Mangalore's Enchanting Abodes of Divinity

  •   Mon, May 30 2011
  •   Special Report by Daijiworld

Pics: Savitha B R

May 31, 2011

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Mangalore occupies a place of pride in the state's coastal belt, with its rich, warm golden beaches, lush green fields and breathtaking rivers threading their way across the picturesque panorama.

The city is especially famous for the several temples it houses, temples that narrate its illustrious history, symbolise the richness of its culture and guard its magnificent treasury of legends and fables. The temples in Mangalore have been witness to each and every change the city has undergone, from being a quaint little town with its petty shops to a fast-developing, bustling cosmopolitan replete with malls. But one thing that hasn't changed with times is the degree of devotion among its people - the temples across the city still witness grand celebrations, pujas marked with religious fervour and traditions that date back to centuries in time. The devout Mangaloreans throng temples in large numbers,  especially during festivals, when the divine abodes are decked and adorned in magnificent colours, personifying the very essense of beauty and spirituality. Truly, it is a sight to be experienced.


Mangaladevi Temple

Situated about three kilometres southwest of Mangalore City, this temple is of prime importance to the city, both historically and etymologically, for it is from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the Temple that Mangalore derives its name. The temple was built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangala in the 10th century, according to the most common belief. The Goddess Mangala is worshiped as Shakti at the temple.

The Navaratri festival celebrated in the month of October draws hordes of devotees, and special pujas are performed in this temple on all the nine days. On the seventh day, Godess Mangaladevi is worshipped as Sharadamba and on the eight day the goddess is worshipped as Maarikamba.

Mangaladevi Temple was built by the Ballal family of Attavar in memory of a Princess of Kerala. Various pujas and rituals are performed by Vedic Brahmins regularly.

The temple is situated at a distance of just three kilometres from Hampankatta, the heart of the city. There are frequent buses plying to and fro the temple. Autorickshaws are also available in plenty.


Kadri Manjunatha Temple

Situated about four kilometres from the city, the Kadri Hill is famous for the 11th century Kadri Manjunatha Temple, with tanks near the temple with natural springs and laterite caves, also known as the Pandava Caves. The bronze image of Lokeshawara and Gautama Buddha in the Dhyani posture speak of its Buddhist origins. The Kadri Kambala (buffalo race) takes place here in December.

The idol of Lokeshwara of the temple is one of the oldest panchaloha idols among the Indian religious centres. The annual festival held from January 14 to January 22 and sometimes from January 15 to January 23 attracts huge crowds from all over the city and elsewhere from the district. The Garuda replica hoisted on the flagpole during the festival is probably the largest in entire India.


Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple

Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple is one of the important temples of Mangalore district that is situated in the city of Mangalore. Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple was founded by Shri Narayana Guru, the philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. Situated about two kilometres from the heart of the city, the temple's main deity is Shiva and the temple itself is built in the Chola Gopuram style

This beautiful temple is the abode of Gokarnatha, another name for Shiva. The temple was built fairly recently, at least in comparison to other temples, nevetheless, the architecture is traditional. The story foes that Shri Narayana Guru, who had visited Mangalore in the year 1912, expressed a wish that the Billavas should build a temple for Shiva in the city. Navaratri, the annual temple festival, is a grand affair witnessed by thousands.

Smaller temples for Mahaganapathi, Subramanya, Shaneeshwara, the Navagraha, Annapoorneswari and Anandabhairava surround the main temple. Murals depicting a variety of scenes from legends and epics, adorn the four gopuras. The temple has been built in the Tamil Nadu style.


Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathy Temple

Ranked among one of the famous ancient temples of the district, the temple is right at the centre of the city, in Hampankatta. The origin and importance of the temple is narrated in skanda purana. Sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the main deities of the temple. The chief God Sharabheshwara is placed in front of the temple, and the popular Mahaganapathy is to the south of the temple.

Vinayaka Chathurthy in August-September is the most important festival for Mahaganapathy, while the celebrations starting from Chandramana Ugadi and continuing for 9 days form the main annual festival for Sharabheshwara. In Karthika month the annual deepotsava takes place for two days.

There is an interesting story behind the coining of the temple's name. The word 'sharavu' means 'arrow'. According to a legend, Maharaja Veerabahu, who used to rule over the Tuluva region, unintentionally killed a cow with his arrow. The repentent king the established a Shivlinga to wash off his sin.

Deepothsava, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Shankasti Chaturthi are among the festivals celebrated with great fervour in this temple. The festivals are witnessed by a great number of people.

It is also popularly believed that the Dhashabhuja Mahaganapathy image was found impressed one of the temple's walls. The Sharavu Mahaganapathy Temple is also a place of socio-cultural importance, with frequent cultural events like drama, dance and Yakshagana being organised in the temple premises.


Urwa Marigudi Temple

Marigudi Temple, a historical shrine for deity Mariamma at Urwa about five kilometres from the city, is especially revered by Mogaveeras, the fishermen community. It is one of the most revered religious centres in the city in terms of people's belief in the divine powers of the Goddess.

The annual festival of the temple held during the month of February is a great event for the devotees from all over the coastal belt, attracting people in lacs.  
 
Sultan Battery, a watch tower said to be built by Tiger of Mysore Tipu Sultan, on the banks of Gurpur river, is just about a kilometre from the temple. 

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Special Report by Daijiworld
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Comment on this article

  • Veerendra.R.Achar, Mangalore/Saudi

    Sun, Jun 05 2011

    Excellent photography. Thanks to Daijiworld. Keep up the good work.

  • Sujir Praveen, Udupi / Mangalore

    Wed, Jun 01 2011

    Mangalore Dharshanadha Bhagya sikkidhantayithu, Thank You Daijiworld

  • Umesh Rao, Mangalore/ Muscat

    Wed, Jun 01 2011

    It would have been better if the photographs were placed along with the description of each temple. It would have given more clarity to the article.

  • RAJESH GUPTA, Jammu/Mangalore

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Thanks Daijiworld

  • Daya Bangera, Katapady / Abu dhabi

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Nice pictures and informative article. Well done Daiji.

  • CHARAN AMIN, DUBAI / MANGALORE

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Thanks DAIJIWORLD for the nice photos.

  • suresh, Mumbai

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Daijiworld, Very informative article and nice pictures,the videos are also good.Thankyou daijiworld.

  • Raj, Udupi

    Tue, May 31 2011

    Very brief and beautiful articles from Daijiworld.Thanks

  • SURESH MAROLI, MANGALORE/BAHRAIN

    Tue, May 31 2011

    NICE PHOTOS. GOOD ARTICLE. THANKS DAIJIWORLD.


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