The Lord is called Siddhi Vinayaka or Sarva Siddhi Pradaayaka will grant and fulfill his devotees’ wishes. People believe in him that he will solve many of their problems and hence the place is known as “ Mukti Stalas” which means “Place where you can attain Salvation”. The garba griha or the main sanctum has the Lord Vinayaka in Chaturbuja (with 4 arms) in huge rock like structure covered in silver armour. Two arms are posing as “Varada Hasta” granting boons, and two hands indicate to attain salvation. All around the shrine there are sculptural depictions from the Bhargava Purana.

Anegudde means elephant (Aane) hillock (Gudde) and it is the abode of the elephant god, Sri Vinayaka. It is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region called ‘Parashurama Srishti’ which are believed to be created by sage Parashurama.

History:
It is believed when drought hit this area, the sage Agasthya came here to perform yagna to please the rain god. The demon Kumbhasura tried to disrupt the yagna by troubling the sages performing the yagna. To rescue the sages Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema, the strongest among the Padavas with a sword, using which Bheema killed the demon and facilitated the completion of the yagna.

In Theertha Prabandham Shri Vadirajaru exlained, since Bheema Killed demon using the sword(Asi) the name of the place is termed as Kumbhashi.

Tulabharam, a custom of offering to God valuables in weight equivalent of a person is frequently done in this temple by devotees. Auspicious ceremonies like wedding, naming ceremony etc. are also held here.

Two guest houses by name Amoda & Pramoda are available at the premises of Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple. Guest Houses will be provided only on prior booking.

People from far off places come here to take blessings from Lord Vinayaka. On the Chauthi / Chaturthi (the 4th day after the full moon) of every lunar month, special poojas are held at the temple. Also the Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great splendor. In recent times His Holiness Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt inaugurated a huge dining hall which is able to accommodate 1000 people. Lunch is served to devotees as ‘Maha Prasada’ everyday.

Postal Address:
Anegudde Shree Vinayaka Temple
Kumbhasi
Kundapura taluk,
Udupi District. INDIA
Pin code: 576 257
Phone:
Office – 91-8254-261079
Seva Counter – 91-8254-272221

How to reach:
Kumbhashi is located on the NH 17 at a distance of 96 km from Mangalore, 9 km from Kundapur, and 30 km from Udupi. Kumbhashi is located about 400 km from the state capital Bengaluru. Frequent bus service is available from Mangalore /Udupi /Kundapur to Kumbhashi. One can either walk from Kumbashi bus stand using the stairs or hire an autorickshaw to reach Anegudde temple at the top of the hill. The nearest airport is at Bajpe near Mangalore. The nearest railway station is at Barkur, near Kundapur.

Click here to view map.

Sri Durga Devi, Kunjarugiri

Kunjaru is a hamlet in Kurkaal grama, situated 6-7 miles (approximately 11kms) to the south-east of Shree Krishna’s Udupi.

This small village is reputed for its sanctity owing to the celebrated Durga Temple on a high hillock popularly known by the names: Kunjarugiri, Durgabetta and Vimanagiri.. This potent Durga Saannidhya, which was installed by none other than Lord Parashurama.

The high hills, abodes of  Shree Durga and Lord Parashurama, look like “Kunjara” (Elephant) for which the place is known as “Kunjaragiri” or “Kunjarugiri”.

It is also reputed as “Vimanagiri” because the Gods and Godesses came by “Vimana” to offer floral tribute, when Jaganmatha Durga was installed on the hill by the Lord Parashurama.

Sacred association  of  Vishwaguru  Shri Madhwacharya – gives it a prominent place in the spiritual sphere.

The ancient Durga temple stands on the top of Vimanagiri amidst the lush green groves of  hilly serenity. This very serene location of the temple, its antiquity and the divinity of the magnificent idol of the Goddess, at once creates a memorable feeling of  long lasting devotion and piety in the hearts of the devotees. It has been the experience of every devotee who visits the temple for worship. The devotees feel the spiritual solace and the potent protection at the feet of Durgadevi. The holy atmosphere in and around the shrine, the holy Theerthas, the Lord Parashurama Temple and the nearness to Paajaka Kshetra makes it an important place for the pilgrims.

The significance in the idol (Vishwa Roopa Darshana)

Vishvaroopa Darshana

The magnificent idol of Shree Durga is a Chaturbhuja (four-armed) image. It stands holding the Shanka (conch) and Chakra (discus) in the upper hands and Dhanus (bow) and Trishula (trident) are being held in the lower hands.

Shanka and Chakra symbolizes protection and the fulfillment of wishes of the good (sishta rakshana), while Dhanus and Trishula symbolizes the destruction of the evil (dushta samhaara). The fallen Mahishasura stamped under the feet signifies the suppression and destruction of the evil .The horns on the head of the fallen demon Mahishasura represents the egotism in us! This makes us forget the God. But the idol shows and symbolizes the destruction of such ego.

How to Reach:

Kunjarugiri is approximately 11 Kilometers from Shree Krishna Matha in Udupi.
5  KMs  away from Katapadi , 2 KMs away from Subhasnagar / Kunjarugiri Cross road.

Contact details:

Shree Durgadevi temple,
Kunjarugiri,
Udupi – 574105

Phone: 0820-2559444, 0820-2009009
E-Mail: kunjarugiri@gmail.com
Web: http://kunjarugiri.in

- by Avinash Upadhya & Kunjarugiri.in

Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi

‘Southadka’ is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannda district. The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without a ‘Garbha gudi’ and temple structure. It is surrounded by fascinating greeneries and open round the clock for offering prayers. About 35km from Kukke Subramanya Temple is ‘Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra’ in the interiors of Kokkada. This is about 16km from Dharmasthala. The temple is decorated with lot of Bells mainly, offered by worshippers who have special wishes. One can find lot of monkeys inside the temple. The Mahapuja is performed every year in the month of January. The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of prasadam.Temple is 6 km from Patrame on the banks of river kapila.

Belthangady’s hidden gem, It’s a unique temple with vast expanses of lush greenery. Sitting cozily in the lap of nature amidst such a tranquil atmosphere is Lord Ganapati. Welcome to Southadka, the abode of Lord Ganapati.

Popularly known as Maha Ganapati Kshetra, Southadka in Belthangandy taluk of Dakshina Kannada district is hailed as one of the many siddhi kshetras of the district. Surprisingly, not many from outside the district are aware of the existence of this temple which is located just 20 km away from the pilgrim town of Dharmasthala. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main road, this temple with no formal structure surrounding it, offers a unique experience.

A spacious goshala (cow shed), a row of petty shops vending pooja materials, a small temple office where seva tickets and prasada can be bought and a modest temple kitchen that dishes up tasty naivedya prasada is all that Southadka houses. The idol of Lord Ganesha, installed majestically under the bowers of an ancient tree, is spectacular, to say the least. A shining arch is all that surrounds the beautiful idol in black stone and, of course, huge brass lamps. Right in front of the Lord’s idol are rows of brass bells tied to wooden beams which are offered by the devotees. These bells in various shapes and sizes are a great attraction among children. If a temple without walls sounds intriguing, equally fascinating are the stories that the temple relates.

Alankara during Moodappa Seve

History:

According to the sthala purana of Southadka, a Ganapati temple revered by a royal family was once destroyed by enemies. Not to let the enemies destroy the beautiful idol of Ganapati that was at the temple, cow herds of the place carried it along with them and installed it in a place where cucumber was grown in plenty. Since southe means cucumber and adka means meadow in Kannada, the place soon gained popularity as Southadka. The farmers of the place reaped huge harvests of cucumber, offered it to Lord Ganapati and even wished to build a temple there. But, according to a popular belief, Ganapati graced their dreams and asked them not to build a temple for him at Southadka as that would mean restrictions on devotees visiting the place to seek his blessings. The Lord expressed his wish to remain in open air with no formal structure surrounding him so that devotees could access him round-the-clock. Lord Ganapati’s wish was the farmers’ command and to this day the Lord sits majestically in the lush green surroundings of Southadka, blessing his devotees 24/7.

Specialties:
According to temple authorities, of the many sevas offered at the temple, the most popular one is the avalakki panchakajjaya seva (a delicious mixture of beaten rice, jiggery, til, coconut, honey and banana) performed on a regular basis. The laddu prasada too shouldn’t be given a miss. One word of caution though: whoever performs the avalakki panchakajjaya seva has to share a fair amount of Lord’s prasada with the many cows around.

Devotees can also offer prayers to Mahaganapathi in the form of “Appa(or Appam)”, Southadka’s famous prasad, is a very tasty preparation. This is prepared daily and anyone offering prayers can avail these at the counters. Among the special poojas that are performed, “Moodappa Seve” is very prominent, which involves covering the Mahaganapathi statue with Appam.

Postal Address:
Southadka Sri Maha Ganapathi Kshetra,
Kokkada Post,
Belthangadi Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada district
Pin code: 574 198
Ph: 08251 – 254 351, 254 161

Distance from Southadka:
Dharmasthala: 20 km
Mangalore: 82 km
Kukke Subrahmanya: 45 km

How to get there:
Southadka is 20 km from Dharmasthala, 45 km from Subrahmanya, 82 km from Mangalore and 2 km from Kokkada and 6km from Patrame. From Bangalore, Southadka can be accessed on the road between Nelyadi and Dharmasthala. About 13 km before Dharmasthala is a huge arch on the left side of the road that leads to Southadka after a drive of about seven km.

Sri Madhwacharayaru

Pajaka, the birth place of Sri Madhwacharya, situated seven miles south-east of Udupi Kunjaru hill, This hill is also known as `Durga betta’. On its foursides are four holy teerthas or tanks created by Lord Parashurama. On the eastern side is Parasu Teertha, on the southern side is Dhanus Teertha, on the west is Gada Teertha and on the north is Bana Teertha. Taking bath in these teerthas is considered to wash out all the sins. Pajaka bears many marks associated with the child-hood incidents of Sri Acharya.

In the temple premises we can see two temples one is the Sri Anantha Padmanabha temple. This is also known as `Moodu Matha’. The main deity here is being worshiped by ancestors of Madhwacharya. Here we can see a stone in front of Tulasi vrundavana on which child Vasudeva did Aksharaabhyasa. This being a holy stone on which Sri Madhwacharya did his Aksharaabhyasa, many devotees come to Pajaka and initiate their child’s Aksharaabhyasa on this stone itself.

In the vicinity of this temple there is a pond named Vasudeva theertha. In the childhood days of Madhwacharya, once his mother wanted to have holy dip four theerthas around Durga betta. But due to health issues it was not possible for her to go to those theerthas and have holy dip. At that time child Vasudeva created this pond and assured his mother that, a holy dip in this pond itself is equivalent to the dip in those four theerthas. Hence the pond is named as Vasudeva Theertha.

When we go around this theertha, we can see a tamarind tree. One person gave a cow to vasudeva’s dad to feed milk for the baby Vasudeva. But due to the poverty, Vasudeva’s dad could not pay anything to that person. Vasudeva gave few tamarind seeds to that person and when he saw it, it was turned out to be of gold. This is believed that the same tree which is next to Vasudeva theertha.

Next we can see a Nagabana towards eastern side of the vasudeva theertha. Vasudeva planted Ashwatta tree with upside down and the plant has grown to a big tree in the due course. The same tree was alive till few years ago. Now the Nagabana is being renovated.

Coming further we can see two big stones. It is believed that, child Vasudeva kept them on the vessels of milk and curd. Even these stones are being worshiped with utmost devotion as these are being touched by Sri Madhwacharya in his childhood.

Another temple present in Pajaka is of Madhwacharya itself. Here we can see footprints of Vasudeva on the stones. There is a story beind these footprints which is quoted in “ Sumadhwa Vijaya” Composed by sri Narayana Pandithaacharyaru. Once Vasudeva had gone up to the Durga hill. Hearing his mother calling him, he jumped back to his house in one hop and the place where he hopped still bears the mark of his feet. On this very spot Sri Vadiraja Teertha of Sode matt installed an idol of Sri Madhwacharya which he wanted to install in Sode otherwise.

There is another place close to Pajaka on our way to Pajaka from Durga betta where Vasudeva crushed a demon in the form of a snake. A small temple is built to preserve this monument.

The maintenance and management of birth place of Sri Madhwacharya is being done by Udupi Kaniyooru matt. Every year, on Ashwayuja Shudda dashami (Vijaya Dashami) the birth day of Madwacharya is being celebrated in a grand manner in Pajaka under the guidance of HH Vidyavallabha theertha Swamiji of Kaniyooru matt.

Also in Magha maasa, from Paadya till Navami, Madhwa Navaratri is being celebrated as annual festival in Pajaka. On the very next day the holy dip in five theerthas will be done with the devine presence of HH Kaniyooru Swamiji.

Present pontiff HH Vidyavallabha theertha Swamiji of Kaniyooru matt is being young and dynamic has many plans for the developments of Pajaka including providing accommodation to the devotees who come from far places, also establishing a world class library wherein one can get all spiritual books related to Madhwa philosophy and also a building with entire “Sumadhwa Vijaya” being carved on the walls. In recent years many developments have taken place like large hall, dining hall, few rooms for boarding of devotees from distant places etc and many are going on. The Devotees can offer their contribution in any way possible for them to seek blessings of Sri Madhwacharayaru.

Address:  

Sri Pajaka Kshetra,
Kunjarugiri,
Udupi – 574105

Contact details: 0820-2009013

- By Venugopal Rao

ನೇತ್ರಾವತಿ- ಕುಮಾರಧಾರ ನದಿಗಳ ನಡುವಿನ ಸುಮಾರು 25 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಪ್ರದೇಶವನ್ನು “ಸರಿದ೦ತರ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ” ಎ೦ದು ಶ್ರೀ ಮದ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಕರೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಶರವೂರು ಈ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲೇ ಇರುವ ಪುಣ್ಯಸ್ಥಳವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಕುಮಾರಧಾರ ನದಿಯು ಉತ್ತರದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಗ್ರಾಮಗಳಾದ ಬಲ್ಯ, ಹಳೇನೇರೆ೦ಕಿ,ಪೆರಾಜೆ,ಕು೦ತೂರು ಮತ್ತು ಅಲ೦ಕಾರುಗಳನ್ನೊಳಗೊ೦ಡ ಸೀಮೆಗೆ ಶರವೂರು ಸೀಮೆ ದೇವಾಲಯ. ಶ್ರೀಸರಿದ೦ತರ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಮಹಾತ್ಮೆ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಈ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಋಷಿಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲಿಯ ಸರಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನ ಮಾಡುವಾಗ ನೀರಿನೊಳಗೆ ದುರ್ಗಾಮಾತೆಯ ವಿಗ್ರಹವೊ೦ದನ್ನು ಕ೦ಡರ೦ತೆ. ವಿಗ್ರಹವನ್ನು ಮೇಲೆತ್ತಿ ಆ ಸರಸ್ಸಿನ ಮಧ್ಯ ಜಾಗ ಮಾಡಿ ಗುಡಿಕಟ್ಟಿ ದೇವರನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಟಾಪಿಸಿ ಪೂಜಿಸಿದರ೦ತೆ. ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಸ್ಸಿನ ಗ೦ಗಾಮಾತೆಯ ಸಹಕಾರ ಪಡೆದುಕೊ೦ಡುದರಿ೦ದ ನೈರುತ್ಯ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಡಿಕಟ್ಟಿ ಆ ದೇವತೆಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಟಾಪಿಸಿದರ೦ತೆ. ಐತಿಹ್ಯಗಳೇನೇ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಗ೦ಗಾಮಾತೆ ಈಗಲೂ ಈ ಸ್ಥಳದ ದೇವತೆ. ದುರ್ಗೆಗೆ ನಡೆಯುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ರೀತಿಯ ಸೇವೆಯೂ ಗ೦ಗಾಮಾತೆಗೆ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ.

ಅ೦ಚೆ: ಶರವೂರು,
ಅಲ೦ಕಾರು ಗ್ರಾಮ,
ಪುತ್ತೂರು ತಾಲೂಕು,
ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕನ್ನಡ -574 285

ದೂರವಾಣಿ: 08251-263286

Shri Mahalingeshwara

Posaral is a beautiful, little village on the border of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. It has an extremely old temple of Lord Mahalingeshwara and Mahaganapati.This temple is almost 1200 years old. The temple was renovated in 2006 but still it has all the basic infrastructure.

The temple is located on the banks of the river Shambhavi. Another unique thing about this temple is that there are some very antique carvings on the pillars of the Theertha Mantap.The speciality of this temple is that the locals believe that the Lord here is very pleased with tender coconut abhishekam. So it is a custom to offer the Lord a few tender coconuts if one’s wishes (as requested to the Lord) comes true.

Address:
Shri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapati Devasthana,
Saccharipete,
Mundkur village,
Karkala Taluk, Udupi – 576128.

Main deities: Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati, Nagas, Brahma.

Bhutas: Panjurli

How to get there: From Mangalore, reach Mulki and then turn right towards Kinnigoli. After Kinnigoli, reach Moorukaveri and turn left towards Belmann. Reach Jaarikatte and turn right. You will find an arch to Posaral on the right side after about 2kms.

Nandalike Shri Mahalingeshwara

Nandalike is a village in Karkala taluk of Udupi District. It is approximately 16 km east of Padubidri and about 15 km from Karkala town. This village is the Birth place of Great Poet Muddana(Nandalike Lakshmi Narayanappa).

The Nandlike Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple was established by the great Dvaita Saint Sri Vadiraja Swamy of the Sode Matha. It is built in typical Tulu Nadu style and has “Gudis” for Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati and the Daivas. The temple has been renovated and is very well maintained.

The Mahalingeshwara (Lord Shiva) worshipped here along with Sathya Devatha (Goddess of Truth) called Siri, Uri-Brahma, Veerabhadra, Nandigona, Kumara, Abbaga-Daaraga, Khadgeshwari, Rakteshwari, Annappa, Kshetrapala, Bhutaraja and Gajamalla. This place is also called Alade and Moolastana to lakhs of devotees.

Near the temple is the house of the local rulers, the Heggades and the Pergades. This is known as the “Chavadi Aramane”. The descendants of this family reside here even to this day and oversee the smooth functioning of the temple and festivals.

Address : Nandalike Sri Mahalingeshwara Devasthana,
Naalku Sthana – Nandalike,
Karkala Taluk,
Udupi District,
Karnataka – 576126

Contact : (08258) 316485, Palace: 268347, Temple : 248346

Annual festival:  The Annual Festival of Temple starts from full moon day of tulu month Mayi (between February 15 and March 15) and celebration day called Ayanostava will be celebrated on subsequent full moon day i.e. between March 15 and April 15). Lakhs of people gather for this festival.

- By Hariprasad Nellitheertha

Shri Durga Parameshwari

Muchur is a small little village located close to Moodbidri. It is located 6 kms off the Kinnigoli – Moodbidri road. The village is famous for its Durga Parameshwari Temple. The temple is magnificent and large and has been renovated a few years ago.

History: The temple has a very close link to the Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Temple. Local legend has it that when sage Jabali performed a penance at the Nellitheertha Cave, Lord Durga appeared there and assured him that the demon Arunasura would be killed (at Kateel). She then blessed the region to have three temples in close proximity. Thus the Nellitheertha, Muchur and Kompadavu (Vishnu) temples came into existence.

Main deities: Durga Parameshwari, Ganapati.

Bhutas: Rakteshwari, Jumadi.

Address: Sri Durga Parameshwari Devasthana,
Muchur,
Neerude Post,
Mangalore Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada – 574163.

How to get there: From Mangalore, take the Moodbidri Road, cross Gurupura, Kaikamba and Ganjimatha. Turn left towards Muchur as you near Yedapadavu. Muchur is 8kms from here.

 - By Hariprasad Nellitheertha

Shri Shishileshwara

Shishila is a small village about 32kms from Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district. It has a beautiful Shiva Temple. It is believed that the idol, in the form of a Linga, surfaced on its own and was never established by anyone (Udbhava Linga). The temple is on the banks of the river Kapila (a small river which later merges with Netravati).

This place is also referred as Matsya Theertha. The Mahashir (in Tulu ‘Peruvelu’) fish is found in huge numbers in the Kapila river.

The fish in the Kapila River at Shishila are believed to be sacred and Naivedyam is offered to them after offering daily pujas. It is also believed that one can get rid of all types of skin disease after worshipping at Shishileshwara temple and feeding the fish in Kapila River. Fishing is restricted in Kapila River in and around 2 kilometers from Shishileshwara temple.

The other attractions of this place are two rocks, ‘Huli Kallu’ (rock named after tiger), and ‘Dana Kallu’ (rock named after cow). It is believed that, a tiger and a cow reached the river and tiger chased the cow. To avoid violence, Shishileshwara converted tiger and cow into rocks. These rocks are also worshipped during the annual festival.

The annual festival at Shishila is held at the end of May and celebrated for 9 days with unique feature in each day.

The main deity here is Sri Shishileshwara. Along with this, idols of Sri Durga and Mahaganapati are also present.

The main bhootas in this temple are Pili Chamundi, Rakteshwari and Rudrandi.

Address: Shishila, Belthangadi Taluk, Dakshina Kannada – 574198

How to get there: From Dharmasthala, take the road towards Kokkada and travel 16kms. On the Kokkada-Shibaje road, turn towards Shibaje and travel a further 16kms to reach Shishila.

Distance from Shishila:
Mangalore: 110 km
Dharmasthala: 30 km
Belthangadi: 45 km
Kokkada: 15 km

Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari

Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is situated in the bank of Shambhavi River at Bappanadu village of Mulki town. It is 29 K.M. north to Mangalore following National Highway No.17. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Shree Durgaparameshwari. The place Bappanadu means Bappa’s village. As per the legend Bappa a Muslim merchant is responsble for temple construction. Annual festival (Brahma Rathotsava) of the temple falls in the month of April. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum) is well known and There is a large drum that is kept in the side of the temple.

History: Once there was a demon called Darigasura ruling Shonitapura. He had enmity with Devatas and Lord Vishnu. In antagonism and with the intention of defeating the Devatas and Lord Vishnu he worshiped Lord Brahma and got a boon. With a help of this boon he defeated Devatas and Lord Vishnu and snatched the ammunitions from Lord Vishnu and handed over that to his wife and told to keep that in worship place. While Lord Vishnu was mourning for his lost ammunitions Goddess Durgaparameshwari appeared before him in the form of seven angel-women (Sapta-Durgas) and promised to kill a demon.

These Sapta-Durgas went to Shonitapura accompanied by one Deity called Guliga. Bhagavathi one of the Sapta-Durgas appeared before demon Darigasura while he was on the way to take a bath in the River, in disguised form of an old woman and begged for a meal. Darigasura advised her to go to palace and ask a meal with his wife. And also told her to tell him that if she didn’t get a meal. Accordingly Goddess Bhagavathi visited the palace of Darigasura and met his wife but asked for ammunitions of Lord Vishnu to be returned. While wife of Darigasura opposed to return, Bhagavathi willingly and wrongly informed Darigasura that his wife is not ready to give her a meal.

Hearing that Darigasura ordered his wife to give Bhagavathi what she wished. Darigasura’s wife gave the ammunitions of Lord Vishnu to Bhagavathi accordingly. Knowing deceived by Goddess Bhagavathi, demon Darigasura became furious and declared war against Sapta-Durgas and attacked them in ambush. He defeated Deity Guliga in war. But after seven days of furious war demon Darigasura was defeated by Sapta-Durgas and ultimately he ran away and took hide in underworld.

Goddess Bhagavathi taken form of Bhadra-Kali and began for his search. While demon Darigasura came for offering pooja to Lord Shiva in late evening, Bhadra-Kali found him and slewed him. Bhagavathi then accompanied by her other sister goddesses and Deity Guliga, visited Lord Vishnu and asked for a boat made by sandal wood for a journey from Vaikunta (Great heaven) to Bhooloka (earth) with a intention of settling down in Bhooloka for betterment of earthly people.

Lord Vishnu permitted them to take a Sandal wood tree from Vaikunta for preparing a boat. Accordingly they made a boat and started their journey. Boat came to Bhooloka and crossed Kasaragod, Kumble, Uppala, Pattattur, Manjeshwara, Udyavara, Ullala and Kudroli of southern coast of India. From there it came to Sasihithlu near Mulki town. There, Bhagavathi took tender coconut from one lower caste devotee and wished to settle there only. Goddess Durgaparameshwari emerged symbolically in conjunction point of Shambhavi & Nandini River at Mulki border.

Legend: 
In due course, one Muslim merchant viz. Bappa Beary while traveling through Shambhavi River for trading in remote places, his boat suddenly stopped in the middle of the river. While examining the cause he found blood spread over the river water and he deeply felt fear on that. Mean time a divine voice came from the ether ordering him construct a temple with the help of Mulki Sawantha (king) and to make pooja by the help of Baila Udupa (priest). Mulki Sawantha was belonging to Jain religion and a decent ruler. Hearing the incident from Bappa Beary, the king built one temple with the contribution of many other donors and made Baila Udupa as a chief priest of the temple. Hence the temple became Bappanadu Kshetra.

Historical view:
Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari temple is one of the main Shakti worship Centre of the South Kanara district of Karnataka. Here main deity is in the form of Linga (symbolic statue). Eligibility of Muslims for accepting prasadas (blessings) of the temple is one of the special features of the Kshetra. Muslims also participate in the temple festivals. Even today the prasadas of the very first day of the festival is given to the house of Bappa Beary. But in spite of all these legendary and mythological views and following of the traditional cultural activities based on these views, the proper historical documents depicting the period of the temple is very rarely available.

As believed by the local people Bappa a Muslim merchant has taken important role in the construction of the temple. But confirming the role of the Bappa Beary in construction of the temple is not available. Whether Bappa was a Muslim or he is a Bapa Pai (a Saraswath Brahmin) or he is a follower of Jainism is still a point to ponder. The name Bappa also comes in one copperplate inscription (1607 AD) available in Kotageri Jain Basadi in which it is said ” Moose Kavi son-in-laws offered Varaha 113 on this Kunhappagu to Bappa “.

Bappanadu Dolu (Drum): 
Beating of the drums during annual festival of the temple is an important factor of celebration. Bappanadu Dolu is well known for it’s beating all over Karnataka. We can’t compare the number of drums with temples elsewhere in Karnataka. Beating of the drums while local rulers and landlords visiting the temple during festival was an age-old tradition. During annual festival time a certain community empowered to participate in beating of drums perform this service to the deity with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Temple authority would pay a certain amount of honorarium to these drum beaters. A beautiful view of this drum beating performed by beaters accompanied by their family members and community is really eye catching one. As a symbol of the specialty of drums, temple authority made one big size drum and hanged it beside the main entrance.

Annual Festival occasions: 
1. Dwajarohana (Holy Flag hoisting) – on the day of Meena Masa Shuddha Chathurdhashi.
2. Bali Utsava & Ayana Deepotsava – Second day
3. Pete Sawari – Third day
4. Koppala Sawari – Fourth day
5. Bakimaru Deepotsava – Fifth day
6. Kere Deepotsava – Sixth day
7. Morning Car Festival, Night Chandra Mandala, Shayanotsava – Seventh day
8. Kawata Inauguration, Night car festival – Eight day

How to reach temple: 
From Mangalore City there are plenty of service busses available to Mulki and Udupi. Since the temple is situated near the Udupi Mangalore High way it is very convenient even for new visitors to reach by catching these busses and getting down at Mulki or Bappanadu. From Mangalore to Bappanadu the distance is 29 K.M.

Postal Corresponding address:
Executive Officer,
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple,
Bappanadu MULKI – 574154 (D.K.)
Karnataka – INDIA
Ph: 91-824-290585

Pooja Timings:
Morning: 8-00 A.M.
Afternoon: 12-30 P.M.
Night: 8-00 P.M.