Famous temples in Mangalore
UDUPI SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE
Famous temples in Mangalore: Very few know that Mangalore is the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka and are often mistaken for Udupi district. Popularly known for its beaches and coastal food, Mangalore is also home to many heritage temples. The chief port city of Karnataka, Mangalore is named after the Hindu Goddess Mangaladevi. Mangalore has a temple of Goddess Mangla Devi and pilgrims flock to the temple from all over. Travel to Mangalore or Dakshina Kannada not just for beaches but also for temples. Here, the temple tour is not for pilgrims alone, it fascinates the travelers who are interested in history, architecture, and learning about the heritage. Famous temples in Mangalore like Murudeshwara, Manjunatha temple, Mookambika Temple, and Sri Krishna Temple top the list on any itinerary, however, there are many other temples which one must visit.
Shri Mangaladevi Temple
The city Mangalore is named after the Hindu Goddess Durga or Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi. Home for the deity Managaladevi, this temple is of great significance among South Indians. Believed to be a very powerful pilgrimage, Mangaladevi Temple is also popular amongst architecture and heritage lovers. The temple is believed to have been built in the 9th Century by the then King Kundavaram of the Alupa dynasty, under the patronage of Matsyendranath. It is also believed that this temple of significant antiquity was built by Pasrashurama one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and was expanded later by Kundavarman.
Gokarnanath Temple, Kudroli
KUDROLI GOKARNANATHESHWARA TEMPLE
Built-in 1912, this temple is dedicated to Gokarnatha, a form of Lord Shiva is one of the most beautiful temples of the time. Built-in the Chola Gopuram style, the temple is famous for its Dasara festivities which are celebrated with grandeur. There is a procession every year of Goddess Durga along with all other 9 forms of Durgas during Navaratri. The celebration at this temple is also a synonym for Mangalore Dasara. The main temple is surrounded by various smaller temples of gods and goddesses like Annapoorneswari, Subramanya, Anandabhairava, Navagraha, Mahaganapathi, and Shaneeshwara.
Sri Manjunatha Temple, Kadri
Believed to be one of the oldest temples in south India, Sri Manjunatha Temple dates back to the 11th or maybe 10 century. Famous for its stunning architecture and heritage, the temple houses a 5 feet bronze idol of lord Lokeshwar or Manjunatheshwar. Resting at the base of lush green Kadri hills, the temple’s architecture has a Buddhist influence in a legendary Vijayanagara style. The temple is also a home for idols of other gods like Ganesha, Durga, Machendranath, Shringinath, Manjushri, Gorakanath, Lokeshwara, and Buddha. The Sri Manjunatha Temple can be visited throughout the year, however, during the festivals like Karthik Masa, Ganesha Chaturthi, Kadiruthsava, and Navrathri the celebration and festivities are filled with great enthusiasm.
Thousand Pillars Jain Temple
1000 PILLAR TEMPLE MOODABIDRI
Just about 37 km away from Mangalore, Thousand Pillars Jain Temple dates back to 1430 AD and is nearly 560 years old. Dedicated to renowned Jain Saint Sh Chandranath, the temple is situated in Moodabidri and is one of the must-see places while you are on a Spiritual tour or otherwise in this city. A blend of Vijayanagara style and Nepalese style of architecture, the temple is historically beautiful with carved pillars and an inner sanctum hall. The sanctum hall has a 2.5 mts high bronze idol of Lord Chandranatha swami. Thousand Pillars Jain Temple is a must to visit as it is a classic specimen of ancient heritage with carved 1000 pillars, ceilings, and walls.
Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
One of the most popular, calm, and relaxing temples in south India is the Sharavu Mahaganapathi temple in Mangalore. An 800 years old temple has two shrines namely lord Shiva and Lord Ganapathi and is crowded throughout the year but majorly during the ‘Shravan’ month of Hindu Mythology and Ganesh Chathurthi. The architecture and the interiors of the temple will leave you in awe. The idols of other deities like Kadri, Sharavu, Kudroli, and Mangaladevi are also nestled in this temple.
How to reach
Mangalore can be reached easily by air, road, and train. The city is connected very well with all the major cities of the country. Mangalore also has an international airport.
By Air: Mangalore airport is well connected with Gulf countries, South East Asia, and the rest of India. The airport is just 18 km from the CBD area.
By Train: Mangalore is directly connected via rail with Bangalore which in turn is connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Tip: Explore the journey from Bangalore to Mangalore via Vistadome coach.
By Road: The KSRTC bus services are good and ply between major cities in Karnataka and are well connected from Bangalore, Mysore, etc.
Mangalore is often called one of the favorite Spiritual destinations in India for its unique, ancient, and historical temples. An itinerary of 5-6 days will be ideal to include other attractions like beaches and coastal food to make it a perfect and memorable holiday.
Image courtesy : Manoj Kumar
