Temples in Mangalore

Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Situated on the heart of the city Hampankatta, it is one of the famous ancient temples of South Kanara District. The origin and importance of the temple is narrated in skanda purana. Sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the principal deities in the temple. The chief God Sharabheshwara situated in front of the temple but the popular Mahaganapaty attracts devotees is situated to the south of the temple. Vinayaka Chathurthy August-September Simha Maasa is most important festival for Mahaganapathy. But the utsavas starting from Chandramana Ugadi continues for 9 days in the main annual festival for Sharabheshwara. In Karthika Maasa the annual deepotsava takes place and lasts for two days.

Gokarnatheshwara Temple

Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shree Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. Shree Narayana Guru had visited Mangalore in 1912 and expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for themselves. It is located on the Kulur ferry Road which is now knH Koragapapa, who had who had invited the great social reformer, took the initiative and responsibility of building this temple which now stands out among the various temples of Dakshina Kannada for its sheer grandeur and a look at it will remind you of the temple towns of Tamilnadu. The land on which the temple is built was earlier used by Tipu Sultan to graze his war horses. Hence the name Kudre-vali, which over the years came to be known as Kudroli.

Sri Venkataramana Temple

Situated at Car-street in downtown Mangalore City, which is just 1.5 km distance from Hampankatta area, Sri Venkataramana Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkataramana who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple belongs to Gowda Saraswatha Committee and a spot where a temple is situated is well known as Temple Square. Mangalore Rathotsava (Car Festival) is a famous festival occasion of this temple, and Mangaloreans participate in this festival without any discrepancy of caste, creed and religion for the Grace of Lord Venkataramana.

Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple 

Kadri temple being one of the ancient historical temple dating back about 1068 A.D. is very interesting place. The scenic beauty of the Kadri hills, the presence of the pre-historic caves cut into the laterite mounds and the historical and religious importance of the Manjunatha temple lend particular enchantment to this centre. On the Kadri Hill is situated the biggest centre of the Natha Pantha (cult) in South India. The caves of Kadri hill have to be archeologically examined. Situated just 4 km distance from the heart of the Mangalore City, a convenient public transport facility is available to reach temple. There are frequent bus facility and auto rickshaws at reasonable fare available. For new visitors these auto rickshaws (three wheeler motor vehicles) are convenient mean of transport.

Mangaladevi Temple 

Sri Mangaladevi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi situated in the Bolar town near Hampankatta, in the heart of the city of Mangalore. Mangalore is named after this deity. This temple originated in the ninth century is very famous even to this day. Many devotees throng to the temple seeking the Mothers blessings.

The temple is famous for the Mangaladhara Vrata or Swayamvara Parvathi Pooja, where maidens pray for good husband, and good life and have their wishes fulfilled.Festivals like Navarathri or Dasara are very grandly celebrated. On the Ashtami (eighth day) all weapons are worshiped. On the Mahanavami (ninth day of Dasara) Rathothsava is conducted and the procession visits the Marnamikatte. 

The temple is about 3 Kms to the South West of Hampankatta (heart of the Mangalore city). Many Auto rickshaws and buses ply to the temple.

Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kankanadi

Shree Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra is a religious place at Garodi in Kankanadi and is of much significance to the Billava community. This temple is deicated to the twin cultural heroes Koti-Chennaya who lived in the 17th century is belonging to the Billawa community.

Ananthapadmanaba Temple - Kudupu
This temple is situated in Kudupu village, which is 10 Kms away from Mangalore City, in the Mangalore-Moodabidri route. This temple is dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabha (another form of Lord Vishnu) and famous for serpent worship. Annual festival Shashti is a famous religious ceremony falls in December. Also Nagarapanchami, a worship of sacrificing the milk to Lord Naga is celebrated with great devotion. Ashlesha Bali is one of the important Seva in the temple. Excepting days of Ekadashi and Annual Festival occasion in all other days this seva can be performed. This seva begins in the evening 5'o clock and end up in around 6.30 p.m. Since there will be a heavy rush for the seva on Ashlesha Nakshatra Day the seva will continue till 11.00 p.m. Only on that day a night meal will be offered to the devotees and participants. Giving individual attention to the participants of this seva is the specialty of this Kshetra.

Sri Gopalakrishna Temple, Shaktinagar

The temple complex spreads over 1.5 acres, is in accordance with Vasthu principles and also in adherence to the purity practices followed in the building of temples in the bygone era. The whole structure of the entrance gateway at the temple is Aestheically designed in chaste Tamil Nadu style.

The 108 steps on either sides of the temple complex converge in the temple precincts and on the either side of the path one can have a glimpse of the Ashtothara Shathanamas of Lord Sri Krishna. The temple is an architectural splendor in itself with specially designed pillars roofing. The two stairways with 108 steps each on either sides of the temple complex converges in the temple precincts. As you climb up, one can have a glimpse of the Ashtothara Shathanamas of Lord Krishna. The temple is an architectural splendor in itself, with specially designed pillars and roofs.

This new holy Mandir is just 5 km away from K.S.R.T.C. Bus terminus, 5 km away from Mangalore Central railway station and 25 km from Bajpe Airport.

Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple

Kateel is a sacred place for Hindus in Dakshina Kannada. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. The holy temple is situated in the middle of the sacred river. The temple surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries. The devotees overwhelmed with pious emotions when they glance at the flowing water in the river, which embraces all around the lower layer of the temple. Kateel is 29 K.M. distances from Mangalore city. Annadana (Free meals to the devotees and visitors): This sevas performed with great devotion everyday to all the visitors and devotees. Free meals are offered to devotees and visitors every noon and night. Devotees accept these meals with great devotion and treat this as a grace of Goddess Shree Durga Parameshwari. Yearly around 10 lakhs of people visits and have a meal. Anybody can contribute to this sevas in the form of money or physical service. Yakshagana (folk play/drama): Since Goddess Shree Durga Parameshwari likes very much dance and music, a play team dedicated exclusively for this cultural activity performs Yakshagana (folk play) depicting the miraculous power and grace of Goddess. How to reach the temple: Mangalore-Bajpe-Kateel:- 25 K.M. distance. Travelers should take turn towards Bajpe in Mangalore KSRTC Bus stand. Udupi-Mulki-Kinnigoli-Kateel:- 45 K.M. distance. Travelers should take turn to Kinnigoli direction in Mulki stop on the Udupi-Mangalore national highway. Moodabidri-Kinnigoli-Kateel: 22 K.M. distance Travelers should take turn near Guruvayanakere towards Moodabidri in Dharmasthala - Mangalore national highway. B.C.Road-Kaikamba-Bajpe-Kateel: 35 K.M. distance Travelers should take turn in B.C.Road towards Kaikamba in Mangalore-Bangalore national highway.

Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple

This temple is situated in the bank of Shambhavi River at Bappanadu village of Mulki town. It is 29 K.M. north to Mangalore following National Highway No.17. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Shree Durgaparameshwari. The place Bappanadu means Bappa's village. As per the legend Bappa a Muslim merchant is responsble for temple construction. Annual festival (Brahma Rathotsava) of the temple falls in the month of April. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum) is well known and There is a large drum that is kept in the side of the temple. Beating of the drums during annual festival of the temple is an important factor of celebration. Bappanadu Dolu is well known for it's beating all over Karnataka. We can't compare the number of drums with temples elsewhere in Karnataka. Beating of the drums while local rulers and landlords visiting the temple during festival was an age-old tradition. During annual festival time a certain community empowered to participate in beating of drums perform this service to the deity with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Someshwara Somanatha Temple

This famous Somanatha Temple is situated around 17 Kms away from Mangalore. Its also called as Ullal Someshwara Temple since it is in Ullal. Here there are mainly two festivals celebrated, namely Shivarathri in February and the Annual festival in May. Here is a view of the temple from outside. This temple is situated on the rocks. And it has a beautiful beach on the other side. Its really a romantic place to visit. Here is a view of the beach from the temple. Most of the people come here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the temple. And moreover the beach, its simply superb. But don't enter the water as it is very risky to do so. Just relax on the rocks and enjoy the sunset during the evenings. The beach has some huge rocks intruding into the sea, and getting lashed by the angry waves. So do not venture into the sea. It is treacherous. Watch it from a safe distance.

Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Temple

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

Thousand Pillar Basadi

Here is the world’s unique and magnificent Jain temple, The Thousand Pillar Basadi, which is located in the main city, and which lends particular enchantment to the city of Moodbidri. The 1000 Pillar Basadi is a marvelous magnificent place of worship of the Jains. The temple was constructed in 3 stages. In its 1st stage in 1430 A.D, the Main Building, which forms the 1st main part of the temple, which houses the idol of Chandranatha Swamy (Theertankara, who is the temple deity) was constructed. In the 2nd stage of construction, which began in 1451 A.D, the Bhairadevi Mantapa, which is the 2nd main part of the temple, was constructed. It was also constructed by the local well to do merchants. The 3rd stage of construction began in 1462 A.D, when Nagala Devi, wife of King Bhairava, who was a Jain ruler, decided to construct the Manasthambha, which constitutes the 3rd main part of the temple. There is inscriptional evidence of the 3 stages of construction on the walls of the Main Building. The Main Building, which houses the idol of the deity, is the most beautiful part of the temple. The Bhairadevi Mantapa is the most ornate part, which has 48 pillars with beautiful carvings on them. The Manasthambha, is a sacred pillar of the Jains, and thus is found only in Jain temples. After the 3 stages of construction got complete, the local people attributed the construction of the Mantapa also to the wife of King Bhairava (Nagala Devi), and thus the Mantapa came to be known as Bhairadevi Mantapa.The idol of Chandranatha Swamy is a 9 feet solid Panchaloha idol, which is one of the biggest Panchaloha idols in South India. The Manasthambha, is a solid structure of over 50 feet, which happens to be one of the tallest sacred pillar of Jains in South India. Starting from the entrance, the entire temple can be divided into 7 distinct parts, which are as follows: 1.Mnasthambha 2.Bhairadevi Mantapa 3.Gaddige Mantapa (Also known as Chitradevi Mantapa) 4.Namaskara Mantapa 5.Theerankara Mantapa 6.Lakshmi Mantapa 7.Garbha-Griham (the sanctum-sanctorum) It takes 30 - 45 min. of travel from Mangalore.

Sri Devi Annapoorneshwari Temple-Kodyadka

The Hosanadu Kodyadka Temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari is situated in Puttige village of Mangalore Taluk. It is located at a distance of 35 km from Mangalore. The Hosanadu Kodyadka temple is surrounded by evergreen woods rich in natural beauty, with abundance of flora and fauna. The temple premises is spread about 4 acres of land. Hosanadu Kodyadka has the distinction of being the only seat of Goddess Annapoorneshwari in the Dakshina Kannada district. The holy seat of the Goddess Annapoorneshwari attracts devotees from different parts of the state whose visit is satisfied with a sense of life's fulfillment with the vision of the Goddess in her most beautiful image in the Temple. The inaugural of the Temple and installation ceremony was held on May 03, 1996 with the holy presence of His Holiness Sri Vishwesha Thirtha Swamiji of Pejavara Mutt, Udupi. The height of the image of Goddess Annapoorneshwari is about 62 inches tall and made out of Panchaloha. The Annual Car Festival of the temple is celebrated on 1st of May every year. The uniqueness of Hosanadu Kodyadka temple is; it houses a zoo in the temple premises which has varieties of animals, birds, peacocks, turkeys, deer, rabbits, monkeys, stags, elephant, bull and horses. Its rare to find animals in temples other than elephants. The other attraction of Hosanadu Kodyaka temple is 71 feet tall statue of Sanjivini Hanumanta.

Polali Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple

Shri Rajarajeshwari temple is located at Polali in Kariyangala Village of Bantwal Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka State. Shri Kshetra Polali is in the heart of this village surrounded by high hillocks and wide paddy fields. River Phalguni flows from east on the northern side a furlong way from the temple. It turns left towards south at the back of the temple in the Western side. This place was being called as Pural and the deity in the temple was known as Porala Devi in several old records and ancient epigraphs available. Puliapura is its Sanskrit version. In Kannada this is called Polali. It is believed that King Suratha got the temple constructed, installed the image and placed his own crown on the head of the image. This is an ancient temple. This temple has been alluded to in the Ashokan inscriptions and in the reports of the foreign travelers who visited India. Queen Chennammaji of Keladi visited Polali and got a grand chariot constructed for the temple. Being a pilgrimage Centre, Polali attracts travelers and tourists with its natural scenic beauty and serenity. Polali Chendu is a unique festival in this temple, which will be performed during annual festival of the temple. Football Game (well known as Polali Chendu) during the Annual festival: This festival of football commences when there are seven days to the avabritha. This football festival continues for five days. This game during the temple festival is very popular. Members of a particular cobbler family at Mijar prepare this leather ball. The members of the oil miller family of 'Kadapu Karia' bring the leather ball from Mijar. On their way back they come to the house of Malali Ballal. They first place the ball in the cow dung washed front yard of the house and inform them the date of the football festival. In the evening members of the Gutthu families occupy their seats on both sides of the front gopuram. The members of the oil miller family then place the ball and a palm leaf umbrella in the gopuram. Then the person authorized to throw the ball arrives there wearing his headgear. He then offers prayers to the deity in the presence of the members of the Gutthu. Afterwards the members of the Gutthu families go to the 'Sultan Katte' near the football field and wait there. The honorable person authorized to throw the ball then comes to football field with all honours. He throws the ball and game begins. When the ball reaches either the southern or northern bund of the field the ball is again given to the authorized person to be thrown again. All together the ball is thrown three times. This procedure is repeated for five days. When three games are over the person authorized to throw the ball returns with it to the temple and occupies his seat in the gopuram and some specified persons are offered betal leaves and areca nuts and honoured in the presence of the head of Gutthus. This festival is conducted with great pomp and gaiety. The final football festival of Polali is very How to reach the temple: There are frequent busses plying from State bank bus stand (Hampankatta, Mangalore) to B.C.Road via Polali temple. It is 19 K.M. from Mangalore. New visitors for quick transit can catch a service bus from Mangalore up to Kaikamba (via Gurupura) and from Kaikamba another bus service having stop at Polali temple.

Karinjeshwara Temple

Sri Karinjeshwara temple is situated at a place called Karinja of Kavalamudur village in Bantwal taluk. It is located at a distance of 35 km from Mangalore and 14 km from Bantwal. The Karinjeshwara temple stands high on the hill amidst beautiful surroundings. The view of the lake below the hill will cool one's eyes. The Karinjeshwara Temple at Karinja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Every year on the event of Shivaratri, the festival is celebrated here with great devotion; this festival attracts large masses of people. How to get there by Road: Karinja is well connected by roads. This place can be located at a distance of 2 km from a place called Vagga on Mangalore - Belthangady route.

Narahari Sadashiva Temple

Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple is located at a distance of 28 km from Mangalore in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Narahari Parvatha is surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries. This is one of the oldest temples and it is located on the top of the hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One has to climb the hill to reach this temple. It is believed that Nara and Hari, incarnations of Lord Vishnu were supposed to have performed the penance at this place. There are ponds atop of the hill in the shape of Shanka (Conch), Chakra (Wheel), Gadha (Weapon) and Padma (Lotus). It is also believed that taking a holy dip in these ponds on Monday of the Karthika month is considered to be sacred.

Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Temple

Shri Vinayaka Shankara Narayana Temple at Shri Kshethra Nandavara in Sajipa Munnur of Bantwal Taluk is the Sanctum-Sanctorum of thousands of devotees spread over this sacred and spiritual land. Change is the order of time. With the passage of time everything changes as per this natures rule and natural deterioration automatically sets in. Inspite of this natural deterioration the Kshethra's has maintained its OLD GLORY through its numerous religion and social activities highlighting the Kshethra's committment to its thousands of devotees spread across the coasts of sacred Nethravathi. The newly built all purpose "NANDA DEEPA" AUDITORIUM, "AKHAYA, NEYHRAVATHI", which caters to the Mid-day meals "ANNAPOORNA" the spacious new Bhojanashala "The Community Tower", have all added new glory to the historically famous Kshethra. It is the ardent belief of the Devotees of the Kshethra that the "Serving Community is Serving God" that there is no better way of serving God than serving community. 'Janata Seve Janardhana Seve' has been redefined in the Kshethra literally, through community friendly schemes like "FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP CAMP", the most novel, unique and much admired programme 'YOUR SCHOOL - OUR HELP' that have caught the imagination of one and all - winning the multi and rightly deserved acclaim for the innovative social committment and gestures.

Sri Gurudevadatta Samsthanam Odiyoor

Ganagapura is the merited location and a holy land where Datta philosophy originated. We may make a mention of Odiyoor Datta Kshetra, coming to light for, over past 15 years at Odiyoor in Bantwal taluk in borders of Southern Karnataka, India. Established in 1989, the divine Kshetra has been hailed as Ganagapura of the south. The pilgrim centre has recorded a multi dimensional growth through its activities including worship of various Godheads, encouragement to art and literature, cultural events, propagation of Guru philosophy and giving succour to the afflicted people, and, giving a soothing touch to their agitated minds. Special Sevas and Poojas are offered at the temple on behalf of interested devotees. Also, there are special poojas, which are offered on every Saturday and Sankramana days. Solutions to Problem : Swamiji gives solutions to devotees' problems on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Sri Samsthanam also has arrangements to conduct special religious rituals for removal of devotees' afflictions. With prior registration at the office, devotees can arrange for such rituals.

Panolibail Kallurti Temple

Panolibail Kallurti Daiva Sthana" is the most famous sthana situated in few km distance from bantwal. This holy place famous for "Agelu" and Kola. The diety Kallurti is belived the protector of farmers and domestic animals.

Mahalingeshwara Temple-Puttur

Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple is an ancient temple of said to be built in 11-12th Century, lord Shiva is main deity of this temple. In the premises of this temple we find unique pond on the western side. It is said that in olden days Pearls were found to be growing in the Pond. In the local dialect Muttu means pearls, which brought the name Mutthur to this place later called as as Puttur. During the month of April the Car Festival is Celebrated for 10 days with much gaiety and Fervor. The Town is at its colorful best with the dazzling, light and marvelous display of crackers. More than a lakh people visit Puttur at the time of Festival.

Sahasralingeshwara Temple

Sahasralingeshwara temple is known as dakshina kashi is one of the oldest temple At the confluence of the Netravati and the Kumaradhara rivers, is the Sahasra linga, the Thousand Linga Temple. During the “Makhi” fair here, thousands come to make offerings to their ancestors.

Kukke Subramanya Temple

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is located in the village of Subramanya in Sullia Taluq, Dakshina Kannada district. Subramanya is located near Mangalore and is easily accessible from there. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the Son of Lord Shiva. He is considered to be the Deva Senapathi that is commander of the army of the Devas. Here, He is worshipped as the Lord of snakes. The temple is set in a scenic spot which is still relatively not spoilt. A river runs in front of the temple, while in the background there is a beautiful mountain. Pilgrims have to cross this river, the Kumaradhara River, to reach the temple.Daily Bus services will be available from Mangalore. Mangalore is the nearest airport and the nearest railway station is just seven kilometers away - the Subramanya Road Railway Station (SBHR).By road 105 kms from Mangalore.

Dharmasthala

Shri Dharmasthala, which is one of the sacred places in South India, is well known to all pious people. It is situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Belthangady Taluk of South Kanara District in Karnataka State. On the Mangalore-Charmady Road 40 miles from Mangalore and 20 miles from Charmady lies a place called Ujire. From Ujire a road branches off to Shree Dharmasthala 5 miles away. Pilgrims from Mysore could reach this place by one of four roadways, through Moodigere down the Charmady ghat road, or from Kundapur along Udupi - Karkala Road or from Sakaleshpur down the Shiradi ghat road via Uppinangady to Ujire. From Coorg the access is via Puttur and Uppinangady.

Four and half miles from Ujire flows the Nethravathi River, being born on the crest of Kudremukh hill of Western ghat range flows through Uppinangady and Panemangalore to join the sea at Mangalore. Pilgrims to Shree Dharmasthala bath at this river on the way before proceeding to this sacred place because its water is used for 'thirtha' (holy water) at Shree Dharmasthala. The sacred place is one and half miles distant south of this river and is girt by similar rivulets on its other three sides. 

The population of this village is nearly 6,000 according to the recent census figures. The percentage of literacy is more than 55. The climate of this place is hot in summer and pleasantly warm during the rainy season. The sacred place has picturesque fringe of hills, fields and areca and coconut gardens and not far away there is enchanting woodland scenery. Hills like Jayakeerti Betta or Shivarathri Betta and Badinede Betta lie very near the temple itself. 

 Places to visit in Dharmasthala : 

1. Main Temple 

2. Badinede Betta - This hill is also called as Annappa Betta. His Shrine and dwelling place of four Dharma Daivas situated on this hill.

3. Rathnagiri Betta - Bhaghavan Bahubali Statue A Monolithic statue of Bhagavan Bahubali situated on the hill called Rathnagiri Betta. This is a monolithic statue weighing almost 200 tons and measuring 52 feet long and 14 feet wide. 

4. Manjusha - a museum: Commencement of Manjusha - a museum in Dharmasthala is another landmark in protection of culture. Here in this museum lie great ancient works of arts, beautifully crafted stone, metallic statues, paintings etc. 

5. Vintage Car Museum: Collection of vintage value items is one of the model hobbies of present Dharmadhikari- Sri Veerendra Heggade. Since many years they added old horse chariots, invaluable rare vintage cars etc into the collection. We may call this as the study place for history of transportation. Each and every car has been kept in extreme care and good running condition.