ಮುಂಡ್ಕೂರು ಶ್ರೀ ದುರ್ಗಾ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ

Mundkur Sri Durga Parameshwari
Mundkur Sri Durga Parameshwari

Along the river Shambhavi in Dakshina Kannada, an unbelievable number of ancient and beautiful temples exist. Most of these are thousands of years old and carry an amazing amount of historical significance. There are mainly a lot of Shiva and Durga temples along this line.

Sri Mundkur Durga Parameshwari Temple is another such wonderful temple. It is along the Shambhavi river coast and can be reached if one takes the Belmann-Moodabidri road from Udupi. As per available ancient records and Skanda Purana Sage Bhargava Rishi has installed the idol of Mahishamardini as per the request of Sumedha Rishi and Suratha Raja . The idol was facing west, was turned to east by a Jain ruler called Veera Varma who removed lots of wealth from the bottom of the Moola Vigraha . The Great hero brothers of Tulunadu Kanthabare and Budabare killed Veeraverma and restored the peace in Mundkur Maagane by handing over the charges to moodabidre Chowtas as per Paddane(Legendary Tulu Folk Song).Hence Mundkur Durga is the Kuladevi for Bhargava Gothra Brahmins.

The prime deity is Sri Durgaparameshwari in the form of Mahishamardini, holding the demon Mahisha upside down and piercing thrishul on his body. Hence the name Mundakke oori nintha OOru became Mundkur in the later stage as per one version. Other deities being worshiped are Sri MahaGanapathi (Kshipraprasaada swaroopi), Navagraha, Naaga, AshwaththaVriksha, Dhoomavathi, Raktheshwari, Vyaghra Chamundi(Pilichandi), Vaarahi (Panjurli) and Rakshopi Devatha (Protector from evil Spirits)in the temple. Photos of Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Vadiraja swamiji, Sri Raghavendra Swamiji, and Sri                                                                                                         Bhootharaja are installed in Sri Madhva Mandira, where bhajans and poojas are held regularly.

Sri Ganapathi
Sri Ganapathi

The Ganapathi idol in the temple is fully covered with silver and looks very auspicious. This temple has a history of more than 1200 years old. The rings of the well, which is used to draw water for the rituals  have not been changed over the years and stand as archaeological proof for the age of the temple. There are deep grooves on all the rings which stand as testimony to the fact that this temple has been in existence for thousands of years.

This temple, over the years, had been patronised by the rulers of Moodabidri. In fact, legend has it that the King and Queen of Moodabidri, when visiting the temple praying in front of the idol, the ear rings of the Queen dropped down. The Queen gave it as an offering to the idol. The ear rings are used to decorate the idol of Durga even today. Two wooden pillars were also carved on behalf of the King in memory of this event.

The annual Car-festival happens in the kumbha masa every year which is on Feb 17th or 18th.  Navaratri, Deepotsava are other special days for the goddess. Jalaka (dipping in river shambhavi) takes place on the next day of the car festival. Punarprathista Day falls on                                                                                                                              February 2 and 5 February Brahmakalashaabhisheka Day.

Annual Car festival
Annual Car festival

In Karthika Masa, Nagara Sankeerthane is performed throughout the month followed by Deepotsava on krishna thriyodashi, Chathurdashi and Laksha Deepothsava on Karthika Amavasya.Madhva Navami, Sri Raghavendra Swami Aradhana, Sri Vadiraja Swami Punya thithi is celebrated through bhajans and Pooja. On Ganesh Chathurthi day Saarvajanik Ganesha Idol is worshipped and on the fifth day evening after mosaru Kudike with procession immersed in River Shambhavi in Sankalkariya border of Mundkur village and Udupi District (near Doddamane). During Navarathri Nine types of Durga Alankaara is done to the Main idol, which is Rare in Karnataka. On Moola Nakshatra Day Sri Sharada idol is worshipped and after Sri Chandika Havan on Vijayadashamiday, immersed in Kurkilbettu Brahmasthana gundi. The processions are very attractive and thousands of devotees participate on both the occasions. Saura Yugaadi, Panchanga Shravana, Upakarma, Deepaavali, Dhanya Lakmi pooja/Navanna Bhojana, Balindra Pooja, Paththenaaja are being celebrated in the temple.

Name: Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple

Location: Mundkur, Udupi District

Main deities: Durga, Ganapathi

Bhutas: Doomavathy, Varahi, Pili chamundi, Rakteshwari

How to reach Mundkur: Mundkur is in the extreme border of Udupi District. Devotees coming from Mangalore can take the route of Bajpe-Kateel-Kinnigoli-Mundkur and from Udupi – Katpadi-Manchakal-Belmannu-Mundkur Regular Buses are available from Mangalore, Udupi, Karkala, Moodabidri, kinnigoli to Mundkur.

Click here to view map.

Sevaas in Shri Kshetra Mundkur:Flower Pooja, Durga Namaskaara, Rangapooja, Thulabhara, Silver Chariot Utsava, Chandika Homa, Durga Homa, Navagraha Homa, Ganapathihoma, Mrithyunjaya Homa, Annasantharpane are performed in the Temple. For further information kindly contact the Temple Office :

Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple P.O.Mundkur 576121 Karkala Taluk, Udupi District. Phone : 08258 267967

Specialities : Mundkur is surrounded by the river Shambhavi on three sides (East, South and West). Around Mundkur, four Shiva temples are located – Posaral towards South-East, Inna-Muddanu towards North-East, Ulepadi towards South-West and Bola towards North-West.

– Content by Hariprasad Nellitheertha and wikipedia

19 thoughts on “ಮುಂಡ್ಕೂರು ಶ್ರೀ ದುರ್ಗಾ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ

  1. This is a excellent portrayal of a certain living cultural tradition – highly informative and also visually rich and appealing. Makes me long to visit these places.

  2. Dear Hari,

    Good coverage. Sri Kshethra Mundkur is one among the Saptha Durga Kshethras of (Seven ancient Durga Temples) undevided South Kanara . As per Skanda Purana Sage Bhargava has said he has initiated and installed Sri Durga in Mundagne Nagara (the place where demon Mundaka was killed) for the benefit of the devotees who will get all their desire fulfillment as blessings from HER the Goddess Durga.

    As per Paadana( Folk Song) of Kantha and Booda Bare; the great heroes of South Kanara, the Mundkur Maagane was transferred from mulki Seeme to the Chowtas of Moodabidri after they killed the bad ruler Veera Verma and his followers. Astakula Brahmins Headed by Madmannaya, the Landlord and Pavithrapaani of Mundkur Maagane,(3 villages of Mundkur, Mulladka and Inna are called as Mundkur Maagane) Eight Guthus, Four Balike and Four paraaris as the supporters to the Pavithrapaani. Till last 150 years the Choutaas of Moodabidre used to visit Mundkur under the invitation from the villagers of Mundkur Maagane through the Head of Madmannaya family. This was stopped due to some misunderstandings between the villagers and Head of Madmannaya family for the reason of donating a Jack fruit Tree to Mundkur Temple for the reconstruction of Temple Ratha(Car). The Choutaas never came after this incidence as Madmannayas stopped inviting them. Even today the Arasara Katta pooje and Utsava is conducted on the previous day of Rathotsava. The Queen has donated her precious stone stud ear ornament as a token of devotion to Sri Durga followed by lots of land, wealth, wood pillars/ logs by the Chouta Kings.

    All Brahmin devotees originated from Bhargava Gothra worship Mundkur Sri Durga as Kuladevi. GSB, Bunts, Kulals, Sapaligas and Billavaas worship her as their Mane Devi. There is no Jain family living in Mundkur but ruins of Jain Basadi , Jain Pete can be seen in Mundkur. The Jains come and worship Sri Durga but they never stay overnight since generations after Bad ruler Veeraverma episode. Christians and Muslims also offer their Sevas and prayers regularly.

  3. Dear Hari,

    Good coverage. Sri Kshethra Mundkur is one among the Saptha Durga Kshethras of (Seven ancient Durga Temples) undevided South Kanara . As per Skanda Purana Sage Bhargava ( Lord Parashuraama) has said he has initiated and installed Sri Durgaparameshwari in Mundagne Nagara (the place where demon Mundaka was killed) for the benefit of the devotees who will get all their desire fulfillment as blessings from HER the Goddess Sri Durgaparameshwari and protection from the bad and odds.

    As per Paad_dana( Folk Song) of Kantha and Booda Bare; the great heroes of South Kanara, the administration of Mundkur Maagane consisting of Mundkur, Mulladka and Inna villages was transferred from Mulki Seeme to the Chowtas of Moodabidri after they killed the bad ruler Veera Verma and his followers who took lots of wealth underneeth Sri Durga idol while turning the face of temple towards east from west apart from all his bad administration and rowdyism.

    The Choutaas appointed Madmannayas, the Land Lords and Pavithrapaani of Mundkur Maagane as the Chief Administrator and Astakula Brahmins of Bhargava Gothra (even today we can see their place of origin in Mundkur Maagane), Eight Guthus, Four Balikes and Four paraaris as the supporters to the Pavithrapaani who was the the Care taker of Mundkur Maagane. Brahmins belonging to Bharadwaja Gothra were the Archakaas in Mundkur Maagane till Veeraverma’s Rule and Kuthyar Thantries were Temple Thantries. As they refused to cooperate Veeraverma in his bad administration and turning the Mundkur temple towards East by Thantrik Vidhi, Archakaas ran to a place called Kudru and started worshipping silver made similar Moola idol of Sri Durgaparameshwari in the form of Mahishamardini and Thantries stopped attending the annual functions in the temple. During Chowta’s rule he invited Thantries from Yadapadavu Thenkamane near Moodabidri to attend annual functions . Finally Brahmins of Vishwamithra Gothra from Putthige near Moodabidri, and Bharadwaja Gothra Brahmins from Padubidri became Archakaas in the temple since last 180 years. Due to lack of Archakaas in their family and most of them are into other professions, 28 years back Vishwamithra Gothra Brahmins requested the Management to continue with Bharadwaja Gothrajaas as Archakaas .Once again the original Heriditorial Archakaas of Bharadwaja Gothra are performing Pooja as per the wishes and blessings of Sri Durgaparameshwari.

    All the disputes in Mundkur Maagane were being settled in the Mundkur Temple premises by the above 24 leaders headed by Madmannayas. In case it was too complicated was taken to the Chowta’s Palace Court yard. Till last 40 years this kind of panchayat was seen by the villagers of Mundkur Maagane. During annual festivals in Mundkur Temple, no auspicious functions including marriages, grahapravesha, Upanayana and ceremonial cremations were banned in the villages of Mundkur, Mulladka and Inna which is observed even today from Dhwajarohana till Avabhrutha .

    Till last 150 years the Choutaas of Moodabidre used to visit Mundkur Temple under the invitation from the villagers of Mundkur Maagane through the Head of Madmannaya family. This was stopped due to some misunderstandings between the villagers and Head of Madmannaya family for the reason of donating a Jack fruit Tree to Mundkur Temple for the reconstruction of Temple Ratha(Car). The Choutaas never came after this incidence as Madmannayas stopped inviting them. Even today the Arasara Katta pooje and Utsava is conducted on the previous day of Rathotsava. The Queen has donated her precious stone stud ear ornament as a token of devotion to Sri Durga followed by lots of land, wealth, wood pillars/ logs by the Chouta Kings.

    All Brahmin devotees originated from Bhargava Gothra worship Mundkur Sri Durga as Kuladevi. GSB, Bunts, Kulals, Sapaligas and Billavaas worship her as their Mane Devi. There is no Jain family living in Mundkur but ruins of Jain Basadi , Jain Pete can be seen in Mundkur. The Jains come and worship Sri Durga but they never stay overnight since generations after Bad ruler Veeraverma episode. Christians and Muslims also offer their Sevas and prayers regularly.

  4. I have a very strong wish to be fulfilled. I am weeping daily. Hope Durge will fulfill my wishes. I am just hoping for the best. I had visited her last month. Hoping to visit again.

  5. this is our kuladevatha
    of our bhargava gotra,

    I am presently working in
    a PS U in mumbai

  6. Dear Sri Venkatesan Narayanan,
    I have seen your prayers. I am confident of Sri Durga’s blessings. Please keep a photo of her in your Pooja room, offer prayers from any sloka in 11th verse of devi Mahathme book daily 108 times either in the morning or evening along with few flowers in your hand and offer it to HER with your prayer to solve your problems/ woes. I am confident that she will bless you within a short period of 48 days. It all depends on how you surrender your self with dedication and prayer.
    Sarva swaroope sarveshe sarva shakthi samanvithe I
    Bhayebhya srahino devi Durge devi Namosthuthe II
    Ya Devi Sarva Bhootheshu Mathru Roopena Samsthitha I
    Namasthasyai Namasthasyai Namasthasyai Namo Namaha II
    Sri Durgaam Deviem Sharanamaham Prapadye II

  7. Hi

    I want to know which the are other 6 temples of Saptha Durga Kshethra.

    Thank You

  8. Om Shree Dugamatheye Namahaa

    I am devotee of shree durgamatha..wish to take her blessings..really suffering a lot both profession and at family..Please bless me matha with your boons.

    Lakshmi

  9. I am a staunch devotee of Mundkur Durgaparameshwari. Many times she has graced me from troubles. Whoever keeps complete faith in her they or their family will not have any problems in their life. This is my experience in my life.

    “OM HREEN DUNG DURGAAYAI NAMAH’

    Chant the above mantra 108 times daily.

  10. @Vittal Ramadass
    Any mantra should be chanted only after getting upadesha in person. Otherwise, the mantra (abhimani devathe) will not give the required good phala.

  11. Can anyone please let me know which are the other 6 temples of Saptha Durga Kshetra?

    Hope someone will let me know.

    Waiting for the reply.

    AMMA DURGAPARAMESHWARI

  12. Hello Hari,

    It was nice to read this article. It is so informative. I am trying to trace my roots and lineage. Is there anyone who would also know the people who were Pandits or poojaris in this temple.?

  13. Sapta durgas 1.polali 2 Kateel 3 bappanadu 4 sashihitlu 5 chitrapura 6 mundkuru 7 kunjaru

  14. In those Kateel and Bappanad temples has swayambhoo linga it means udbhava linga. And mundkoor is mahishamardini.

  15. Hello Ananth Acharya,

    How come Durga became Kula Devata for Ashta kula bhargava Gotra s people?

    Regards,
    Shreesha

  16. Sapta Durgas Kshetras of TuLu Nadu (Southa Canara)

    1. Polali Rajarajeshwari
    2. Sasihitlu Bhagavathi
    3. Kateel Durga Parameshwari
    4. Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari
    5. Mundkur Durga Parameshwari
    6. Kunjarugiri Durga Parameshwari
    7. Chitrapura Durga Parameshwari

  17. NAVA DURGEYARU. 9 in numbers.
    Hosabettu Durgi is missing by all.
    I am born in Mundkur.

    Abraham Coutinho

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