathrooms as well. The price of these rooms depends on the kind of services one avails from the hotel.

The hotels also come with complimentary breakfast options as well. All leading places of accommodation accept all kinds of credit and debit cards and rooms remain occupied throughout the year. It is advisable to book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any kind of last-minute disappointment. Some accommodation providers also arrange for pick up and drop services for its clients as well. And for individuals who are looking to pamper themselves, the hotels also come with their private spa and salon services. Choose from deep tissue massage to attending workshops on beauty and fitness to indulge your senses.

Where to eat

The southern state of Karnataka is famous for its regional and contemporary cuisines. From its traditional breakfast options like dosa, idli, medu vada to upma and bisibele bath, there are a lot of options available for people who love gorging on new delicacies. Karnataka is also famous for its leading eatery joints like Udipi, which serves delicious vegetarian food. Since the weather is primarily hot and humid, people here generally prefer rice over wheat products. And if you like to experiment with your taste buds, do not forget to taste the unique chutneys, sambhar, and rasam that are sure to delight your senses. In addition, there are also various international cuisines that are available as your alternative option. From Chinese to the Mediterranean to Thai and Italian, choose the one as per your mood. The leading restaurants also pave the way for a complete dining experience by including live performances of local singers and bands. And if you want to host dinner for your guest or special one, book your table in advance in order to plan your occasion aptly. So, whatever your choice of cuisine is, this place will never leave you disappointed.

Nearby Temples

Halebid Temple – Halebid also called as the town of Dwara Samudra is a conventional temple complex. It is home to two Jain temples which are made from traditional soapstones. There are many sculptures of dancers, birds, and animals that are still prevalent in the carvings.
Chennakesava temple – One can visit this temple on the same day while paying a visit to the famous Shravanabelagola shrine. The Chennakesava temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and had been constructed by King Vishnuvardhana. There is another temple named as Kappe Chennigraya shrine that was built by Queen Shantaladevi. There are many people who believe that the temple was built over a period of 100 years. One of the major attractions in the temple consists of Darpana Sundari or a beautiful lady with a mirror. From architectural students to pilgrims, every person admires the beauty of these sculptures.
Kali Temple – The Kali Temple was built at the edge of a lake off the main highway that connects Hassan with Halebidu. In addition, there are many beautiful carvings that are engraved on the walls of the auspicious shrine. There are many tourists who plan a visit to this sacred place of worship all around the year.

Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 19, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 5 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Mangaladevi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Adi Parashakti is in Mangalore, Karnataka. The city has its name after Mangalapura and eventually became famous as Mangalore or Mangaluru. People believe that worshipping Goddess Mangaladevi will grant you success and prosperity in any new ventures and will protect one against evil influences.

Mangaladevi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Mangaladevi
Location	Mangalore, Karnataka
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Poojas	Pushpanjali Pooja, Devi Mahaatme Parayana, Rudra Abhishekam
Festivals	Navratri, Ugadi, Annual Temple Festival

Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore, Video

What are the timings of Mangaladevi Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of the Mangaladevi Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM	1:00 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM	8:30 PM

There are several poojas that take place during the given darshan timings. Devotees can participate in these poojas during the timings mentioned below.

Rituals	Timing
Morning Pooja	6:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja	1:00 PM
Evening Pooja	8:30 PM

What are the poojas and sevas performed at Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaladevi Temple Pooja — Thousands of devotees throng the temple to see the procession during the pooja.

A devotee can perform around 42 types of Poojas and Sevas in the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore.

Devi Mahaatme Parayana: The priest recites the verses from the Devi Mahaatme, a set of hymns and shlokas describing the greatness of the Goddess.
Ashtotthara Archana: The priest recites 108 names of the Goddess along with the offering of the Kumkum on behalf of the devotee.
Thrishathi Archana: The priest recites 300 names of the Goddess in front of the Goddess on behalf of the devotee.
Pushpanjali Pooja: This includes decoration of the Goddess with flowers and recitation of shlokas in praise of her by offering flowers one by one on behalf of the devotee.
Thrimadhura Naivedyam: The priest offers Sugar, Honey, and Butter to the Goddess as Bhog or Naivedyam for the day on behalf of the devotee.
Panchamrutha Abhisheka: The priest bathes the deity with five holy “Amrit” or Nectar. They are Milk, Honey, Curd, Sugar, and Ghee.
Rudrabhishekam: The Pooja is for Lord Shiva who is worshipped as fire or Rudra. The puja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. The Mondays of the month, as well as the Pradosham days, are ideal for performing the Pooja.
Ranga Pooja: This includes worshipping the Goddess with either 24 rows of Deepams or with 64 rows of Deepams on behalf of the devotee.
Naga Thambila: The priest bathes the deity Lord Subrahmanya, who is the “Protector of Snakes” with Panchamrit that is with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.

Wedding ceremonies also take place at the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore Hall. For bookings check the official website of the temple, given below.

Some other Poojas include:

Vidyarambha: 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 Sri Mangaladevi is the Goddess of intelligence and knowledge.
Sathyanarayana Pooja: The Pooja is for to Lord Vishnu. The Pooja can take place on any day but is extremely auspicious to perform it on the eve of Chithra Pournami. Devotees perform it to attain peace, prosperity, to remove obstacles and to be free from the negative thoughts. The Pooja usually begins with Ganapathi Pooja and then the Navagraha Pooja.
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 Temple.
Silver Palanquin Pooja: In this Pooja, the idol of the Goddess is taken around the temple premises in a silver palanquin and worshipped amidst chants and hymns.
Vahana Pooja: The devotees can also do the Vahana Pooja, in which new vehicles are decorated and the Goddess is worshipped to bless the journeys in them.
Dodda Rathotsava: The Goddess is taken around the Temple Complex in the big Chariot or Ratha on behalf of the Temple.

What is the significance of the Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaladevi Shrine — The idol of Goddess Mangaladevi.

The significance of the Mangaladevi Temple is that the deity of the Mangaladevi Temple is a figure of the Goddess holding a Dharapatra and a Linga. The Linga symbolizes the destructive power of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. Devotees believe that the main shrine is as old as the Treta Yuga.

The Mangaladevi Temple’s historical importance resulted in the naming of the place itself as Mangalapura. In present times, the city of Mangalore gets its name from the Goddess of Mangalapura or Mangalore.

Mangaladhara Vrata is a unique ritualistic fast observed by the devotees of Goddess Mangaladevi. This Vrata is kept by maidens to find a suitable match for marriage for them. This Vrata is also called Swayamvara Parvathi.

What is the history of Mangaladevi Temple?

As per the history of Mangaladevi Temple, the origin of the Mangaladevi Temple runs back to a demon Vikhasini who was Hiranyakashyapu’s daughter. She waged a war against the Devaloka and Lord Indra. Though the demon army was strong, Indra defeated them in a fierce battle.

Hence, it shattered Vikhasini’s ambition of commanding the Devaloka and she realized that she needed God’s grace to enhance her powers.

She wanted a son with the Gods who would be highly powerful and competent enough to avenge Lord Vishnu and destroy him as revenge for Vikhasini’s father’s death. So She performed severe penance and gained the attention of Lord Brahma. Eventually, He asked her to wish for a boon. She wished for a son who would slay Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma refused to state that the holy trinity is immortal. However, he said that she will attain a son from Lord Shiva who will be brave and invincible.

Narada and Lord Brahma visited Kailash and warned Lord Shiva of future developments. Lord Shiva along with Parvati, Lord Brahma, Narada, and Goddess Saraswati went to Vaikuntam and expressed their anger in front of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu however, calmed them by saying that everything will be rectified when the time comes.

Vikhasini disguised herself as Goddess Parvati and lured Lord Shiva into submission. After the act, she left for her kingdom and during the journey; she feared that the Devatas will harm her son. She asked Bhoodevi (Goddess Earth) and with her permission, buried her fetus inside the Earth. Eventually, as time passed, a great demon was born and was named Andasura by Vikhasini. She told Andasura about the fate of Hiranyakashyapa and asked him to seek revenge by killing Lord Vishnu.

The legend continues…

He attacked the Devaloka and destroyed anything that came in his path. Then the holy trinity gathered and asked the Supreme mother, Adi Parashakti for help. She agreed to help her children and asked them for their weapons. So Lord Brahma gave his Danda, Lord Vishnu gave his Chakra and Lord Shiva gave his Trident to Goddess Adi Parashakti. She merged Lord Shiva’s power of destruction with her and acquired his third eye.

Meanwhile, Andasura roamed through the Devaloka in search of Lord Vishnu. Narada directed him to a place where Goddess Parashakti, disguised as a beautiful and captivating maiden was waiting for him. Seeing her, the demon came close to her and misbehaved. At an opportunistic moment, Goddess Adi Parashakti slew him with the trident.

She also addressed his children from the spot that in the Treta Yuga, “Lord Vishnu will incarnate as Parashurama and slay the 21 generations of evil Kshatriyas. He will retrieve the land from Lord Varuna and the spot where he will do penance will be where I killed Andasura. He will build a shrine with a Linga and a Dharapatra”.

After several centuries, the legend continues through Veerabahu, the king of Tulunadu. He did not have any son so he made Bangaraja as his successor. Bangaraja ruled his kingdom well and brought immense prosperity to the region. Goddess Mangaladevi appeared in his dreams and informed him that the shrine’s remains are there under a mound where the Nethravati and the Phalguni rivers intersect.

Bangaraja along with Saint Bharadhwaja rediscovered the shrine and constructed a small temple around it. However, nature took its course hid the temple amid abundant vegetation of the surrounding forests.

What is the architecture of the Mangaladevi Temple?

The Mangaladevi Temple architecture resembles a Kerala style of construction. Huge stones form the walls of the temple. Intricate carvings are also there on the inner walls of the Mandapam. The Gopuram has two stories. The area within the rectangular walls around the Temple is Kshetra – Madiluka. All the shrines are present inside this Kshetra.

The Dhwajasthambam is directly in front of the main entrance. A Deepasthamba is inside the temple complex with figures of the 8 Dwarapalikas around it. The Mangaladevi Temple also has a clean complex with all the modern facilities available to the pilgrims.

The origin of the Mangaladevi Temple has two different versions. Some believe that the 9th-century Ahepa King Kundavarman built the temple while others believe that Kundavarman just discovered a pre-existing temple and extended the shrine by building several additions. Some people believe the Ballal family of Attavar built the temple to commemorate a fallen Malabar princess.

The official website of the temple is: http://www.mangaladevitemple.com/

What is the dress code at Mangaladevi Temple?

The Mangaladevi Temple administration has not imposed any strict dress code. However, it is recommended to wear decent clothes in the temple premises. Shorts, miniskirts, and beachwear are to be avoided.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangaldevi Temple Festival — The temple is lit up for the celebration of various festivals.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mangaladevi Temple are:

Navratri: A large number of devotees visit the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore from Karnataka and surrounding states to witness and receive the blessings of the Goddess. The Navarathri festival lasts for 9 days ending with Vijayadasami on the tenth day. The Lalita Panchami, Mahanavami Rathotsava, and Vijayadasami Vidyarambha are the special days during the Navratri period. The Chandika Homam, Ranga Pooja, and Rathotsava are the special poojas that take place for the Goddess Navami. Also, the practice of Vidyarambha meaning the “initiation of knowledge” for kids takes place on the Vijayadasami. Then the Sathyanarayana Pooja and the Avabrutha Mangal Snaan takes place on the two days after Vijayadasami. The Ayudha Pooja takes place on the eighth day of the festival when devotees worship all the weapons of the Goddess.
Laksha Deepothsava: The festival occurs in the month of Karthik that usually falls in November – December. Devotees light around one lakh lamps (Laksha Deepams) in honour of the Goddess and decorate the whole Temple with it.
Annual Temple Festival: The annual festival of the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore begins in the month of March. Devotees perform several poojas and abhishekams for the Goddess. They also take the Utsava Moorthy or the idol around the Temple premises in different vehicles or Vahanas and worship it.

Besides these festivals, Ugadi, Mahashivaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi are also important festivals in the Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore.

How to reach the Mangaladevi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mangaladevi Temple:

Air: Mangalore connects to many places via Bajpe International Airport, at a distance of 10 km from the city centre.
Train: There are two main stations in Mangalore – Mangalore Junction and Mangalore Central.
Road: One can board buses from Bengaluru, Goa, Chennai, Karwar, Pune, and Mysore.

Where to stay near Mangaladevi Temple?

A large number of private hotels are available for accommodating pilgrims and tourists alike. The rooms may range from standard to AC suites in five-star hotels. A large number of Government offices also operate guest houses in the city which one can contact and book.

Mangalore is a coastal city and offers beautiful beaches. Hence, resorts are abundant here.

Where to eat near Mangaladevi Temple?

Mangalore is bustling with restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines like Konkani, Seafood, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Thai. Several popular food joints are Hotel Narayana for Seafood, Hotel Guthu for authentic local cuisine and chutneys for North Indian Vegetarian and Giri Manjas for Seafood.

What are some of the temples near Mangaladevi Temple?

How to reach Mangaladevi Temple — There are several beautiful temples in the city of Mangalore.

Some of the temples near Mangaladevi Temple are:

Kadri Manjunath Temple: The temple is about 4 km from the city centre. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Manjunathaswamy, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the most popular spots in Mangalore and dates back to 1068 AD. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswany is the oldest representation of Lord Shiva in South India. The hill behind the temple is home to the Jogimutt and the Pandava caves.
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple: The temple is for Lord Ganapathi and dates back to 800 years. The temple finds mention in several Puranas like the Sthalapurana. Further, Sri Dashabhuja Mahaganapati, Sri Sharabeshwara, and Siddhi Lakshmi are the presiding deities of the temple. Its legends also relate to the legendary Tipu Sultan and his conquest of Karnataka.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple: The temple is for Lord Gokarnanatheshwara, another form of Lord Shiva and is in Kudroli, 5 km away from the city centre. The Saint Sri Narayana Guru consecrated the Shiva Linga at the temple in 1912. Several additions and renovations also took place recently. Moreover, the Gopuram is 60 feet high and has beautiful divine sculptures depicting several Gods and Goddesses.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple: The famous shrine dedicated to Sri Durga Parameshwari is in Kateel, 26 km from Mangalore. The temple is on the banks of the River Nandini. Several legends associate with the temple, which also finds mention in the Puranas themselves. Devotees can also perform sevas like Annadanam, Vidyarambha, and Yakshagana in the temple.
Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple: The temple is just 12 km away from the Mangalore city centre. The presiding deities are Lord Anantha (Lord Shiva) and Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu). Moreover, the temple is famous for serpent worship. The deity, Sri Anantha Padmanabha faces west. The temple complex also consists of a Naga Bana (place for serpent worship) and several smaller shrines for Jarandaya, Goddess Shree Devi, Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Ganapathi.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mangaladevi Temple

Is the Mangaladevi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mangaladevi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mangaladevi Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Mangalore starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 42 º C.

What are winters like in Mangalore?

In Mangalore, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

If you have any questions about the Mangaladevi Temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

March 9, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 40 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari and is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Horanadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Western Ghats Temple Tour covering Horanadu Temple.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Facts –

Deity	Goddess Annapoorneshwari
Location	Horanadu, Karnataka
Significance	Western Ghats Temple Tour
Entry Fee	Free
Darshan Timings	6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Poojas	Annadanam, Kumkum Pooja Abhisekam
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Visit Duration	1 to 2 hours
Festivals	Navratri, Akshaya Tritiya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K72j8NljbE

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Full Darshan Video

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings

Here are the timings of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	6:30 am	9 am
Afternoon Darshan	11 am	2 pm
Evening Darshan	7 pm	9:30 pm
Maha Mangala Aarti	9 am, 1:30 pm, 8:30 pm
Prasada Bhojana (Annadanam)	12 pm	3 pm

Which Sevas & Poojas are performed at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Sevas and poojas that take place at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple are as below:

Sevas and Poojas
Maharanga Pooja
Panchamruth Abhishekam
Kumkum Archana
Annadana Seva for one day
Navagraha Pooja
Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha
Shukravara Seva (Friday)
Amavasya Seva (Friday)
Shashwatha Annadana Seva

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Poojas-and-Sevas — The Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess every Friday.

You can also find a description of these sevas and poojas here:

Regular Sevas

Maharanga Pooja –This is also known as the Deepardhana. A devotee can perform it by obtaining a receipt of Rs. 500.
Panchamruth Abhishekam – The Goddess is given a bath with milk, honey, curd, sugar, and ghee. The cost for this Seva is Rs. 30 for all days except for Friday.
Kumkum Archana – The Kumkum Archana is done especially for the Goddesses. Kumkum and Turmeric are the main materials for the Aarti. The cost is Rs. 40.
Annadana Seva for one day – A devotee can perform the Annadanam (donation of food) for one full day for Rs. 5000.
Navagraha Pooja – The Pooja is performed for the Navagrahas (nine gods representing the planets). The cost of the Seva is Rs.300.
Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha – The Seva costs a devotee Rs.250.

Special Sevas on Fridays

Shukravara Seva – In this Seva, the Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess on one Friday of the month for twelve months in a year. Also, the minimum amount payable for the service is Rs. 500.
Amavasya Seva – The Kumkumarchana will take place on every Amavasya of the month for one year. Also, a minimum amount payable is Rs. 500.

Yearly Sevas

Varshika Seva – The Annadana for 25 people takes place on a particular day every year called Varshika Seva. It happens only on Marriages, Birthdays, and anniversaries. The minimum charge for the service is Rs. 2000.
Shashwatha Annadana Seva – A devotee can provide Annadanam for a batch on one special day every year. The minimum amount payable is Rs. 100000.

Homam Sevas

Sri Mahachandika Homam – The Homam is in dedication to Goddess Shakti or Chandi. Devotees believe that one can attain health, wealth and prosperity by performing the Homam. It will also relieve the person of evil forces, curses, and obstacles in their lives.
1. Experts do the Homam by chanting the Slokas of 13 chapters of Durga Saptashati.
2. Several poojas like the Ganapathi Pooja, Kanya Pooja, Kalasa Sthapana and Saptashati Parayanam also take place.
3. The temple charges Rs. 15,000 for the service and one should inform the temple 2 months in advance.
Sri Mahaganapathi Homam – The Homam is performed before the beginning of any pursuit in life. Devotees believe that Lord Ganapathi removes any obstacles in the way of the goals of a person. The temple charges Rs. 12,000 for the Seva and one must do the booking 2 months in advance.

What is the dress code for Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The dress code is as follows:

Men: Male devotees have to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple complex. It is preferred to wear a towel or shawl that covers their shoulders.
Women: There is no particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear a decent dress.

What is the significance of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Annadanam-Scheme — Annadanam Scheme serves three-course vegetarian meal for free.

The significance of Annapoorneshwari temple lies in performing Annadanam for people with the blessings of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. Devotees believe that they will never face any shortage of food in their lives after performing Annadanam.

All the visitors, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, are served with a three-course vegetarian meal for free. The pilgrims are served thrice a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are also provided with tea and coffee in the evening for free.

Aksharabhyasam and Namakarna – The pilgrims can also perform the Namakarnam ritual (Naming of a newborn) and the Aksharabhyasam ritual at the temple. The Aksharabhyasam ritual involves writing the name of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Saraswathi on an offering of rice along with the chanting of mantras and shlokas.

What is the history of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The history of Annapoorneshwari Temple does not mention the exact date of the construction of the temple. Devotees believe that the original temple was very small and was established by holy Sage Agasthya. The 5th Dharmakartharu, Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois, also renovated the temple following the Vaastu Shilpa and Astrology.

The 6th Dharmakartharu constructed the Navagraha Temple. He also established the steam cooking system in the Temple Kitchen, Annachathra, and Guesthouses for pilgrims and the labor colony.

The Punarprathisthapan of Sri Annapoorneshwari took place in 1973. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri also performed the Mahakumbhabhishekam here.

The Goddess present here is also praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-History — Jagadguru Shankaracharya also performed Mahakumbhabhishekam at this temple.

What is the legend of Goddess Annapooreshwari?

An interesting legend associated with the Goddess Annapoorneshwari is that of her conversation with Lord Shiva regarding the importance of food in one’s life. As per the legend, Shiva and Parvathi were playing the game of dice. Shiva lost all that he possessed to Parvati during the game.

So, Vishnu asked Shiva to play again. On his advice, Shiva played again and won everything back. But Parvati became suspicious and an argument ensued between Shiva and Parvati. Vishnu then intervened and stated that he made the moves whereas Shiva and Parvati were playing an illusion.

Lord Shiva proposed that everything is temporary like a Maya or an illusion. He concluded that food is also an illusion. Goddess Parvati disagreed and disappeared to prove that food is not an illusion. As a result, nature became still, seasons stopped changing and new plant growth stopped.

The land eventually became barren and drought ensued. Therefore, everyone including humans, animals, and demons prayed for food. Lord Shiva soon realized the importance of food and recognized it as a basic need for all creatures in the world.

Goddess Parvati, taking pity on everyone, appeared in Kashi (Varanasi) and started distributing food. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her with a begging bowl, seeing which Goddess Parvati fed him with her ladle. Since then, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Annapoorneshwari.

What is inside the temple?

Devotees have to climb a few steps to reach the main temple complex. The Gopuram of the Temple also has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. A mandapam is there on the left of the main entrance. A queue complex next to the Mandapam is also there for entry into the main hall where Annadanam takes place every day.

Moreover, towards the back of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a commercial complex of four to five shops is present that sell Pooja materials as well as small toys and gifts from Horanadu. The ceilings of the temple also have wonderful carvings.

The idol of the main deity of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Sri Annapoorneshwari is made of gold. The Goddess has a standing posture with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri.

Which festivals are celebrated at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some festivals celebrated at Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

Navaratri – The festival is in September – October with great fanfare and glory. It lasts for 9 days during which the devotees celebrate the nine forms of Durga. The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kusmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. On the tenth day of Vijayadasami, the Chandika Homam takes place.
Akshaya Thadige – The Akshaya Thadige or the Akshaya Tritiya is in April – May. The day is the birth date of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. It also signifies the beginning of summer and the end of winter. Moreover, it marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga.
Rathotsava – The Rathotsava usually occurs in February – March. The festival lasts for 5 days. The Ganapathi Pooja, Ganapathi Homam, and Maha Ranga Pooja take place on the first day. And the Dhwajarohana and Pushpakarohana take place on the second day followed by the Brahmotsavam and Rathotsavam on the third day.

Besides the above festivals, other festivals celebrated here are Deepavali, Shankara Jayanti, and Havi.

Navratri 2019 — Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’, which means ‘night’.

How to reach Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Here’s how to reach Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

Air – The nearest airport is the Mangalore Domestic Airport. Regular flights are available from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai
Rail – Shimoga is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 127 km.
Road – One can reach the hill town of Horanadu by buses from cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Shimoga, and Mangalore.

Bangalore to Horanadu Route

Air – Fly from Bangalore to Mangalore. One can reach Sringeri by Road from Mangalore. It is around 120 km and takes 2:30 hours.
Rail – Mangalore and Shimoga are the nearest Railway stations.
Road – Regular buses are available from Bangalore. It takes around 7:30 hours.

Sringeri to Horanadu – The only way to travel from Sringeri to Horanadu is by road. There are buses and private taxis available. The distance between the two places is around 45 km and takes around 1 hour.

Where to stay near Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the Temple premises where devotees can stay. The devotees can book rooms here at nominal rates for their stay. The room options vary from double bed, standard to AC. Suites are also available for large families. Hot water and generator facilities are provided for certain hours every day.

For online booking and any other queries related to the temple, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com. However, the requirement of Identity Cards is must for booking accommodation in the Lodge.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Stay-Nearby — The Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the temple.

Several private hotels are also present around the hilly town of Horanadu like the Nature Valley Homestay, Suprabha Residency, and Sri Devi Comforts. However, they are at a distance from the temple.

Where to eat near Annapoorneshwari temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple provides Annadanam to the pilgrims every day in the afternoon and the evening where devotees can eat. The meal is vegetarian with a dessert too. Besides this, few small hotels are also present outside the temple complex that one can visit for more food options.

Which are some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

Sri Kalaseshwara Temple – The temple is 8 km away from Horanadu in the town of Kalasa. The Bhadra River surrounds the temple on 3 sides giving the land a pot-like shape. The Temple is for Lord Shiva. According to legends, Sage Agasthya made Kalasa as his home but wanted to witness the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. So Lord Shiva obliged and gave a boon to Agasthya using which he was able to watch the wedding from Kalasa.
Sringeri Sharada Peetham – The holy town of Sringeri is located at a distance of about 70 km from Horanadu. Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in 8th century AD. Also, it was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Temple.
Dharmasthala – This 800-year-old Temple institution is situated at a distance of 108 km from Horanadu. The presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and the Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha. The Temple is one of the most famous sites of pilgrimage in Karnataka. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the temple is a Shiva Temple, the priests are Vaishnavites and a Jain family runs the Administration.
Kollur Mookambigai Temple – The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is located in Kollur which is 168 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga, the holy shrines of Lord Shiva. Further, the unique feature of the Linga is that it has into two unequal parts – The smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the larger left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Out of the 12 jyotirlingas, 5 are in Maharashtra (know about them).
Kukke Subramanya Temple – The Temple is in the town of Subramanya which is 176 km away from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Lord Karthikeya worshiped as Subramanya. When Garuda threatened the divine serpent Vasuki, Lord Subramanya safeguarded him.

Frequently Asked Questions on Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple-

Why the Goddess is called as Annapoorneshwari?

Sri Annapoorneshwari is the Goddess of food and nourishment. The word Annapoorna is a conjunction of two words- Anna meaning food or grains and Purna meaning complete & perfect.

What is the land address of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The address is – Mudigere – Taluk, Chikamagalur – District, Horanadu, Karnataka 577181

What is the entry fee to Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Free, there is no entry fee.

What are the other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari?

The other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari are the Annapoorna Devi mandir and the Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

What is the official website for Annapoorneshwari Temple?

For online booking and any other queries, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com.

What is the weather around Horanadu?

In summer, the weather reaches 32°C and in winter, the weather goes down at 17°C.