Famous Temples around Mangalore
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada(South Canara) district of Karnataka, a place that lies between western ghats and Arabian sea, an important business hub of Karanata state. It is important not only from the business point of view but also from social, educational, religious and tourism. Being born and raised in this city, there is a special natural attraction to this place, even though currently settled away from this town and living in Bangalore.
The environment, surroundings, people, neighbours, picnic spots around Mangalore is a great memory to cherish. Having seen the places out of Mangalore, it is the culture, people, and the traditions followed in this part of the region are what is fascinating me than anything else. When referring to the traditions, the religious places and temples around the city are the first things that come to my mind.
Yes, I am a bit religious just like you, therefore would love visiting the places that are historically significant, don't know if its because I studied History as an academic subject during my college days :)!
Many of the temples around the places are over 800 to 1000 years old and it's always amazing to know how our people built historical marks that is time immemorial. Thanks to the science and technology related knowledge of the medieval period and the Kings who ruled the region patronaged the art and sculpture.
The craftsmanship and astronomical knowledge they had was no less of the renowned engineers and scientists of this 21st century! If you are tired of your routine job, take a break from your job, pack up and start your yatra to any of these destinations listed below.
1) Sri Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara temple
Dharmasthala is an Indian temple town on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangady taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India, about 75 kilometres from Mangalore city. It has the shrine of Shiva in the form of Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian of Dharma/Righteous ) - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari in Annappa Betta. Owing to the legend and lore of the temple, entry of women and children is restricted to this Annappa Betta. This temple is unique that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of the Madhva order. Lakshadeepotsava is the main annual festival of Dharmasthala, generally conducted in the month of November-December.
Apart from the Lord Manjunathaswamy darshan, another main attraction of the place is Bahubali statue and Manjusha Museum. Every pilgrim who visits Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an honoured as a guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status and therefore, "Anna Daana" (free meal) is one of the impressive features available in this temple. This meal is provided to every devotee. The temple has modern machinery, hygienic and automated kitchen to provide quality food using alternate forms of energy continuously throughout the day in its dining hall named "Annapoorna".
It has been a tradition NOT to leave Dharmasthala without savouring the meal, doing so leaves your pilgrimage incomplete; to preserve this belief the helpers working in the Annapurna choultry do their best.
2) Sri Kukke Subramanyeshwara temple
Subramanya is a village located in Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada, India. The famous Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is located here. It is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Mangalore, and well connected by train and road. It was originally named 'Kukke Pattana'. This place is surrounded by the Kumaradhara River, the Darpana Theertha, a tributary of the Kumaradhara, flows just behind the temple.
It is believed that this temple is the ultimate place to ward off all our sins committed with knowledge or without. Ashlesha Bali Pooja & Sarpa Samskara are two important Sarpa Dosha Poojas are done at Kukke Subramanya Temple. The main deity constitutes Lord Subrahmanya on the top and then the idol of Vasuki and little lower the idol of Sheshanaga. To the west of inner sanctum, we have a cluster of lingam named Kukke Lingam. On the southern side of the inner sanctum, we have Lord Kala Bairava and on the northeastern side of the main sanctum, Umamaheshwara idol is worshipped.
A road on the left side of the main Gopuram leads to Adi Subrahmanya, i.e., about 250 meters of walk will take you to this Adi Subrahmanya temple. We can see a great Valmika (anthill) in the main sanctum. Here daily poojas are conducted and the mud of the anthill (from the main sanctum) is given as prasadam. It is believed that this prasadam is helpful in curing many types of skin problems.
This temple has a tradition that, while entering the inner quadrangle male devotees are requested to remove their shirts and banyans and cover shoulders with a shawl or towel.
Image source: templeyatri.com
3) Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari temple
It is located about 29 kilometers away from the heart of Mangaluru, between Bajpe where Mangalore International Airport located and Kinnigoli. The temple is situated on the middle of the sacred river Nandini amidst panoramic views and fascinating greenery. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day to seek the blessings of goddess Durga Parameshwari. Main events in the temple are annual festival celebrated in the month of April during Mesha Sankramana, Laksha deepotsava is celebrated on the day of Kartika Bahula Panchami and Sharannavaratri during Navaratri (Dusshera).
Sri Kateel Yakshagaana Mela is a popular Yakshagaana (dance, music form of theatre art) troupe in which they would perform on request by devotees who have taken a vow (Harake) to arrange a show of Yakshagaana for the fulfillment of a desire or as a service. Every devotee who visits this temple is given"Annadana" (free meals). One can reach this temple by road, train or air. Distance by train is about 26 Kms from Mangalore central or about 14 Kms from Mulki station and distance by air from Bajpe international airport(Mangalore airport) is 16 km.
Image source: templesinindiainfo.com
4) Bappanadu Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple
Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is located on the bank of river Shambhavi at Bappanadu village of Mulki town. It is about 30 km north to Mangalore on the national highway to Udupi-Karwar (national highway 66). The main sanctum of Goddess Durga parameshwari believed to have been constructed in the 14th century even though inscriptions of the place dated back to 1141 A.D. History of this region is appeared to have recorded during Kadamba dynasty ruler Raja Mayura Varma of 3rd century as Moolikapura. Along with goddess Durga, Shiva, Ganesha, and Narasimha are the deities worshipped in this temple.
The place Bappanadu means Bappa’s village. As per the history, Bappa a Muslim merchant is responsible for the construction of this temple. It is said that since a Muslim merchant named Bappa was responsible for the construction of the temple, even the devotees from Muslim community come and seek the blessings of Maa Durga and given Prasada (consecrated food) to every visitor irrespective of the religion. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum) is well known not only in the region but even in the whole of Karnataka. The beating of the drums during the annual festival of the temple is the main attraction in this place. As per the tradition, Navaratri pooja, deepotsava, Aanantana Chaturdashi, Dhanurmasa are the main festivals celebrated in this temple.
5) Saavira Kambada Basadi (1000 pillar temple, Moodabidri)
Saavira Kambada Temple and Tribhuvana Tilaka basadi or Jain temple noted for its 1000 pillars in Moodabidri, Karnataka, India. The temple is also named as "Chandranatha Temple" as it honors the eight Tirthankara Chandraprabha, whose eight-foot idol is worshipped in the shrine.
The surroundings of the town have eighteen different Jain temples but Saavira Kambada Temple is considered to be prominent among them. This temple was constructed in 1430 A.D and the building structure carries a distinctive architecture of Vijayanagara style. You are welcomed at the entrance by a huge monolithic pillar called Maanasthamba, along with Dhwajasthambha (flag pillar) as seen in Hindu temples.
If you are interested in history and architecture, then this is a place you never miss to visit! This pillar temple has beautiful walls with carvings and they are different on each pillar when compared to another. So if you are tired of the mundane job, then pack up and explore the unseen history and culture of our great country :)
6) Udupi Srikrishna Temple
Srikrishna temple in Udupi is one of the famous pilgrimage centres of south India. It is located about 60 km from Mangalore city. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to take the blessings of Lord Krishna. This temple has a history of over 1500 years with its speciality of Lord Krishna visible through the nine holes in a window. In Krishna temple, it is believed that if one sees God thru these nine holes, he/she will be awarded prosperity and peace by removing all obstacles in life. The usual practice in Udupi is to visit Chandreswara, Anantheshwara temples and then visit Sri Krishna temple. The main reasons for the popularity of the statue of Sri Krishna installed by the great saint/philosopher Sri Madhvacharya.
Another attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana Kindi' a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his devotee, Kanakadasa since he was not allowed inside sanctum sanctorum due to his lower caste. Once in two years, generally in the month of January, ceremonies are held to transfer Sri Krishna Pooja Deeksha called as Paryayothsava. Tourists from all over the country and abroad come to Udupi to watch Sapthothsava and Paryayothsava. Pilgrims from all over the country and abroad come to Udupi to watch Sapthothsava and Paryayothsava. Different festivals like Madhvanavami, Ramanavami, Krishna Leelothsava, Ganesha Chaturthi, Anantha Chathurdashi, Thulasi Pooja, Laksha deepothsava, Dhanu Pooja are the main occasions celebrated in the temple. Special ceremonies and religious sermons take place regularly to pass on the knowledge to the general public.
7) Kolluru Mookambika Temple
Kollur is a small village of Udupi at the foot of western ghats. Historically, this temple is about 1200 years old. Mookambika is Shakthi Devi, the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. She is worshipped in three different forms such as Mahakali in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the noon and Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) in the evening. This temple is generally known as 'Mookambi' or 'Moogambigai' in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively. Though the Kollur temple is in Karnataka most of the devotees visiting the Mookambika temple are either from Kerala or from Tamil Nadu. The reason for it seems to be the legend associated with the temple.
According to the legend, Adi Shankara, the much revered spiritual leader of the 8th century from Kerala is responsible for installing idol and begin a regular worship. The story also concludes that due to the determination of Adi Shankara and his devotion and influence towards goddess, the latter agreed to be present at the Chottanikkara Temple in Kerala in the mornings and return to the Mookambika temple by mid-day.
Local belief is that the person who is unable to pronounce properly or stammer if prayed and worshipped in this temple on a regular basis, problems are solved/mitigated.
Image source: www.kollur.com
8) Karkala Gommateshwara temple
Karkala is a taluka town in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India, located about 60 kilometres from Mangalore. It is said that this town was called 'Pandya Nagari' during the Jain rule, and then became 'karikallu' and 'karkal' and finally to 'karkala'. The place is located at the bottom of western ghats covered with greenery year-round and a major junction for religious tourists due to its strategic location along the way to Sringeri, Kalasa, Horanadu, Udupi, Kolluru Mookambika and Dharmasthala.
The Great Lord Gommateshwara monolithic statue was constructed in the 15th century on the top of a small hill. It's a very calm place with less number of visitors. As one climbs up the hill, Manastambha with a yaksha statue on top hits our eyes, and then as we enter inside, we can see the great image of 42 feet tall Lord Gommateshwara Bahubali. This great image is seen submerged in deep meditation without the notice of the silence and calmness on the top of the hill. Mahamastakabhisheka held once every 12 years is the main religious event as per Jain religious rite is the main attraction of this place. If you are visiting around this region, a must visit a place to refresh yourself in the calmness and peace of nature!
Just to keep you informed that if you are visiting this place during summer or when the sun is at its peak, it is advisable to wear socks since the rocky ground is too hot to walk. Evening and morning are the best time to climb up the hill and be a part of this amazing place.
9) Horanadu Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari temple
Horanadu is located in Chikmagalur district on the bank of river Bhadra, at a distance of 126 km from Mangalore and 316 km from Bangalore. It is situated in the dense forest and valley of western ghats. If you are a travel geek then enjoy the ride on the curved roads by experiencing the amazing beauty of Mother nature while visiting the divine place and be one with Her! It is believed that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. Sage Agastya is said to have installed the deity during the 8th century. The tower (gopuram) of the temple is adorned with the sculptures of Hindu deities. Beautiful carvings can be seen on the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagriha of the temple and the Padma Peeta consists of Koorma, Ashtagaja, and others.
According to the legend, Lord Shiva once had a curse and that was reversed when the Lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings. Every visitor to this Annapoorna temple at Horanadu, irrespective of their religion, language or caste is provided with a three-course vegetarian meal. Akshaya Thadige or Akshaya Tritiya is the main festival celebrated in this temple. This day is believed to be the birth date of Devi Annapoorna. This day marks the beginning of Tretayuga as well as the end of winters and start of summers. The temple celebrates 5 days long Rathotsaya conducted generally during the month of February.
This temple too has a tradition, while entering the temple inner complex(sanctum) male visitors are requested to remove their shirts and banyans and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl, as a symbol of respect and humility in front of goddess and females preferred to be in Indian traditional attire.
10) Sringeri Sharada and Vidya Shankara temple
Sringeri also called Sri Kshetra Shringeri is a hill town and Taluk headquarters located in Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka. The Sringeri Sharada Peeta was established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian, and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century CE. It is located on the banks of the river Tunga. Adi Shankaracharya also established muttas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India. The Sharada temple, dedicated to the Goddess of wisdom, is the shrine dating to the time of Adi Shankaracharya.
Another structure, the Vidya Shankara temple was built in the year 1338 C.E by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara kingdom. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors, but the architecture appears to be a combination of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles. On the western side is the Garbhagriha, with Vidya Ganapati on one side and Durga on the other side of the entrance. The Vidyashankar Lingam is the main sanctum along with the shrines of Brahma, Vishu, and Maheshwara with their consorts.
This temple architecture is an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The reason being, it has a hall that features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged in such a way that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the sunrise view from the hall during solstices. The structure is more or less a rectangle with apsidal east-west ends. Interiors of the temple have different structures of corbels, lotus, pecking parrots and so on. The basement is sculpted with animals, legendary stories, Shiva, Vishnu, Dashavatara, Kali, Shanmukha and so on. From the caves of the corners of the central hall chains of stone rings hang which is a common feature of the Vijayanagar period.
If you like the ancient Hindu iconography then, this is the place you never miss to explore in the coastal Karnataka! Happy yatra to all my readers :)
Reference: Wikipedia
The environment, surroundings, people, neighbours, picnic spots around Mangalore is a great memory to cherish. Having seen the places out of Mangalore, it is the culture, people, and the traditions followed in this part of the region are what is fascinating me than anything else. When referring to the traditions, the religious places and temples around the city are the first things that come to my mind.
Yes, I am a bit religious just like you, therefore would love visiting the places that are historically significant, don't know if its because I studied History as an academic subject during my college days :)!
Many of the temples around the places are over 800 to 1000 years old and it's always amazing to know how our people built historical marks that is time immemorial. Thanks to the science and technology related knowledge of the medieval period and the Kings who ruled the region patronaged the art and sculpture.
The craftsmanship and astronomical knowledge they had was no less of the renowned engineers and scientists of this 21st century! If you are tired of your routine job, take a break from your job, pack up and start your yatra to any of these destinations listed below.
1) Sri Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara temple
Dharmasthala is an Indian temple town on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangady taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India, about 75 kilometres from Mangalore city. It has the shrine of Shiva in the form of Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, Chandranath and the Dharma Daivas (guardian of Dharma/Righteous ) - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari in Annappa Betta. Owing to the legend and lore of the temple, entry of women and children is restricted to this Annappa Betta. This temple is unique that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of the Madhva order. Lakshadeepotsava is the main annual festival of Dharmasthala, generally conducted in the month of November-December.
Apart from the Lord Manjunathaswamy darshan, another main attraction of the place is Bahubali statue and Manjusha Museum. Every pilgrim who visits Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an honoured as a guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status and therefore, "Anna Daana" (free meal) is one of the impressive features available in this temple. This meal is provided to every devotee. The temple has modern machinery, hygienic and automated kitchen to provide quality food using alternate forms of energy continuously throughout the day in its dining hall named "Annapoorna".
It has been a tradition NOT to leave Dharmasthala without savouring the meal, doing so leaves your pilgrimage incomplete; to preserve this belief the helpers working in the Annapurna choultry do their best.
2) Sri Kukke Subramanyeshwara temple
Subramanya is a village located in Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada, India. The famous Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is located here. It is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Mangalore, and well connected by train and road. It was originally named 'Kukke Pattana'. This place is surrounded by the Kumaradhara River, the Darpana Theertha, a tributary of the Kumaradhara, flows just behind the temple.
It is believed that this temple is the ultimate place to ward off all our sins committed with knowledge or without. Ashlesha Bali Pooja & Sarpa Samskara are two important Sarpa Dosha Poojas are done at Kukke Subramanya Temple. The main deity constitutes Lord Subrahmanya on the top and then the idol of Vasuki and little lower the idol of Sheshanaga. To the west of inner sanctum, we have a cluster of lingam named Kukke Lingam. On the southern side of the inner sanctum, we have Lord Kala Bairava and on the northeastern side of the main sanctum, Umamaheshwara idol is worshipped.
A road on the left side of the main Gopuram leads to Adi Subrahmanya, i.e., about 250 meters of walk will take you to this Adi Subrahmanya temple. We can see a great Valmika (anthill) in the main sanctum. Here daily poojas are conducted and the mud of the anthill (from the main sanctum) is given as prasadam. It is believed that this prasadam is helpful in curing many types of skin problems.
This temple has a tradition that, while entering the inner quadrangle male devotees are requested to remove their shirts and banyans and cover shoulders with a shawl or towel.
Image source: templeyatri.com
3) Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari temple
It is located about 29 kilometers away from the heart of Mangaluru, between Bajpe where Mangalore International Airport located and Kinnigoli. The temple is situated on the middle of the sacred river Nandini amidst panoramic views and fascinating greenery. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day to seek the blessings of goddess Durga Parameshwari. Main events in the temple are annual festival celebrated in the month of April during Mesha Sankramana, Laksha deepotsava is celebrated on the day of Kartika Bahula Panchami and Sharannavaratri during Navaratri (Dusshera).
Sri Kateel Yakshagaana Mela is a popular Yakshagaana (dance, music form of theatre art) troupe in which they would perform on request by devotees who have taken a vow (Harake) to arrange a show of Yakshagaana for the fulfillment of a desire or as a service. Every devotee who visits this temple is given"Annadana" (free meals). One can reach this temple by road, train or air. Distance by train is about 26 Kms from Mangalore central or about 14 Kms from Mulki station and distance by air from Bajpe international airport(Mangalore airport) is 16 km.
Image source: templesinindiainfo.com
4) Bappanadu Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple
Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is located on the bank of river Shambhavi at Bappanadu village of Mulki town. It is about 30 km north to Mangalore on the national highway to Udupi-Karwar (national highway 66). The main sanctum of Goddess Durga parameshwari believed to have been constructed in the 14th century even though inscriptions of the place dated back to 1141 A.D. History of this region is appeared to have recorded during Kadamba dynasty ruler Raja Mayura Varma of 3rd century as Moolikapura. Along with goddess Durga, Shiva, Ganesha, and Narasimha are the deities worshipped in this temple.
The place Bappanadu means Bappa’s village. As per the history, Bappa a Muslim merchant is responsible for the construction of this temple. It is said that since a Muslim merchant named Bappa was responsible for the construction of the temple, even the devotees from Muslim community come and seek the blessings of Maa Durga and given Prasada (consecrated food) to every visitor irrespective of the religion. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum) is well known not only in the region but even in the whole of Karnataka. The beating of the drums during the annual festival of the temple is the main attraction in this place. As per the tradition, Navaratri pooja, deepotsava, Aanantana Chaturdashi, Dhanurmasa are the main festivals celebrated in this temple.
5) Saavira Kambada Basadi (1000 pillar temple, Moodabidri)
Saavira Kambada Temple and Tribhuvana Tilaka basadi or Jain temple noted for its 1000 pillars in Moodabidri, Karnataka, India. The temple is also named as "Chandranatha Temple" as it honors the eight Tirthankara Chandraprabha, whose eight-foot idol is worshipped in the shrine.
The surroundings of the town have eighteen different Jain temples but Saavira Kambada Temple is considered to be prominent among them. This temple was constructed in 1430 A.D and the building structure carries a distinctive architecture of Vijayanagara style. You are welcomed at the entrance by a huge monolithic pillar called Maanasthamba, along with Dhwajasthambha (flag pillar) as seen in Hindu temples.
If you are interested in history and architecture, then this is a place you never miss to visit! This pillar temple has beautiful walls with carvings and they are different on each pillar when compared to another. So if you are tired of the mundane job, then pack up and explore the unseen history and culture of our great country :)
6) Udupi Srikrishna Temple
Srikrishna temple in Udupi is one of the famous pilgrimage centres of south India. It is located about 60 km from Mangalore city. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to take the blessings of Lord Krishna. This temple has a history of over 1500 years with its speciality of Lord Krishna visible through the nine holes in a window. In Krishna temple, it is believed that if one sees God thru these nine holes, he/she will be awarded prosperity and peace by removing all obstacles in life. The usual practice in Udupi is to visit Chandreswara, Anantheshwara temples and then visit Sri Krishna temple. The main reasons for the popularity of the statue of Sri Krishna installed by the great saint/philosopher Sri Madhvacharya.
Another attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana Kindi' a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his devotee, Kanakadasa since he was not allowed inside sanctum sanctorum due to his lower caste. Once in two years, generally in the month of January, ceremonies are held to transfer Sri Krishna Pooja Deeksha called as Paryayothsava. Tourists from all over the country and abroad come to Udupi to watch Sapthothsava and Paryayothsava. Pilgrims from all over the country and abroad come to Udupi to watch Sapthothsava and Paryayothsava. Different festivals like Madhvanavami, Ramanavami, Krishna Leelothsava, Ganesha Chaturthi, Anantha Chathurdashi, Thulasi Pooja, Laksha deepothsava, Dhanu Pooja are the main occasions celebrated in the temple. Special ceremonies and religious sermons take place regularly to pass on the knowledge to the general public.
7) Kolluru Mookambika Temple
Kollur is a small village of Udupi at the foot of western ghats. Historically, this temple is about 1200 years old. Mookambika is Shakthi Devi, the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. She is worshipped in three different forms such as Mahakali in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the noon and Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) in the evening. This temple is generally known as 'Mookambi' or 'Moogambigai' in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively. Though the Kollur temple is in Karnataka most of the devotees visiting the Mookambika temple are either from Kerala or from Tamil Nadu. The reason for it seems to be the legend associated with the temple.
According to the legend, Adi Shankara, the much revered spiritual leader of the 8th century from Kerala is responsible for installing idol and begin a regular worship. The story also concludes that due to the determination of Adi Shankara and his devotion and influence towards goddess, the latter agreed to be present at the Chottanikkara Temple in Kerala in the mornings and return to the Mookambika temple by mid-day.
Local belief is that the person who is unable to pronounce properly or stammer if prayed and worshipped in this temple on a regular basis, problems are solved/mitigated.
Image source: www.kollur.com
8) Karkala Gommateshwara temple
Karkala is a taluka town in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India, located about 60 kilometres from Mangalore. It is said that this town was called 'Pandya Nagari' during the Jain rule, and then became 'karikallu' and 'karkal' and finally to 'karkala'. The place is located at the bottom of western ghats covered with greenery year-round and a major junction for religious tourists due to its strategic location along the way to Sringeri, Kalasa, Horanadu, Udupi, Kolluru Mookambika and Dharmasthala.
The Great Lord Gommateshwara monolithic statue was constructed in the 15th century on the top of a small hill. It's a very calm place with less number of visitors. As one climbs up the hill, Manastambha with a yaksha statue on top hits our eyes, and then as we enter inside, we can see the great image of 42 feet tall Lord Gommateshwara Bahubali. This great image is seen submerged in deep meditation without the notice of the silence and calmness on the top of the hill. Mahamastakabhisheka held once every 12 years is the main religious event as per Jain religious rite is the main attraction of this place. If you are visiting around this region, a must visit a place to refresh yourself in the calmness and peace of nature!
Just to keep you informed that if you are visiting this place during summer or when the sun is at its peak, it is advisable to wear socks since the rocky ground is too hot to walk. Evening and morning are the best time to climb up the hill and be a part of this amazing place.
9) Horanadu Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari temple
Horanadu is located in Chikmagalur district on the bank of river Bhadra, at a distance of 126 km from Mangalore and 316 km from Bangalore. It is situated in the dense forest and valley of western ghats. If you are a travel geek then enjoy the ride on the curved roads by experiencing the amazing beauty of Mother nature while visiting the divine place and be one with Her! It is believed that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. Sage Agastya is said to have installed the deity during the 8th century. The tower (gopuram) of the temple is adorned with the sculptures of Hindu deities. Beautiful carvings can be seen on the ceilings of the temple. Adi Sesha surrounds the main sanctum or the Garbhagriha of the temple and the Padma Peeta consists of Koorma, Ashtagaja, and others.
According to the legend, Lord Shiva once had a curse and that was reversed when the Lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings. Every visitor to this Annapoorna temple at Horanadu, irrespective of their religion, language or caste is provided with a three-course vegetarian meal. Akshaya Thadige or Akshaya Tritiya is the main festival celebrated in this temple. This day is believed to be the birth date of Devi Annapoorna. This day marks the beginning of Tretayuga as well as the end of winters and start of summers. The temple celebrates 5 days long Rathotsaya conducted generally during the month of February.
This temple too has a tradition, while entering the temple inner complex(sanctum) male visitors are requested to remove their shirts and banyans and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl, as a symbol of respect and humility in front of goddess and females preferred to be in Indian traditional attire.
10) Sringeri Sharada and Vidya Shankara temple
Sringeri also called Sri Kshetra Shringeri is a hill town and Taluk headquarters located in Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka. The Sringeri Sharada Peeta was established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian, and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century CE. It is located on the banks of the river Tunga. Adi Shankaracharya also established muttas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India. The Sharada temple, dedicated to the Goddess of wisdom, is the shrine dating to the time of Adi Shankaracharya.
Another structure, the Vidya Shankara temple was built in the year 1338 C.E by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara kingdom. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors, but the architecture appears to be a combination of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles. On the western side is the Garbhagriha, with Vidya Ganapati on one side and Durga on the other side of the entrance. The Vidyashankar Lingam is the main sanctum along with the shrines of Brahma, Vishu, and Maheshwara with their consorts.
This temple architecture is an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The reason being, it has a hall that features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged in such a way that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the sunrise view from the hall during solstices. The structure is more or less a rectangle with apsidal east-west ends. Interiors of the temple have different structures of corbels, lotus, pecking parrots and so on. The basement is sculpted with animals, legendary stories, Shiva, Vishnu, Dashavatara, Kali, Shanmukha and so on. From the caves of the corners of the central hall chains of stone rings hang which is a common feature of the Vijayanagar period.
If you like the ancient Hindu iconography then, this is the place you never miss to explore in the coastal Karnataka! Happy yatra to all my readers :)
Reference: Wikipedia
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