GOKARNA (GOKARNAM) : (Shiva: Mahabaleswarar - Ambal: Gokarnanayaki)

Location: Gokarnam near Kollur - Shiva: Mahabaleswarar - Ambal: Gokarnanayaki Theertham: Koti Theertham

Description: Gokarna is a celebrated pilgrimage center on the coast of Karnataka, enshrining the Aatma Lingam Mahabaleshwar. It is regarded as one of the 7 Mukti Stalas of Karnataka, and it has been revered by the hymns of the Tamil Saints (Nayanmars) of the 1st millennium CE. Gokarna is located at a distance of 170 km from Mangalore, the nearest airport. The seven muktistalas of Karnataka are Udupi, Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. All these shrines are also known as Parasurama Kshetras, created on the land reclaimed from the sea by Parasurama. This is the only Tevara Stalam in Karnataka (Tulu Nadu) hailed by the Tamil songs of the Bhakti movement.

Legends: Vinayakar (Dwibhuja Vinayakar shrine) is said to have tricked the demon Ravana into leaving behind a Shivalingam here in a legend similar to that at Tiruchirappalli. In spite of the might exerted by Ravana (Maha Bala), the Shivalingam stayed fixed, hence the name Mahabaleshwar. The pull exerted by Ravana, is said to have caused the Shivalingam to resemble the shape of a cow's ear and hence the name Gokarnam. A very similar legend holds at

the Vaidyanath - Jyotirlingam temple at Deogarh in Bihar.

The Temple: This west facing temple enshrines Mahabaleshwar, in a square Saligrama Peetham. A golden rekha on the peetham, and a small hole in its middle permits devotees to have a glimpse of the top of the Aatma Lingam. The six foot tall Shivalingam is encolsed inside the peetham, and it can be seen only once in 40 years, when the Ashta bandana Kumbhahishekam is performed. There are also shrines to Vinayaka, Chandikeswara, Aadi Gokarneswara and Dattatreya. Gokarnanayaki is also known as Taamragowri, and her shrine is behind the sanctum.

The sacred thirtham here is the Koti theertham. The image of Vinayaka bears a dent, said to have been caused when Ravana, enraged at the loss of the Atma Lingam had hit him.

Festivals: It is customary here to have a dip in the sea and then worship a Shivalingam made out of sand, before worshipping at the temple. Maha Sivaratri is of great significance in this shrine located in idyllic surroundings. Also located around Gokarna are Sejjeshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Dhareshwara. These four temples along with Mahabaleshwara are known as the Pancha Maha Kshetras.

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IDAGUNJI - (Ganapathy Temple)

Idagunji Devasthana is an ancient temple with a history of more than 1500 years. The story of the temple is as follows.

Valakhilya along with other immortal saints was performing penitential activities in a forest. They started experiencing diverse hindrance in penitentiary activities. The holy saint was agitated by these obstacles. He seeked solace and worshipped Lord Krishna. Narada the noble saint approached Valakhilya. who explained his difficult situation to the divine saint and requested him to suggest pragmatic solutions to deal with the obstacles on his way. Narada advised him to worship God Vigneshwara (the remover of obstacles) before starting the penance again.

Valakhilya requested Narada to show him an appropriate place to worship the deity. Narada along with Valakhilya and other saints wandered westward in search of a suitable place. They came across the Sharavati River which gracefully caressed and consolidated with the ocean.

Narada chalked out an exact place located a few miles away to the left of Sharavati. The place was named as Kunjaranya. To add up to the significance of the place, Narada explained that in the past from time to time the Holy Trinity, Hari, Har and Brahma have come to this place to conduct their penance to stop the destruction of the "Asuras" (the demons). They also created lakes termed as "Chakratirtha" and "Brahmatirtha" which is truly a spiritual inspiration.

After sketching out this to all the saints, Narada with the help of the saints fabricated another lake named "Devatirtha". He then offered to bring Ganapathi (Vinayaka) along with other Gods including the Holy Trinity. Narada approached Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara to attend the "Puja" at Kunjaranya offered by the saints. He also took the liberty of requesting Parvathi to send her son, Ganapathi to the saints for the removal of obstacles.

Narada's charisma led all the Heavenly Gods along with Lord Ganapathi to attend the "Puja" with eminence and granduer. The temple dedicated especially for this purpose was decked with attractive decor and the enormous glittering diamonds and stones.

The great saints and Heavenly beings chanted the hymns in praise of Lord Ganapathi. Ganapathi, magnificently attired, was holding “Modhaka” and “Padma” in his hands immensely pleased by the devotion rendered on him by the saints, Ganapathi expressed his desire to grant the wishes of his devotees. The other Gods were cherished and treated equivalently. They also blessed their worshippers. The other Gods appealed to go to their original places. Ganapathi emphasized his decision to stay and gratify the desires of his devotees. So according to this purana , Lord Ganapathi stayed in the place Kunjaranya which is now renowned as Idagunji.

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MURUDESHWAR - (Atma Lingam)

Murudeshwara lies at a deviation of 1 kilometer from the National Highway NH-17 between the towns of Honnavar and Bhatkal. A big arched entrance on the Highway marks the entrance of the road to Murudeshwara. "Murudeshwara" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's tallest Shiva statue, this beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple.

The origin of the name "Murudeshwara" dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu gods attained immortality and invincibility by worshipping a divine lingam called the Atma Linga. The Lanka king Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the AtmaLinga. Since the AtmaLinga belonged to Lord Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted him a boon. Ravana asked the AtmaLinga as the boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, it will get stuck to that place. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, who came to know of this incident, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth. He approached the Lord Vishnu and requested him to prevent the AtmaLinga from reaching Lanka. Lord Vishnu knew that Ravana was a very devoted person who used to perform prayer ritual in the evening every day without fail. He decided to make use of

this fact and with the help of Lord Ganesh came up with a plan to confiscate the AtmaLinga from Ravana.

As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun to make it look like evening had appeared. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh in the disguise of a Brahmin boy came near him. Seeing him, Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his rituals, and asked him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he will call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana does not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again. Ravana, realising that he had been tricked, got really angry and tried to uproot and destroy it but could not. Then he decided to destroy the covering of the AtmaLinga, and threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe)and Dhareshwara, 10-12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara.

Murudeshwara Temple and Raja Gopura: This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three

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sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr R.N. Shetty.

Statue of Lord Shiva: A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the tallest statue of Shiva in the world. The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height, and took about 2 years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist Mr. R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million Rs. The idol is designed such that it gets the sun light directly and thus appears sparkling.

KOLLUR MOOKAMBIKA

The temple is located at Kollur on the banks of the river Sauparnika at the foot of the hill Kodachadri in Western Ghat. This holy river takes birth at the Kodachadri and flows up to the edge of Anthargami region where two more streams called Bhrungisha and Pippalada join it. Then it flows westward, surrounding Kollur in the name of "Sampara", and proceeds to join the sea near the temple of "Maharajaswamy" (Varahaswamy) at Maravanthe. It is believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows; therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bathe in it. Hence a bath in this river assumes significance and is considered sacred.

It is believed that it is in the banks of this river that Suparna, a vulture, performed penance and attained salvation and hence the name Sauparnika. At the location where he is said to have sat in penance, there is a small cave even today which is known as "Garuda's Cave".

Kollur is named after Kola Maharshi .The Saint was so enchanted with the beauty of the place he decided to perform penance on a rock near the Agnitheertham, in the banks of Sauparnika. Later the place came to be known as Kolapuram, after him. The temple Mookambika got its name from a demon called Kumbhasura (Kamsasuran) who was reigning in this region. The Gods and divine beings became helpless against his harassment and Kodachadri became the hiding place for them. Guru of asuras, Sukracharya, cautioned Kumbhasura about his impending death at the hands of a woman and advised him to please Lord Shiva through severe austerities. Vagdevi, the Goddess of speech, senses that this could lead to a greater devastation makes him dumb and thus he could not verbalize his wishes when Lord Shiva appeared to bless him. From then onwards Kumbhasura was called Mookasura (Dumb asura). Soon after, on the request of Kola Maharshi, the goddess created a mystical power by bringing together the individual powers of all the gods. This

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Divine Power waged on Mookasura. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as "Marana Katte".(marana means death and katte means platform).Just before he died Mookasura repented and begged Devi to stay permanently in Kollur. He also asked that his name be remembered along with hers henceforth. Since that day, the Goddess has resided at this holy place Kollur by the name Mookambika,(the mother of Mooka). The temple was established by Shankaracharya. Legend has it that a Jyotiralinga appeared here when sage Kola maharishi was doing penance. When Sanakaracharya learnt about this, he went to Kollur and worshiped Adishakti. The goddess appeared before him and ordered him to erect her idol beside the Jyotirlinga. Shankaracharya then had the statue sculpted in the form in which he had seen the goddess.. The temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. It has a big courtyard and a spacious sanctum Sanctorum.

The main statue in the temple is of the Goddess Mookambika in the form of Jyothir Linga . A golden line (Suvarna

Rekha) devides the Swayambhu Linga in to two unequal parts. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi have all merged in the larger left side and the Lord Parameshwara, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma resides in the right side of the Linga.The idol of Devi is made up of panchaloha(five metals) and is positioned behind the Lingam. The Goddess is seated in padmasana posture with three eyes and four arms, with the divine disc(chakra) and conch in her upper hands and holds her other two hand in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Also enshrined near this image are those of Mahakali and Saraswathi. This temple has two processional deities of gold. One is offered by Rani Chennamma as a substitute for the missing of original one. But subsequently the missing one was found and thus there are two processional idols. Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Sri. M.G.Ramachandran gifted a gold sword weighing one kg.. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka - Sri Gundu Rao, also gifted a sword of similar type made of silver. The golden facial mask of Goddess Mookambika was gifted by Vijaya Nagara Emperor.

Morning

05.00 a.m.06.00 a.m.07.30 a.m.

08.00 to 08.30 a.m.

Opening the Doors.Starting of the Morning Pooja. Danthadavan Bali & MangalarathiBali

After-Noon

11.30 a.m.12.00 p.m. 12.15 p.m. 01.00 p.m.01.30 p.m.

Starting of the after noon poojaArachaneMahanaivedya BaliClosing the Doors of the Devasthan

Evening06.00 p.m. 07.30 p.m.

Starting of the pooja of Prasadha PoojaMangalarathi

Night Pooja08.00 p.m.08.30 p.m.09.00 p.m.

Bali MangalarathiBali UtasvaKashayaMangalarathi

Special DarsanNo amount is charged for entering the temple through the main gate. However, if the devotee wishes to enter through the western gate (it is believed that Sankaracharya entered through this gate) devotees have to buy a ticket for Rs 15.

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HORANADU (Annapoorneshwari Temple)

Horanadu is located in the picturesque surroundings of Western Ghats of Karnataka. Horanadu is 100 kms south-west of Chikmagalur, located in the midst of thick forests and valleys.

Horanadu is a place of enchanting natural scenery; the ancient temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari . Deity in the Annapoorneshwari Temple is said to have been installed by renowned Sage Agastya. The sanctum was renovated in recent years by a learned astrologer, Venkitasubba Jois. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakti, now the temple is called Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. Deity of the temple has been designed in unique manner. The single image depicts the Devi standing on a peeta with Devi Gayatri, Sri Chakra, Shanku and Chakra in Her four hands. The recently renovated sanctum of the temple is surrounded by Adi Sesha. While the Padma Peeta is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma and others.

The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold and she looks so beautiful. A sense of fulfilment is felt when a person visits this temple and it is said that a person who seeks the goddess' blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. It is believed that lord Shiva once had a curse and that this curse was reversed when the lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings.

The route to the temple traverses ghats, amazingly dense forests and vegetation. It feels like the most beautiful route one can

ever take, with nature in all Her resplendent glory. A trip to the Horanaadu Aadishaktiyatmaka Annapoorneshwari temple would be most fulfilling if all pilgrimage spots en route to the temple are also included in travel plans. Some of the places that will be encountered in that order would be Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Udupi Krishna temple and Kollooru Mookaambike, Kalaseswara temple in Kalasa, and then the Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari temple. Such a trip would be the most purifying and humbling experience of one's life. The tranquility, the warm and courteous people, the feeling of oneness with God, the peace of having God's food in the Kukke, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Horanaadu Annapoorneeshwari temple halls is a blessing that each one of us can die for.

The name "Annapoorneshwari" means "Feeding one and all". The uniqueness of this temple is everybody who visit this temple are provided with food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including a dessert made from Dhal or Lentils irrespective of their religion, language, caste, or creed. and place to sleep in the temple premises. Shri Bheemeshwara Joshi is the present Dharmakartaru of Annapoorneshwari temple.

Male visitors to the temple have to remove their shirts and preferably cover their shoulders with a towel or a shawl as a symbol of respect and humility in front of god.

UDUPI

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Overview : Situated approximately 60 kms from Mangalore, the Udupi Sri Krishna temple also known as Krishna Mutt, is one of the most popular shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna in the southern region of India. Built in 13the century, Sri Krishna temple has an alluring idol of god adorned with beautiful jewels. Great dwaita philosopher Madhavacharya, installed the idol about 700 years ago. Krishna Temple. Udupi is one of the seven Muktisala Pilgrimage sites in Karnataka (the other six being Mookambika, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeswara, Sankaranarayana, and Gokarna).

The unique feature of this temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki.The temple town Udupi is not only a popular pilgrimage place but also the birthplace of many banks of national repute. Even the modern, world famous educational campus of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE, a deemed university) is situated within 5 km from Udupi. Udupi is also well known world over to the millions of connoisseurs of food as the birthplace of Udupi Hotels and Masala Dosa.

Introduction: About 700 years ago, Sri Madwacharya, the exponent of Dwaita Philosophy installed an enchantingly beautiful idol of Lord Sri Krishna at Udupi. Legend has it that this was the very same idol which Rukmini Devi had lovingly worshipped during the Dwapara Yuga. Ever since the idol was installed, Udupi has been steadily gaining in importance as a hoary centre of pilgrimage.

The advent of Lord Krishna to this divine land is dramatic. Once when Sri Madhwacharya was meditating near the Malpe beach (5 km from Udupi), he saw a ship drifting away following a severe storm. He saved the ship by his yogic powers. The captain offered all the cargo, in return for the help rendered. Sri Madhwacharya refused to accept anything, except two big lumps of Gopichandan (a special fragrant mud) which was in a corner of the ship used as ballast. From inside the mud he got the idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama. He installed the Balarama idol in Vada Pandeshwara village near the shores in Malpe and the Lord Krishna idol at Udupi near the Chandramouleeswara shrine.

Deity: The idol in the temple is called Bala Krishna with a churner in the right hand and a cord in the left hand. To the right of this idol is another idol of Sri Venugopal Krishna. Unlike in other Hindu temples here there is no entrance to the sanctum sanctorum from the front. One has to look at the icon through this window (Navagraha kitiki), which is covered with artistically carved silver plates. The lamps burning by the side of Krishna idol was supposed to have been lighted by Sri Madhvacharya?and is being kept burning even to this day.

In order to display different pastimes for his devotees, Udupi Krishna has over 50 different dresses such as Cowherd Boy, Mohini, Lakshmi and Durga. The idol Udupi of Sri Krishna, unlike in most of the temples, is facing west. Several stories are related with this. The most popular one is that related with the pilgrimage of Saint Kanaka Dasa to Udupi. The then

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chief priest of the temple made arrangements for his stay in a hut in the roadside on the western side of the temple. Being from a lower cast, by tradition he was forbidden to enter the temple and have darshan. Krishna was so pleased with Kanaka Dasa's devotion that the idol turned to west as Kanaka Dasa was singing on the western side of the temple. Subsequently a small window was constructed on the wall facing the western side so that Kanaka Dasa could see Lord Krishna from outside. To commemorate Lord Krishna's darshana to Kanaka Dasa, the window has been designated as 'Kanaka Kidiki (Kanaka?s window) and can be seen as one enters through the western gopuram. The darsan through this window is considered so sacred that even now before paryaaya the designated paryaaya Swamiji offers prayers to Sri Krishna through this window.

Other Deities: Besides the holy image of Sri Krishna, prathishta of other deities are also seen in the temple. As one enters through the main entrance (southern side), the first room on the right is the temple office where one can book and pay amount for different poojas. Few steps away from this on the left side, facing west, is the entrance to the temple. Immediately in front is the idol of Sri Chenna Keshava. Where this statue now stands was originally the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. This entrance was closed off in the second half of the last century and the statue of Sri Chenna Keshava was installed there.

On the left of the circumambulating path, is a small room known as Anuyagasala and in front of this is another room where the golden palanquin of Sri Krishna is kept. To the west of Anuyagasala is the Suryasala from where the scholars recite veda, purana etc. To the west of Suryasala is the Chinada Kone (literally the corner of gold) where all the jewels offered to Sri Krishna are stored.

To the right Chinda Kone is the mandapa. In between this mandapa and the sanctum sanctorum there is a small

passage and a window (Navagraha kitiki) through which the devotees can see the idol of Sri Krishna inside the sanctum sanctorum. On each side of this window stand the statues of Jaya and Vijaya the gatekeepers of the Lord. To the west, in front of the mandapa, is a hall known as chandrasala. The 'Kanaka Kidiki (Kanaka?s window) is on the wall of this hall which opens to the western gate of the temple. Thus darsan the idol of Sri Krishna can be had through Kanaka Kidiki and Navagraha Kidiki from the western side even without entering the temple.

There are two shrines on either side of chandasala- Sri Mukhya Prana(Hanuman) in the north, and Garuda in the south

When we stand at the steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum and turn towards the south inside the door is the shrine of Sri Madhvacharya. It is considered that Madhavacharya is present in this sacred peetha (Sarvajna Peetha) even now. Hence it is considered very sacred to receive prasadam from the paryaaya swami while seated here (at 2pm and 8 pm).

The exit from the math, on the northern side leads straight to dining hall on the right called chauki. Inside the chauki there is a small shrine of Hanuman. On the top floor of chauki is a dining hall for feeding pilgrims.

At the end of the passage is a hall known as Vasanta Mahal. This is the stage where recitations, lectures, discourses and other cultural programmes are organised.

To the West of Vasantha Mahal is a big hall called Badagu Malige which serve as administrative offices, and storeroom for provisions. To the east of Vasant Mandapa is the shrine of Lord Subramanya. To the east of this shrine is the cowshed (Goshala). Beyond the cowshed is located the stable for the temple elephant. On th northern side of Vasantha Mahal is the Vrindavana of the late swamis of Udupi Maths.

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Kattige Ratha - stock of fire wood arranged in the form of a huge chariot?needed for the two-year paryaaya term is located adjacent to Madhavasarovaram near the cow shed.

Madvasarorava : Adjacent to the main corridor through which the pilgrims enter the Krishna temple, there is the holy tank called Madvasarorava ( Madhava Pushkarani). The tank was originally known as Anantha Theertha, but after the Ganga descended into this tank for the sake of Madhvacharya, it came to be designated as Madhvasarovara The tank

has stone steps all round and a mandapam in the centre. Deities of Sri Krishnapur,Puttige and Kaniyoor mutts are worshipped here on the evening of Utthana Dwadasi. During Rathotsava nights Teppotsava take place in this tank. In the southwest corner of the tank is a shrine dedicated to Bhaagiirathi (Ganga) seated on a crocodile. It is believed that Ganges water flows in to this tank once in 12 years. For daily abhisheka of Sri Krishna water from this tank is used. The Swamijis have to bathe in this tank before they commence the worship at the shrine.

Timings / Darshan : Krishna is worshipped fourteen times a day by the paryaaya Swamiji and others. The rituals begin at dawn and go late into the night.

Puja Timing:

05-00 a.m. Nirmalya visarjana Puja 08-30 a.m. Alankara Puja06.00 a.m. Ushakala Puja 10-30 a.m. Avasara Sanakadi06.15 a.m. Akshya patra-Go Puja 11-00 a.m. Maha Puja06.30 a.m. Panchamrita Abhisheka 07-00 p.m. Chamara Seva07.00 a.m. Udvartana Puja 07-30 p.m. Ratri Puja07.30 a.m. Kalasha Puja 07-40 p.m. Ranga Puja07.40 a.m. Teertha Puja

All the dishes which are offered to Sri Krishna are offered to Hanuman also.

SRINGERI

Location: Sringeri is located amidst the Sahyadri hills in Chikmaglur district of Karnataka on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. The nearest railhead is Birur on the Bangalore - Pune railroad. The nearest airport is at Mangalore (150 km). Near Sringeri, are the Sringagiri hills, said to be the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa.

Sringeri is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centers in Karnataka, and is home to the Sarada Peetham established by the revered spiritual leader Aadi

Sankaracharya. Aadi Sankaracharya established the Sarada Peetham here in the 1st millennium CE, and installed an image of Sarada with a Sri Chakra in front of her, and started the Bharati Sampradaya to propagate the philosophy of non dualism. Sankara's disciple Sureshwaracharya was the first head of the Sringeri Peetham.

Vidyashankara of Vidyathirtha, who was the head of this Peetham for a period of 105 years from 1228 CE to 1333 CE is

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considered to be one of the greatest Gurus of this Peetham.

Vidyaranya who headed the peetham from 1331 CE to 1386 CE was another extraordinary leader, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire, which not only offered stiff resistance to the onslaught of destruction from the invading foreign armies, but also caused the flowering of literary works and great monuments throughout South India andthe preservation of the ancient temple traditions.

The Vidyashankara temple at Sringeri was built in memory of Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha by Vidyaranya, with the aid of the Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century.

The golden image of Sarada was also installed then at the Sarada temple. The temple also houses ruby images of Venugopala and Srinivasa and a Nandi made out of a large pearl. Several inscriptions are seen in the temple, describing contributions made by the Vijayanagar emperors.

This temple combines the Hoysala and Dravida architectural features. It stands on a richly sculptured basement. There are six doorways leading into the temple. The twelve pillars in the mandapam are named the Raasi pillars, and are so arranged that the sun's rays fall on each of them, in the order of the solar months.

Each column also has a large rearing lion, with non removable rolling stone balls in its mouth. A circular shikhara crowns the

sanctum. This temple also features 61 images carved in bas relief, of various scenes from the puranas. Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here. From across the river, this temple looks seated like a majestic swan.

The Saradamba Temple: Sarada Devi is enshrined seated on the Sri Chakra Peetham, holding a Japa Mala, with a parrot perched on the top of her hand. The original image of sandalwood was installed by Adi Sankaracharya, and it was replaced with a golden image, in the 14th century. The processional image of Saradamba is enshrined in the sourhern prakaram. There are also shrines to Shakti Ganapati and Bhuvaneswari here. There is also a shrine to Aadi Sankara here.Each Friday witnesses the procession of Saradamba in a silver chariot around the temple. The Navaratri festival season also witnesses processions of the processional image of Saradamba. Also in this temple are shrines to Shakti Ganapati, Mahishasuramardini and Rajarajeswari.

Also in Sringeri is the Janardhana temple, where carved in one of the niches of the sanctum is an image of Aadi Sankaracharya. Near this temple is the Brindavanam of Sureshwaracharya. At Rishyasringapuram on the banks of the Nandini river, enshrines Sringeswara. Legend has it that the sage Rishyasringa attained salvation here.

Tippu Sultan of Srirangapatna is believed to have made gifts to Sringeri for the conduct of the Sahasra Chandi Japa for the welfare of the country.

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SHAKATAPURAM

Shakatapuram is a religious place for Hindus located in the Koppa taluk of the state of Karnataka, India.[1] It is located near Sringeri and is situated on the banks of river Tunga. It is famous for a Hindu Math called Shri Vidya Peetam which is present at this place. Shakatapuram is also known by the name Bandigadi. The Kumbhabhishekam event held at this place attracts a number of devotees.

History: Historical records relating to the kingdom of Vijaynagar (14th/15th Centuries) throws light on the origins of the Math. Around 1378, Jagadguru Seo Satyatheertha left Badari and came down south in search of a place where he cound continue his dharmic activities undisturbed. He selected Bandigadi (now Shakatapuram) in the Koppa Taluka of ChickMandlore District. Initially the place was called 'Munoyoor' as the 'Muni'[Pending link] settled down there. The Brahmanabdapurana refers to Shakatapuram as the place where the sage Shakata attained salvation through penance. The Math when set up by Jagadguru Sathyatheertha waas called 'Muniyoor Math'

Jagadguru Seo Sathyatheertha installed an idol of Sri Lakshminarayana on the banks of the river. The place is now called

'Champika'. Ther precise date by which the idol was shifted to the present Math at Shakatapuram (100-200 mts from Champika) is not known. The Hindu Gods, Krishna, Raja Rajeshwari and Dattatreya are also worshipped here. The Math preaches the Advaita form of Hindu philosophy.

Current scenario : The current pontiff of the Math is Sri Krishananda Theertha who is the 33rd person to head this institution. He is a scholar in Sanskrit and Vedanta and he became the head of this institution at the age of 13. He started touring India in 1994, to spread his message of goodwill and spirituality amongst the people.

In 1962, Sri Sri Ramachandrananda Theertha, the then pontiff of the Math etablished a branch at Chennai.

HARIHARAPURA

This Adi Shankaracharya Sharada Lakshminarasimha Peetam and Sree Math is very ancient and has a history and lineage of over thousand years. Situated on the banks of river Tunga, at Hariharapura, which is 19km from Sringeri in Chikmagalur District, Karnataka. There are three specialties attributed to this holy land.

Yaga Bhoomi: Legend has it that it was here, Lord Dakshabrahma performed his

great Maha Yaga and hence even today, it is considered auspicious and effective to get various Homas, Yajans performed here. An exclusive Someswara Yagashala is constructed at Sreemath, Hariharapura where many families come and get their desired homas done and benefited.

Tapo Bhoomi: It is also said that it was here Sage Agastya had set up ashram and did penance worshipping the Saligrama of Sri Lakshmi

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Narasimhaswamy, which adores our main shrine at Sreemath, Hariharapura even today

Jnana Bhoomi: It is also said that later when Sri Adi Shankara visited this place, feeling the divinity in this holy land, he chose to install the Sri Chakara and idol of Sharadamba here.

The lineage of this Sreemath started from Sri Swayamprakasha Krishna Yogindra Saraswathi, gained its prominence during the previous Swamiji, Sri Swayamprakasha Abhinava Ramananda Saraswathi Swamiji, between 1939 and 1999 to our present Peetadhipathi, Parama Poojya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi Mahaswamiji who is 25th in this sacred line. Sri Swamiji is not only keen to maintain all old traditions and heritage, with great compassion to humanity works a lot to reach out to all people, not only spiritual but in areas like education health and general well being.

A RgVeda Patashala with about 20 students and 2 teachers is functioning at Sreemath. A Goshala is maintained with about 45 cows and calves. Sri Swamiji is also engaged in guiding 2 colleges, 2 high schools, one Saraswathi Seva Hospital and working hard to reach out to more and more people in many ways.

His Holiness has also founded Live Happily Foundation through which support to students for pursuing higher professional education, medical supports are extended and there are plans to create a spiritual tourism and learning center in the near future.

With all these, the need to create more infrastructures for those interested in spirituality and the guest house Sri Lakshmi Nivas is available for those who come here for performing sevas and wish to stay in a blissful and tranquil environment. Sreemath provides food for any one in the afternoon and night and plans are to create a large dining hall for this.

P N ViswanathanAdministrator, Sreemath, Hariharapura-577120, Chikmagalur, Dist. KarnatakaPhone: 08265 274458. Website: www.hariharapura.org Email: hariharapura@yahoo.com,hariharapura@gmail.com

DHARMASTHALA

Dharmasthala is perhaps the most highly revered and best known temple town in Karnataka. Located amidst the picturesque Western Ghats on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is about 100 km from Udupi and about 70km from Mangalore.

This holy place is the home of the Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, where devotees of all castes and creeds visit.

The temple is devoted to Shiva and houses a lingam of gold. The temple is unusual in that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Madhva priests. Everyone enjoys the generous hospitality without any distinction of caste, creed or class whatsoever. On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. A mechanized and clean kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims. There are guest

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houses with modern amenities. The temple is unique example of unity in diversity.

Legend: It has been told in Dharmasthala that the Shiva Lingam in Dharmasthala was brought to Dharmasthala by a man named Annappa. Legend is that he used to work for the Heggade family. Once when the Heggade he was serving wanted to worship Lord Shiva, Annappa had assured him to get one lingam and vanished from the sight. Surprisingly next day morning, by the time all woke up, he had already established the lingam in Dharmasthala, a few metres away from Heggade's house.Later it was known that the Lingam was from Kadri near Mangalore, from the Kadri temple. By then, Annappa had vanished and he was never again sighted in the vicinity. Now people in Dharmasthala worship Annappa as Annappa Panjurli, a local god deva and a hero.

Anna Daana: The average flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people everyday.Every one of the thousands of pilgrims who daily visit shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an honored guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status.The "Anna Daana"[free food] is perhaps one of the most impressive events that takes place at the holy temple.Free food is provided to devotees who come in thousands every day.The temple has modern machinery and makes quality food continuously through out the day. Temple does not differentiate between the rich and the poor for the Anna Dhaana.The dining hall is known as "Annapoorna"

Vidyadaana : Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala by the SDMCET Society manages a 25 institutions ranging from primary schools, Gurukula to teach yoga, Sanskrit, and professional courses in Engineering, Medicine, and Dental Sciences in Dharmasthala, Ujire, Mangalore, Udupi, Dharwad and other places of Karnataka state.

The Siddavana gurukula started by the Late Manjayya Heggade has become a

model educational institution. Over 250 students are provided free lodging and boarding and learn yoga, Sanskrit in addition to basic school curriculum. The specialty of this institution is its endeavor to teach values based on Indian Culture.

Aushadadaana : In the field of health care, the medical trust also provides services to eradicate and prevent many diseases in local villages. The mobile hospital established by poojya shri Heggade is fully equipped to deal with emergencies and to provide medical treatment to the rural folk in remote parts of the Malnad area. A modern tuberculosis sanitorium was built by Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Medical Trust to give relief to the patients of tuberculosis. It has since been converted into a general hospital. The Ayurvedic Hospitals at Udupi and Hassan provide Ayurvedic medicines as per the ancient text. The Nature Cure Hospital, built on the banks of the Netravathi River, uses a system based on the five elements of Air, Earth, Ether, Water and Light.

SDM Eye Hospital at Mangalore, is a modern scientific eye treatment centre. The SDM Dental Hospital serves regular dental needs and provides specialised treatments such as oral implants, surgery for cleft lip and other orthodontic surgeries.Shri Heggade has been actively involved in propagating the practice of Yoga, the ancient system of fitness. Surya Namaskara Camps are regularly organised where Yoga is taught. Further 250 high school teachers are trained in Yoga every year, who in turn teach at least 100 students each.

Abhayadaana: Free mass weddings which were started in 1972 have gained popularity. Every year hundreds of couples are getting married (Saamoohika Vivaha mahotsava) here.

A temple near Dharmasthala : The present head of Dharmasthala, Padmashri Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the 21st in succession to the Dharmadhikari Peetha, has lived up to the great tradition. He has

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not only continued to uphold the sacred tradition, but carried out his ancestral heritage to a greater height. In doing so he has also achieved remarkable progress in his service to mankind. For over 25 years, Sri Veerendra Heggade has endeared himself by dedicating himself to the service of God and man in religious, cultural and educational fields. He has launched several socio-economic programmes, which have directly benefited the poor. Free mass weddings which were started in 1973 have gained immense popularity over the years. This is a boon to those poor people who cannot afford weddings on their own.

In 1973 a statue of Lord Bahubali carved out of a single rock, was installed at Dharmasthala on a low hill near the Manjunatha temple. It was about 39 foot (12 m) high and weighed about 175 tonnes.

More than 25 institutions from primary schools to professional colleges are run in and around Dharmasthala . Old and decrepit temples have been renovated, taking care to preserve the traditional architecture. Ancient manuscripts and paintings have been painstakingly restored and preserved for posterity. A museum of beautiful antique objects, which is both educative and fascinating, has been established. A car museum houses a rare collection of vintage cars. Every year, a Sarva Dharma Sammelan (multi religious meet) is held at Dharmasthala, which attracts spiritual leaders from various faiths and schools, and patrons of art and literature, from far and wide.

This is also among of the few pilgrim centers in India which provides free boarding and lodging to all the visiting devotees. The exponentially increasing number of visitors is a proof of the good work being done here.

UPPINANGADI - Shri Sahasralingeshwara Temple

Uppinangadi is a town in the Dakshina Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. It is surrounded by the Kumaradhara River on one side and Nethravathi on the other. When the town's two surrounding rivers rise during the rainy season and meet, this is called the "Sangam," which is a Sanskrit word for confluence. The Sangam is a major event as people from the surrounding villages crowd the river banks to witness the merge.

In 1923 the town of Uppinangadi was washed out due to excessive flooding, and its courts were moved to Puttur. Severe flooding also occurred in 1974. The town of Uppinangadi is situated at an altitude of 53 meters.

History: Before bridges were established across the rivers, Uppinangadi was the sole link to the Ghat section from the city of Mangalore (known locally as Mangaluru). Boats would carry goods from Mangalore and unload it at Uppinangadi. From here, cargo would be transported either by bullock carts or other means of transport to places such as Hassan and Sakleshpura. It is possible that this is the origin of the town's name, from the same carts (gadi) carrying salt (uppu) to other places.

Uppinangadi Shri sahasralingeshwara temple is known as dakshina kashi

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KARKALA

Karkala has its history from the earliest 10th century; the time ancient Kings ruled over here and then came the Jains who ruled there for about 300 years, due to this reason this place is also known as Jain Thirtha. The landscape is surrounded by thick green forests, black rocks, roofed houses with wells, and lots more.

Original Identity : If there is one thing that symbolises the sunny and serene town of Karkala in Udupi district, it is the black stone. It is prevalent everywhere - in the rocky hills, in the monolithic statue of the Jain saint Bahubali, in the numerous basadis and temples found all over the town. In fact the name of the town, ‘Karkal’ is derived from ‘kari-kallu’ meaning black stone in Kannada. The town nestles in the backdrop of the Western Ghats. There are different names by which this place has been called. Tulus, Jains and Kannadigas call this place as KARLA.Muslims and Konkanis call it KARKALA.Christians call it KARKOL.

Ancient Legends: The Alupas were the first to rule here. Then came the Santaras who were the feudatories of Alupas for a long time. Karkala or ancient Pandya Nagari attained political and cultural importance from the time of Kalasa-Karkala kingdom that was established by Bhairarasa Odeyas between 13th and 16th centuries. The Bhairarasas appear to be the descendants of the Santara chiefs who ruled the western ghats region around the 11th century A.D.

The royal family of Karkala shot to prominence right from the time of the Hoysalas. During the Vijayanagara period

this family reached new heights of glory. Their kingdom extended over a wider area comprising Sringeri, Koppa, Balehonnur and Mudigere in Chikamagalur and most of the Karkala taluk. They were rich and maintained a big and strong army. Despite engaging in wars, peace prevailed in the kingdom and this led to increased cultural activity and development.

If Karkala today is a place of tourist delight, the credit should go to the successive kings who developed it. The first important king was Veera Bhairava, who constructed basadis at Karkala and endowed land and money to numerous temples and basadis. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons. Ramanatha died during his father’s time. In his memory, a scenic lake called Ramasamudra was created. This lake still survives in all its glory.

King Veera Pandya, at the insistence of his Guru Lalitakeerti, the pontiff of Karkala Jaina Math, installed the most beautifully carved gigantic statue of Bahubali on the rocky hill of Karkala. The date of the installation has been ascertained as February 13, 1432. This is the icon of the town and a visit to Karkala is incomplete without a visit to this hillock. Veera Pandya also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436.

Abinava Pandya ascended the throne next and it was he who installed the most beautifully carved manastambha in front of the Neminatha Basadi in Hiriyangadi in 1457 A.D. Hiriyangadi is a small village in Karkala taluk. This nondescript but idyllic village nestling below the Western Ghats attracts an occasional visitor with an eye

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for architectural grandeur. More than the basadi it is the intricately carved 54 feet pillar in front of the Basadi that speaks highly of the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. The Neminatha Basadi was renovated in 1946. An oriental school with free boarding and lodging facilities is being run here by the Bhujabali Brahmacharya Ashrama.

Abhinava Pandya’s successor was Pandya VI. He built the famous Kere Basadi, in the middle of a picturesque lake called Anekere in 1545 A.D. It is in this lake that the king’s elephants used to bathe. Both the majestic Basadi and the lake still exist in all their majesty.The next important king was Immadi Bhairava (Bhairava II). He constructed the famous Chaturmukha Basadi on top of a small rocky hill in 1586 A.D. The Basadi has four identical entrances from the four quarters leading to the Garbagriha and hence is popularly known as Chaturmukha Basadi. This is the most celebrated structural temple in Karkala and is referred to in inscriptions as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama. The Chaturmukha Basadi is built in the form of a square mandapa or hall with a lofty doorway and pillared portico on each of its four sides and a pillared verandah. The roof is flat and is made of massive granite slabs. It has lifesize statues of three theerthankaras and small images of 24 theerthankaras. It took 30 years to build this temple. In all, there are 108 pillars inside and outside the temple.

There are 18 basadis of antiquity including Mahaveera Basadi, Chandranathaswamy Basadi, Adinathaswamy Basadi, Ananthanatha Basadi, Guru Basadi and Padmavathi Basadi. But Karkala is not famous for Jain basadis alone. The rulers of Karkala were tolerant and patronising towards other religions. The temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana are of considerable antiquity and testimony to the tolerance of the rulers of Karkala. There are other important temples like

Mahamaya Mukhyaprana temple and Adi Shakti Veerabhadra temple. Karkala also boasts of the highly venerated St Lawrence Church built in 1845 in a village called Attur where people of all religions congregate every year in January for the feast of St Lawrence.

World Heritage Site and A Divine Centre: Karkala is a town of historical importance and a famous pilgrim centre for Jains. The famous single stone 42-foot (13 m) statue Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) is located about 1 km from the center of the town and is the second tallest in Karnataka . There are about 18 Jain basadis here. The Bahubali statue is the second tallest in the State. This monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali was installed at Karkala on February 13, 1432 on the instructions of the pontiff of Karkala, Lalitakeerti. You can find several other temples, mosques and churches in and around Karkala. Several jain temples were constructed namely Chaturmukha Thirthankara Basadi, Hiriyangaddi Neminatha Basadi and Anekere Padmavathi Basadi. All of these sites mentioned are listed in Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India.

The other statues of Bahubali in the state are at Shravanabelagola installed by Chamundaraya, which is 57 feet tall, at Venur installed by Timmaraja, which is 35 feet (11 m) tall, and at Dharmasthala installed by D. Veerendra Heggade, which is 39 feet (12 m) tall.

Fairs and Festivals: MahamasthakabhishekamOnce in every 12 years, lakhs of Jain devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a ceremony where the Gommateshwara statue is bathed and anointed with milk, water, and saffron paste and sprinkled with sandal wood powder, turmeric, and vermilion. The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in February 2002, and the next will be in 2014 A.D. Also an annual Rathotsava is held in February month.

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KUKKE SUBRAMANYA & KUKKE SRI ABHAYA GANAPATHI

Kukke Subramanya is a Hindu temple located in the small, rural village of Subramanya in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, about 105 km from Mangalore. This temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in India. Here the God Subrahmanya is worshipped for his divine power as a snake as the epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes found safety under God Subrahmanya

Pilgrims going to the Temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River, taking a holy bath in it before they go on to the temple to have darshan. The devotees enter the courtyard from behind and walk around to go before the idol. There is Garuda pillar covered with silver between the sanctuary and the portico entrance. It is believed that the pillar was charmed and planted there to shield the devotees from the poison flames streaming from the breath of Vasuki who resides inside. Devotees circle the pillar. Beyond the pillar is the outer hall and then the inner hall and after that the sanctuary of Sri Subrahmanya. In the center of sanctuary is a pedestal. On the upper dais stands the idol of Sri Subrahmanya and then the idol of Vasuki and somewhat lower the idol of Shesha. Devotions to these deities take place daily.

Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha (according to belief, a person either in this birth or any of his previous births can be afflicted by the sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) either knowingly or un-knowingly through many ways). Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by the

astrologers /horoscope writers to perform this pooja for their well being. Pooja can be done either by the person afflicted if he is a male and married, or through a priest. Due to the wide belief in the snake god in the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala, this pooja is performed by people from all faiths.

Kukke Subramanya is on the bank of river Dhara. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy came to this place after killing the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (a battle-axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. From this onwards the river is famous as Kumaradhara. After his battle with the demons Lord Kumaraswamy came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. He was received by Lord Indra along with other Gods; pleased by the success of the war Indra prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. This was agreed upon courteously and the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara on 'Margashira Shudda Shashti'. Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance here.

Vasuki prayed to the Lord to stay along with him permanently at this place and the Lord granted him this boon. From that time it is believed that the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki. Every year a famous car festival is being held here on 'Margashira Shuddha Shashti' with special poojas to the Lord.

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Just a few minutes from the Kukke Subramanya temple, we stopped at the Kukke Sri Abhaya Ganapati temple. A huge Ganesha, 21 feet tall, blesses the devotees. This is a newly constructed

temple and the Ganesha Idol is very beautiful as are the huge and majestic bells in front of the deity. Next to this temple, is the temple of Goddess Vanadurga.

KATEEL - Durga Parameshwari Temple

Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is about 29 kilometers away from Mangalore and is considered one of the holiest temple towns in Hinduism. The main attraction of the town is the temple of Sri Durga Parameshwari.

The holy temple is situated on an islet in the middle of the sacred river Nandini amidst panoramic scenes and fascinating greenery. Thousands of devotees visit Kateel every day to seek blessings from goddess Durga Parameshwari.

There is a story behind this spiritual place. A severe drought once hit this place and it did not rain for years. Even Brahmins were forced to eat meat and people were on the verge of giving up their principles. The great Sage Jabali was disturbed by this situation. Through his 'Jnana Drishti' (divine vision), Jabali realized the root cause of all this. He found that Arunasura, the 'rakshasa', who had escaped from death and fled when Goddess Durga killed Shambasura, had increased his life span by following the teachings of his Guru. He had forcefully stopped people from performing any yagas or yajnas as a revenge against the 'devas', and this has resulted in drought and scarcity for years.

Jabali wanted to put an end to human sufferings and decided to perform a yajna to please the devas. He requested Devendra to permit him to take

Kamadhenu, the holy cow, for the yajna. Devendra asked Jabali to take Kamadhenu's daughter Nandini instead. Nandini refused to accompany Jabali to earth since evil was predominant there. After a lot of arguments, Jabali, in his anger, cursed that she be born as a river on earth. Realizing her mistake, Nandini prayed for mercy. Relenting, Jabali advised her to pray to Goddess Durga to redeem her from the curse, Nandini appealed to Goddess Durga who appeared to her and informed her that though Nandini would be born as a river in fulfillment of the curse, she, Durga herself, would be born as Nandini's daughter at the center of the river, and in the process, Nandini would attain purification. On Magha shudda Poornima, Nandini emerged as a river from Kanakagiri. Jabali performed his yajna. The devas were pleased and the earth was once again happy.

Elsewhere Arunasura acquired a boon from Brahma that he would not suffer death from any two legged or four legged being or from any weapon. Brahma also powered him with the Gayatri Mantra. After acquiring these powers, Arunasura defeated the devas and conquered heaven. The Devas prayed Goddess Durga for help.

One day Goddess appeared in Arunasura's garden as a beautiful woman. Seeing the lady, Arunasura approached

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her. The beautiful lady reminded him that she had killed Shambasura and from whom Arunasura had escaped death. Arunasura got angry and tried to kill the woman with sword. The Goddess suddenly turned into a stone. Arunasura slashed the stone with the sword, then a vast swarm of bees emerged from the stone and stung him.

The bees (dhumbi) stung him repeatedly till his last breath. Devas led by Jabali performed abhisheka with tender coconut

water and requested the Bramarambhika (Queen of the bees) to bless the world. Goddess Durga then appeared in her 'Soumya Roopa' (calm form) in the middle of the river, where the present structure of the temple imparts its glory to the world. In Tulu language, 'Kati' means 'center' (midway between the 'Kanakagiri' the place where the river was born, and the end, Pavanje, where the river joins the sea) and 'lla' means area. Thus the place is called 'Kati + lla' Kateel.

MANGALORE TEMPLES

Gokarnanatha

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple It is situated 3 Km. away from main Nehru Maidan Bus Stand. Recently this temple has been renovated and now it is one of the tourist attraction places in Mangalore.

Kadri Manjunatha

Kadri Temple The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore. It is said to be built during the 10th or 11th century. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian Temples.It is believed that Parashurama who was living in Sahyadri, killed the kshathriyas who were cruel and donated the lands to Kashyapa. He prayed to Lord Shiva for a place to live. Lord Shiva assured Parashurama that if he performed a penance at Kadali kshethra, Lord Shiva would reincarnate as Manjunatha for the betterment of the world.

Mangaladevi

Mangaladevi Temple : The place name Mangalapura (now Mangalore) owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. Situated in Bolar about 3 kms from Hampankatta (the heart of the city), the temple has its roots into the ninth century. The ardent devotees even today believe that the worship of Mangaldevi brings them prosperity and happiness. This temple was excavated by King Kundavarma, the most famous king of Ahepa dynasty with help from sages named Machendranatha and Gorakanatha from Nepal.

Maha Maya Temple: This temple has a history of about 2000 years and is the abode of the incarnation of Goddess Kali.Venkatramana Temple : This Temple: Is one of the very old temples of Mangalore situated on the Carstreet where Lord Srinivasa is the presiding deity popularly known as Venkatarama.Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple: Mangalore is known as a pilgrim center and boasts of many sacred temples like Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, Kudroli etc. Out of these Sri Sharavu Sharabeshwara - Sri Mahaganapathy Kshetra is an outstanding, pious center of great illustrious history of marathon 800 years.

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