Kollur Mookambika Temple near Murudeshwara

The Kollur “Sree Kshetram”, in the Karnataka State of Udupi District, is one of the seven abodes of Salvation, in the Parashurama of Creation. The Shree Kshethram is set up by Adi Shankaracharya. This is an abode where the Goddess Shakthi is worshiped. Devi Mookambike is worshiped here as Shakthi Devatha. The Monster or troll Kaumhaasura, known as Mooka was put to death in this Kshetra. Mukambike is an Adi Shakthi as the Lingua has integrated on its left side "MahaKali", Maha lakshmi "and Maha Saraswathi". This form can be found only in The Adi Shakti. In the form of Udbhava Linga, Mookambike has also integrated Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on the right. A gold chain divides left and right into this Jyotirlinga. Shakthi and the right representing Shiva represent the Linga of the left. Since then, Devi had appeared in his meditation during the divine sight, "SriChakra Yantra'' on the Devi of Adi Shankara's set up. Shri Shankaracharya's Peetha is the Temple of the Sanctum Sanctorum on the western side. Even today the worshiping ritual is being continued as per the Vijayagama system formulated by Adi Shankaracharya.

Every day at 5.00 am "Nirmalya Pooja" takes place and during that time the Devotees have an opportunity to see the Swayambhoo Lingam. Every day Trikala Pooja is performed in the Temple. Thousands of Thousands visit the temple to find solace, from their problems, pains and difficulties to dedication to their religious vows or to the natural beauty of the environment. Various states from the Thousands of Devotees visit the Shree Kshethra every Tuesday, Friday, and during the month of Shravana or the month of the month Mohalla Nakshathra day of the month Phalguna (which is the birthday of Shree Devi) Film Stars, major industrialists etc are visiting this temple regularly. The famous singer Jesudas are performers Chandika Homa seva and Devi of "darshan" His birthday every year. The Devotees reach the peak of the Navarathri Festival during the days of The Hindu Celebrations and the traditional Hindu festivals.

"D. Ella Vyalle" has been written by the Abode of the Mookambike, Kollur has become an important pilgrimage center. This place is very sacred and devotees from within and outside the Nation visit this place with pilgrimage and other forms of religious worship and return with protected feelings. About 50% of the devotees visiting this temple are from Kerala and 25% are from Tamilnadu and 25% are from Karnataka. Devotees from Andhra and Maharashtra are also visiting the temple.

The Temple is a major social work undertaking. Many High Schools and Pre-University Colleges are maintained by the Temple of Kollur. Good Lodges and Parks are the Temple of Devotees visiting the benefits and comforts of setting up.

 

History and significance of Mookambika Devi Temple near Murudeshwara

There are many beliefs regarding the origin of the temple. It is believed that the shrine of Mookambika Devi was installed by Adi Shankara. He worshiped Goddess Saraswati intensely, as a response to his dedication goddess appeared before Adi Shankara and agreed to go with him to Kerala.

Goddess agreed to accompany him upon one condition that Adi Shankara who leads the way should not turn back to check whether she is following him. If he looked back and checked her, the Goddess would stop there and would not move further.

On the way, when Shankara could not feel the presence of Goddess Saraswati, he looked back and assured her presence. Goddess Saraswati stopped her journey and stayed at that place as per her promise. After repeated begging and pleading of Shankara, the Goddess agreed to be at the Chottanikkara Temple in the mornings and come back to Mookambika Devi Temple by noon.

Kodachadri Hill houses places such as Chitramoolam and Ambavanam where Adi Shankara is believed to have meditated. Ancient Hindu Kings were patrons of the temple and the temple houses valuable treasures that are reminiscent of the rich past.

This was the state temple for the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and many jewels now adorning the idol are said to have been presented by them and by their overlords of Vijayanagara. During the Mahratta raids in this district in the 18th century, these freebooters are believed to have carried away gold, silver, and gems worth crores of rupees.

 

Best Time To Visit Kollur

The best time to visit Kollur is from August to October. This time witnesses the largest influx of tourists in Kollur when the average temperature ranges between 24-29 degrees celsius, with calm and stable winds and comfortable humidity. Summers in the southern region of the country are expectedly much warmer with the average temperature ranging within 34 degrees celsius to 32 degrees Celsius in the months between March to May.

 

How to Reach Mookambika Devi Temple

Mookambika temple being a famous pilgrimage spot in the south of Western Ghats has transport facility from all over Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The Airport close to the temple is Mangalore International Airport. One can avail prepaid taxis from the airport to Kollur. It is approximately 150 kms from the airport and can be reached in three-four hours.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Bijoor (BIKE) 20 km away from Kollur and Kundapur station at 40 km from Kollur. You can easily get taxis from the station to Kollur. The stations have waiting rooms for passengers.

By Road: Kollur is connected by road from major cities such Shimoga, Mangalore, and Bangalore. It is a three-hour journey from Mangalore by bus. Direct buses are also available from Shimoga and Sagara and some other nearby places as well.