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

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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.

The post ಬಪ್ಪನಾಡು ಶ್ರೀ ದುರ್ಗಾಪರಮೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ first appeared on Shivalli Brahmins.

Seemanthooru is a small village near Mulki, close to the Mangalore – Udupi Highway. The village is close to the Mulki railway station. The name Seemanthooru is an offshoot of “Shrimantara Ooru” which means “land of the rich people!”. Seemanthooru was indeed the land of the rich people.

Seemanthooru has a Janardana temple. It is known as the Sri Adi Janardana Devasthana. It has a very interesting story behind why the temple is called as “Adi” Janardana temple.

History: The Seemanthooru Janardana temple was established by Bhagawan Parashurama. It is one of the several temples in the Tulu Nadu region that was established by Parashurama. According to Shastras, temple idols established by Rishis and Aparoksha Gnanis (realized souls) never get “damaged”. A few hundred years ago, the idol of Janardana was damaged. A few villagers got together and made a new idol and established the same, after which the temple and village declined. Upon enquiring with scholars, it emerged that the original idol still has the full Sannidhana and hence the problem. The idol was repaired and placed back. The original idol is now known as “Adi Janardana” and the new idol is also within the same temple. Hence this unique temple has two Janardana idols!

Another unique feature of this temple is that it is one of the very few temples in Tulu Nadu that does not have a Ganapati idol! Seemanthooru Janardana is the “Akhilanda Koti Brahmanda Nayaka” and hence there is no other idol! But several Vishnu temples in Tulu Nadu do have Ganapati idols and hence Seemanthooru is really different.

Location: Seemanthooru, Mulki, Dakshina Kannada.

Main deities: Adi Janardana, Janardana

Bhutas: Rakteshwari

Address: Sri Adi Janardana Temple, Shimanthur, Post Panjinadka – 574 195, Mulky, D.K

Telephone: 0824 – 2294745

How to get there: From Mangalore, reach Mulki using the Udupi highway and then turn right towards Kinnigoli.  About 2kms later, you will find a temple arch. Turn left and travel 1km.

Annual festival: For 6 days starting Kumbha Masa Saptami (late February – early March)

– By Hariprasad Nellitheertha

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The Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is one of the most well known tourist attractions that are situated in the city of Mangalore in Karnataka. This temple is well acclaimed as one of the most popular temples of the southern part of India.

The name “Sharavu” is derived from “Shara” which means arrow. About eight centuries back, the “Sthalapurana” or local legendary depicts, a very powerful king, Maharaja Veerabahu of tuluva region, killed a cow by sheer mistake by shooting it with an arrow. He in reality meant to shoot the tiger which was standing besides the cow. But, his unculpable terrible sin had to be erased, for which he did install a “Shiva Linga” as per the suggestion of a great seer Sri Bharadhwaja.

This Shivalinga has been worshipped by the Maharaja as Sharabeshwara. This sacred place was termed thereafter as “Sharavu” and the newly formed temple tank as “Sharatheertha”.

This temple attracts thousands of devotees everyday. On the special occasions like Sri Ganesh Chaturthi, annual Car Festival or “Rathothsava” starting on Chandramana Yugadi, Deepothsava or Festival of Lights and on Shankasti Chaturthi days, a very large number of devotees do have the sacred “Darshana” of Lord Sharabeshwara Lord Mahaganapathy. This temple is indeed the center of a variety of cultural activities like Yakshagana, Dance Drama etc. and also of humanitarian as well as social service activities

How to reach the temple:
As the temple is situated in the very heart of the main city of Mangalore i.e. in Hampankatta area it is very easy and convenient to reach temple from any corner of the city. It is near and rear to K.S.Rao Road and Vishwa Bhavan Hotel complex. New visitors can catch auto-rickshaw for convenience.

Postal Corresponding Address:
Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
Mangalore – 575001
Karnataka -India
Phone: 91-824- 440328
E-mail: – sharavu@hotmail.com

Seva List:
At the Abode of Sri Mahaganapati:
1. Panchakajjayam
2. Coconut Ganahoma
3. Doorvarchana
4. Karpoorarati
5. Appa Pooja
6. Halu-Payasam
7. Hoovina Pooja
8. Ranga Pooja
9. Vehicle Pooja (2, 3 Wheelers)
10. Vehicle Pooja ( 4 Wheelers)

At the Abode of Lord Sri Sharabheshwara:
1. Kartika Pooja
2. Rudrabhisheka
3. Panchamritha Abhisheka
4. Ekadhasha Rudrabhisheka
5. Shatha Rudrabhisheka
6. Ranga Pooja
7. Shiva Pooja
8. Bilwa Patrarchana

At the Abode of Lord Sri Nagabrahma:
1. Ksheerabhisheka
2. Tender Coconut Abhisheka
3. Panchamritha Abhisheka
4. Thambila
5. Ashwatha Narayana Pooja

Special events in Chithra Bhanu Samvatsara:
1. Nagara Panchami
2. Righu Upakarma
3. Yejur Upakarma
4. Shri Ganesha Chathurthi
5. Anantha-Chathurdhashi
6. Navarathri Festival
7. Deepavali
8. Gopooja
9. Laksha Deepotsava
10. Maha Shivarathri
11. Souramana Ugadi
12. Temple Car Festival (Utsava)

The post ಶರವು ಮಹಾಗಣಪತಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ first appeared on Shivalli Brahmins.

History: When Goddess Durga killed Shumbha and Nishumbha, Arunasura, one of the ministers, had fled from the battlefield and saved his life. Later he became the leader of the Rakshasas (demons). He began to disturb the sages and destruct their Yajnahs. As a result, the Devas stopped raining, which resulted in total draught and scarcity of water and food grains on the earth. Moved by the pathetic conditions of the people Maharshi Jabali, the great sage decided to perform a Yajnah to appease the Devas.

He approached Devendra and requested him to send Kamadhenu (a sacred cow) with him for the ritual. Since Kamadhenu had been to Varuna Loka, Devendra permitted the sage to take Nandini, the daughter of Kamadhenu in order to assist him as Homadhenu (symbolic cow for ritual) in his proposed Yajna. Jabali went to Nandini and put forth his request. In reply Nandini abused the earth and the people there and refused to accompany him. When the sage found that Nandini was firm in her refusal, he cursed her to flow as a river on the earth. As Nandini prayed Jabali for mercy, kindhearted sage advised her to pray Adhishakti to get freed from the curse. Accordingly she prayed Adhishakti. Pleased by her deep meditation Goddess appeared before Nandini and told her that she has to flow as a river as a result of the curse, because nobody can trespass the sentences (Rishi Vakya) of a holy sage. But she added “I shall take birth as your daughter in due course and purify you from this curse”. Satisfied by this assurance Nandini emerged as a river from Kanakagiri on the day of Magha Shuddha Poornima and made the earth green once again.

Meanwhile Arunasura acquired a boon from Brahma, which made him free from fear of death by Trinity, Devas, men or women or by any two legged or four legged animals & creatures. Goddess Saraswathi also blessed him with Gayathri Mantra (Holy chants). All these made him the most powerful. He defeated the Devatas and conquered Heaven. Disheartened by disastrous defeat, the Devatas, along with Trinity pleaded Adhishakti for the rescue.

Goddess said that unless and until Arunasura is prevented from reciting Gayathri Mantra she too would not be able to destroy him. She suggested them to send Brihaspathi (Guru of Devatas) to distract Arunasura from his meditation of Gayathri, and make him get rid of Gayathri recitation so that she would be able to kill him.

Brihaspathi approached Arunasura, flattered him, poisoned his ears and succeeded in diverting him from his meditation. Now Arunasura vainly felt that he was more than God himself. He not only ordered his subjects to worship him but also troubled the sages and spoiled their Yajnas. As promised to the Devas, Goddess took the shape of Mohini, a charming woman and began to wander in the garden of Arunasura. Chanda & Prachanda, ministers of Arunasura saw her and informed the master about her beauty. Arunasura decided to marry her and approached her. When she turned deaf ears to his request & teased him for fleeing from the war field, in afraid of the lady who killed his masters Shumbha & Nishumbha, he became furious. When he tried to take her by storm, she disappeared inside rock. Arunasura broke the rock with his sword. Suddenly, a vast swarm of bees emerged from the rock and stung him. Devi had taken the form of a big, furious bee that is ‘Bhramara’ and stung him repeatedly till his last breath. Now the Devas and the sages led by Jabali performed “Abhishekham” (holy bath) to Devi with tender coconut brought from the Kalpavriksha of Devaloka, and prayed her to bless the world with ‘Soumya Roopa’ (tender posture). According to this request Devi emerged in the form of ‘Linga’ (symbolic holy rock) in the middle of the river Nandini and is known as Shree Durga Parameshwari.

‘Kati’ being the word which means ‘center’ (midway between the ‘Kanakagiri’ the place where the river was born, and the end, Pravanje, where the river joins the sea) and ‘lla’ means area. Thus the place is called ‘Kati + lla’ Kateel.

Main Events And Festivals:

Annual festival: This is celebrated begins in previous night of Mesha Sankramana day by decorating welcome arc followed by various themes of performance. Usually this festival comes in the month of April and celebrated for 8 days with unique feature in each day.

Laksha Deepothsava: This is celebrated on the day of Kartika Bahula Panchami.

Sharannavarathri: Beginning on Ashwija Shuddha Pratipada day, this festival is celebrated for nine day. Specially Ranga pooja sevas offered on this occasion. Lalitha Panchami, Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami are the very special occasions during Navarathri festival.

Yakshagaana:

Sri Kateel Yakshagaana Mela is a famous Yakshagaana troupe. The Yakshagaana troupe, Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagaana Dashavatara Mandali, popularly known as Kateel Mela is an important ‘Harake Seva’ troupe. It performs on request by devotees who have taken a vow (Harake) to arrange a show of Yakshagaana for fulfillment of a desire or as a service. The Adhidevatha of Kateelu Kshethra, Shri Durga Parameshwari Amma is fond of Music, Dance & Yakshagaana.

Postal Address:
Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple
Kateel, Mangalore Taluk
Dakshina Kannada District
Pin Code – 574148
Phone: 0824-2200361/2200591/2200561

Distance From Kateel:
Mangalore: 29 km
Udupi: 45 km
Dharmasthala: 75 km
Moodbidri: 22 km
Nellitheertha Cave Temple: 8 km
Bappanadu: 14 km

How To Get There:

By Air : The Air port at Bajpe, just 16 kms from Mangalore city could connect the district with other major cities and other countries. Major airways services have been flying here. There is new Mangalore Port Trust that has been helping the people here for the transport of goods to and from Mangalore.

By Train : The Konkan Railways from and to Mumbai, Kerala-Mangalore Railways and Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore Railways are the major railway services here. The Railway station Mangalore central is about 26 Km which is in the heart of Mangalore city,Surathkal is about 20 Km,Mulki is about 14 Km.
By Road : The district is well connected to other places by road, railways, air and even through water. The district has developed very good transport system as both Government and Private bus services have been flourishing here. All nooks and corners of the district could be reached by bus. The district is passed through NH 48 and NH 17 and this connects the district to other major towns in the country. Other state routes and special bus services make the public life lively here. The private bus services started plying to the places where the Government could not reach, thus helping the public to reach their destinations.

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The post ಕಟೀಲು ಶ್ರೀ ದುರ್ಗಾ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ first appeared on Shivalli Brahmins.

Introduction

The main deity of the temple is Sri Somanatheshwara (Shiva). The temple also has MahaGanapati and Jabali Maharshi as deities here. In fact, the Jabali Maharshi Brindavana was recently constructed. In typical Tulu-naadu tradition, the temple also has its set of “Bhootas“. Bhootas are considered as the “Ganas” or warrior-assistants of the Gods. The main bhootas of the Nellitheertha temple are Pili-Chamundi (Pili means Tiger in Tulu), Kshetrapala, Raktheshwari and Doomavathy.

The Lingam of Shri Somanatheshwara has been made out of pure Saligrama shila and is considered very sacred. There are other artifacts in and around the temple which are pointers to the past glory of this place. Among them are the “Arasule Mancha” (King’s seat), “Arasule Mantapa” (King’s abode) and the “Jina Vigraha” (Jain Statue). The temple of Shri Mahaganapati has been rebuilt recently and is splendid in itself.

The most beautiful aspect of the temple is the Cave, which is described in the subsequent section. The “Nagappa Kere”  is a small pond situated to the north of the temple. This natural pond, along with its religious significance, is also a scenic spot. The lake is at its best immediately after the monsoons (Oct—Dec) when its crystal clear water is a swimmer’s delight.

The “Arasule Mancha” or King’s seat is situated near the main entrance of the temple towards the north. Historical evidence suggests that this seat was where the king of the land used to be seated when he visited the temple. It is believed that even today, the spirits of the former rulers visits the place at night and so it is prohibited to sit on the seat after dusk.

The Nellitheertha temple is a symbol of secularism. The temple and the cave is open to members of all beliefs and castes. Any person, above the age of 5, is allowed to enter the cave irrespective of gender. Truly, Nellitheertha is a special and model place.

The Cave

The main attraction of the temple is the cave. Situated right at the entrance of the temple towards the left of the main door, this huge cave is one of nature’s wonders. Un-spoilt by human indulgence, the cave is a nature lover’s delight. A visit to the inside of the cave is considered a sacred and spiritual experience by devotees. The entrance to the cave is huge and wide. Within a few feet, the trail narrows down and one is forced to bend and crawl forward. Subsequently, one has to fall flat on the tummy and crawl ahead. Finally, after about 300-400 metres, the cave widens again and we find a huge lake in there. There is a natural Shiva Lingam in front of the lake and devotees pray and worship the lingam. The most amazing part of the cave is the fine quality of the mud available inside. It is said that the mud here has healing powers and is treated as prasadam by devotees. Right behind the Shiva Lingam, a second cave starts off. Not many people have ventured into this second cave till date. A few who have gone ahead vouch for the extreme terrain they have encountered. It surely will be challenging for the adventure lovers.

The name Nellitheertha also has its etymological roots in the cave. Inside of the cave, drops of water, in the shape of amla (gooseberries) constantly keep dripping down. In fact, the lake is made up of these drops of water. Hence the name Nelli (Amla) Theertha (holy water). Another unique aspect of the cave is that it is closed for nearly 6 months a year. The cave is open only between October and April. Though there are religious reasons associated with this (it is said that the cave is open 6 months a year for humans and is meant for Gods and Rishis the remaining 6 months), the point is that the 6 month break each year helps the cave to “rejuvenate”. The water freshens up and the animals inside enjoy the lack of disturbance.

History & Origins

The holy place Nellitheertha and the temple have a long and glorious history. Although the first recorded material mentioning Nellitheertha dates back to 1487 A.D, there is ample evidence available at the place to suggest that the temple existed much before that. At its glorious peak, there used to be daily festivities performed under the aegis of the ruler of Nellitheertha. From that grand state, the temple gradually declined and its existence itself was threatened towards the later part of the twentieth century. Since then, devotees and well wishers have got together to restore the temple to its previous grandeur. With the blessings of Shri Somanatha, the temple renovation work is now on in full swing.

Historically, the Nellitheertha region was under the administration of the Chowta family. The chowtas are a famous name in Tulu Naadu and it is said that the temple flourished under their administration and was a major center for religious and cultural activities under their reign. Even today, the descendants of the chowta clan take an active interest in the maintenance and development of the temple.

There are some artifacts and archeological evidence available at the temple which point to a Jain interest and influence at the temple. These are evidence to suggest that the temple and the region was probably under the administration of Jain kings of the region.

Jaatre:

Every year, around the last week of December, the Nellitheertha temple conducts its annual Jaatre (festival). This is a grand five day event full of religious and cultural ceremonies. The festival starts on the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha in Dhanur Maasa. Typically, this falls on the last week of December or the first week of January. The festival begins with a silver flag being hoisted to indicate the beginning of the Jaatre. This is called “Kodi” or “Dhwajaarohana” ceremony.

Each of the four days has separate ceremonies like the “Balis” where the idol of the presiding deity is carried around the temple for a procession accompanied by music, the”Rudrabhishekas” where the Shiva Lingam is given a grand shower with 101 vessels of water and the “Rathotsava” where the deity is taken on a procession on the chariot.

The climax of the festival is on the fourth day. Called the “Aarat” in local language, the ceremonies on this day mark the end of the festival. During the day, the presiding deity is taken on a procession in the Ratha or the chariot. Villagers offer their prayers during the procession. There is also an event called as the Pilchandi Bheti (meeting of Pili-Chamundi with the Lord) where the Bhoota offers its prayers to the Lord during the procession and seeks his blessings and vows to carry on the role of protecting Dharma in the region. The rituals are followed by a grand lunch for one and all.

The rest of the ceremonies start late in the evening and goes on till dawn next day. The deity is taken on a procession and villagers offer “Katte Pooje” to the deity as it passes their residence. The deity is taken to the temple pond and “Avabhrutha Snana” happens. Finally, the flag is brought down to indicate the closure of the festival.

Getting there:

There are four routes available to reach Nellitheertha.

1. The nearest city to Nellitheertha is Mangalore (about 360 kms from Bangalore). You can find a direct bus to Nellitheertha from the Mangalore Central Bus Stand. A taxi should cost you around 250-300 rupees. Get on to the Moodabidri road and pass through Gurupura, Kaikamba and approach Yedapadavu. Just before you reach Yedapadavu, you need to deviate to the left and travel about 8kms to reach the temple.
2. Another route is to take the Mangalore – Udupi highway and take a deviation to the right at Mulki. On that road, reach Kinnigoli and continue until you hit a V-intersection. Take the road to the left and travel 13kms to reach Nellitheertha(through Mucchur town).
3. You can also reach Nellitheertha from Bajpe via Kathelsaar. This would mean you need to take the Mangalore—Bajpe—Kathelsaar– Nellitheertha Road. This is actually the shortest route to Nellitheertha from Mangalore and is about 14 kms shorter than the Moodabidri route.
4. Nellitheertha is extremely close to Kateel which is one of the most famous temples in South India. It is about 8 kms from Kateel and can be reached via Ekkaru—Neerude.

Contact address:
Sri Somanatheshwara Cave Temple
Sri Kshetra Nellitheertha
Neerude Post, Kompadavu Village
Mangalore Taluk, South Kanara District
Karnataka, India – 570063
Phone : 91-824-2299142
Website: http://www.nellitheertha.com
Email: contact@nellitheertha.com

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Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple being one of the ancient historical temple dating back about 1068 A.D. is very interesting place. The Manjunatha temple, Kadri belongs to the Vijayanagara style of structure. From its present form, it may be inferred that during the 15th or 16th century A.D., it must have been given a solid structure. The scenic beauty of the Kadri hills, the presence of the pre-historic caves cut into the laterite mounds and the historical and religious importance of the Manjunatha temple lend particular enchantment to this centre. On the Kadri Hill is situated the biggest centre of the Natha Pantha (cult) in South India. The caves of Kadri hill have to be archeologically examined.

There is considerable construe on the name Kadri. It is derived from Kadari, meaning plantain and that Kadri was known to have been overgrown with plantain trees. But this could only be a too commonplace meaning. According to the Buddhist enumerator Kadarika means a hillside pastures land. The earliest reference to this place is in the epigraph dated A.D.968 engraved on the pedestal of the famous Lokeshwara image. In it is mentioned that King Kundavarma of the Alupa Dynasty installed the image in Kadarika Vihara. From this we can know that Kadarika is the earliest form of this place name. Vihara is the name given in Buddhlet settlement while Buddhism flourished here during 10th century A.D.

History:
Earlier to 10th century A.D. Kadri was an important centre of Buddhism. Documents supporting the fact are available in and around Kadri. During 10th century A.D. Buddhism began to loose its grip and new belief viz. Natha Pantha (cult) rooted in Kadri. Natha Pantha is a modified religious practice, which is, came from Vajrayana religious practice of Mahayana branch of Buddhism. In course of time it shined with Shiva beliefs. Local people as Jogis called them. And their monastery is called as Jogimutt.

Buddhist monks who came from northern India made Kadri as their place of Vihara and settled here. In those days it was called as Kadarika Vihara. Subsequently, followers of Natha pantha were also came and settled here. The epigraph of 968 A.D. mentions Mangalore as “Mangalapura” and Kadri as “Kadarika Vihara”. In stone epigraph belongs to 12-13th century A.D. available in temple’s kitchen which is in Kannada and Malayalam script it is clearly mentioned that the then King with local landlords and other important people of the area contributed a land for construction of the temple. Since earlier portions of epigraph are damaged, the name of the King is unknown. As per the documents available the Alupa Queen Balli Mahadevi (1277-1288) called herself as a devotee of Lord Manjunatha.

The temple was built in 12th century according to Hindu Agama Shastra (architecture rule). In 14-15th century A.D. it was reconstructed with granite stone. The idol of Lord Manjunatha is made of Pancha Loha (mixed metal of five elements). The Jogis of Jogimutt are still residing on the Kadri Hill. As Lord Manjunatha is a form of Lord Shiva, they ardently worship him. The surroundings of the Jogimutt depict its ancient importance. There are caves around the Jogimutt, which are called as Pandava caves. But one can assume Jogis often used these caves for meditation and penance. There are small temples of Boothanatha, Matsyendranath, Gorakanatha and many other Natha protagonists surrounded by existing Jogimutt. Reserving its peacefulness and mystery the Jogimutt still arise feeling of holiness within a visitor. Further research and study on all aspect from archeological department may spotlight the hidden facts about the temple and surrounding monuments.

Mythology:
Kadri has its own story from Puranas (Hindu Mythology) regarding its sanctity and abode of Lord Manjunatha. This story is in Sanskrit and available in “Bharadwaja Samhita”. In ancient days Kadarika was a part of Siddhashrama were many sages, saints were often practicing meditation and penance. There was no fear of sin or wrong deed. Once a discussion regarding Lord Manjunatha’s sanctity and greatness were held between two great sages viz. sage Brigu and sage Kapila. Sage Bharadwaja heard this discussion and told the same to one of his follower viz. Sumanthu. Hence this called as Bharadwaja Samhita.

The story is as follows:
Lord Parashurama who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu destroyed egoistic Kshatriya kings and donated the confiscated land to sage Kashyapa. Thinking of that taking a shelter in donated land is not virtue, Parashurama made rigorous penance and meditation of Lord Shiva on Sahyadri Mountain region seeking a new land for his shelter. Lord appeared before him and told that he will incarnate as Manjunatha for a good of mankind and suggested to meditate upon him at Kadalivana (today’s Kadri). Parashurama gazed at Kadalivana, which was ten-yojana distance from Sahyadri Mountain and also was occupied by ocean. He asked Ocean King to leave that Kadalivana for him. But Ocean King did not granted his wish. Becoming angry upon this act of Ocean King, Parashurama took his axe (weapon) and roared upon Ocean King. Frightened King left behind by giving land and Parashurama got his shelter. As per the order of Lord Shiva Parashurama visited the new land and found there a Kadalivana (plantain field) and one Rasakoopa (well). In that Rasakoopa Lord Shiva appeared before Parashurama and ordered to construct a temple there with a help of Vishwakarma (a divine sculptor). Accordingly Vishwakarma constructed a temple and town. In course of time various scholars, sages, saints, philosophers came here and took shelter. Later Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Shiva decided to settle here. As per the Order of Lord Shiva, Saptakoti Mantras (seven crore holy enchants) settled here as Sapta Teerthas (seven ponds).

Location of the temple
Situated just 4 km distance from the heart of the Mangalore City, a convenient public transport facility is available to reach temple. There are frequent bus facility and auto rickshaws at reasonable fare available. For new visitors these auto rickshaws (three wheeler motor vehicles) are convenient mean of transport.

Address:

Kadri Shri Manjunatha Temple,
Kadri,
Mangalore – 575 002.
Phone: 91-824-214176 (office)

The post Shri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri first appeared on Shivalli Brahmins.

1. Sri Somanatheshwara Cave temple, Nellitheertha
2. Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel
3. Shri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri
4. Shri Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Kudupu
5. Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Talapadi
6. Shri Mangaldevi Temple, Mangalore
7. Shri Mahalingeshwatra temple, Idya, Surathkal
8. Shri Sadashivaganesha temple, Surathkal
9. Shri Durgamba Temple, Marigudi, Surathkal
10. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
11. Shri Veerabhadra Temple, Mangalore
12. Shri Ponnagiri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Surinje
13. Shri Badagu Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple, Moodabidri
14. Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Iruvailu
15. Shri Benkinatheshwara Temple, Bala- Kalavar
16. Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Katipalla Kaikamba
17. Shri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Polali
18. Shri Mahalingeshwara temple, Pavanje
19. Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Mundkur
20. Shri Chakrapani Gopalakrishna Temple, Attavara
21. Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Kavoor
22. Shri Mukyaprana Temple, Bajilakeri
23. Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Sree Ksethra Bappanadu, Mulki
24. Shri Uma Maheshwara Temple, Sasihithlu
25. Shri Vishwanatha Temple, Punarooru, Kinnigoli
26. Shri Annapoorneshwari Ksethra, Kodyadka, Moodibidri
27. Shri Somnatheshwara Temple, Pejawar, Bajape
28. Shri Panchalingeshwara temple, Lady Hill, Mangalore
29. Shri Somanatheshwara Temple, Mahatobhara, Puttige, Moodabidri
30. Shri Surya Narayana Temple at Nagori,Padil Road,Mangalore.
31. Shri Vishwanatha Temple in Punaroor, Mulki
32. Shri Madyar Parashakthi Temple, Kotekar, Mangalore
33. Shri Vishnumurthy Devastana, Kompadavu
34. Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Yelaturu, Kinnigoli
35. Shri Trishuleshwar Temple, Mangalore

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