Someshwara Somanatha Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.


Festivals
Shivarathri in February.
Annual festival in May.

     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.

Temple Entrance:

     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.

Someshwara Beach:

     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. Here are some snaps clicked on the shore.

Sand Sculpture:

The Sunset:

     If ever you visit Mangalore, do have a visit to this beautiful place as you will have a complete relax to your mind. Its a great place to spend your weekends.

Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.


Festivals
Annual festival Brahma Rathotsava in April.

     This famous Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple is located at Bappanadu near Mulki, situated to the north of Mangalore on NH 17. The temple is surrounded by the river Shambhavi. The place Bappanadu, means Bappa's village. According to legend Bappa, a Muslim merchant, built this temple. The picture of the main entrance of the temple is shown below.

Entrance:

     The whole temple will be lighted during the Annual festival. Its really a pleasure visiting the temple during the annual festival. Here are some snaps clicked during the Annual festival.

Bali:

Ratha:

     So do visit this temple once when you come to Mangalore. If possible during the Annual festival. And don't forget to see, and possibly play the huge Dolu (A type of musical drum). Here you can also visit Venkatramana Temple, Somanatha Temple and Narayana Temple.

Kateel Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.

Festivals
Annual festival in April.
Pattanje in May.
Navarathri in October.

     This famous Durga Parameshwari Temple is situated nearly 30 Kms away from Mangalore. It is situated at Kateel on the river Nandini. The Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari is worshiped here as Shakthi in linga form. The temple is located in the middle of the river Nandini. Here is a picture showing the entrance of the temple.

The Main Entrance:

     The main deity is the Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari. The temple is known as Kateel Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple. The below picture shows the main deity of Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari.

Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari:

     The specialty of this temple is that, Midday and evening meals are served to the visitors as Prasadam. Here is another picture showing the meals served to the visitors.

Midday meals served:

     River Nandini looks very beautiful in the rainy days. One should also visit this temple during rainy days. It will be a memorable moment for your lifetime.

River Nandini in its full flow:

Kankanady Garadi

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.


Festivals
Annual festival in January

      This famous temple is nearly 5 Kms away from Mangalore. It is located at Kankanady, east of Mahaveera Circle. This Circle is also called as Pump well Circle. This temple is one among 200 Garadies in Tulunadu. It was built more than 100 years ago. The twin heroes, Koti and Chennaya, who according to folk tradition, fought against exploitation, are now worshiped here. Daily poojas to Mahatma Gandhi is an added attraction. As far as I know this is the only temple were daily poojas are offered to Mahatma Gandhi.

     So don't forget to visit this place once you come to Mangalore...

Mangaladevi Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.


Festivals
Annual festival in March.
Navarathri in October.

     The name Mangalore is said to be derived from Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. Built in 10th century in the memory of the princess of Malabar from Kerala. The main deity is the Goddess Mangaladevi.
There is a belief that the marriages conducted in this holy place will have a happy married life. The main festivals are the annual festival in the month of March. And also the Dusshera and Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated grandly.

The Main Entrance:

The Main deity worshiped:

      

         Surely visit this place once you come to Mangalore.

Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.


Festivals
Lakshadeepothsava in January.
Shivarathri in February.

     Situated on Kadri Hills, 4 kms away from the city centre. Built in 1068 AD. This temple is the abode of Lord Manjunatha. The temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. It commemorates the legend of Parashurama. It houses three statues, namely Avalokitheshwara bronze statue (4 feet), Manjushree statue (3 feet) and Buddha statue in Manipadmahasta Bhangi (2.5 feet). These sculptures match the beauty of the Chola bronzes. The statues of Ghorakshaanatha and Masthyenranatha are also housed inside the Garbhagriha.

The Gopuram:

The Entrance:

      The main feature of this temple is the ever flowing water from "Gomukha" meaning "mouth of the cow's idol". It is believed to have some curing properties for some skin diseases. This temple also has the "Pandava Guhe". It is believed that the Pandavas had stayed there. It has got 7 ponds in its surroundings.

The Seven Ponds:

A View from the Hillside:

Snaps - Navarathri (Kudroli)

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.

Here are some of my best snaps clicked during Navarathri festival in Kudroli Shri Gokarnatheshwara Temple:

Kudroli Sri Gokarnatheshwara Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.

Festivals
Navarathri (Dasara) in October.
Shivarathri in February.

     Situated in the city of Mangalore, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Gokarnatha, another name for Lord Shiva. This temple was built by a devotee called H. Koragappa in the year 1912. Shri Narayana Guru, the great saint and philosopher who had visited Mangalore in the year 1912, expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for Lord Shiva in the city. Accordingly Koragappa who belonged to the Billava family built the temple at a place which was believed to be the graze land for the horses during the rule of Tippu Sultan. Hence the name Kudre (horse) vali which transformed into kudroli over time.

Front View Of The Temple:

     Now this temple is renovated. Here the celebration of Mangalooru Dasara during the Navarathri festival in October attracts a large number of devotees. Daily Poojas are performed and mid-day meal is served to visitors as Prasadam.

     One can enjoy the beauty of the temple at the evenings. The lighting in and around the temple is a beautiful view. And moreover the large fountain in the lake attracts a lot of people from all over the places. Here is a beautiful view of the fountain.

Fountain at the temple :

  

Nandi Statue at the entrance:

  

     

     Visit this beautiful temple once you come to Mangalore and you will have a memorable experience for a lifetime.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Karnataka.
Dakshina Kannada.
Mangalore.

Festivals:
Annual festival in April.
Ganesh Chathurthi in September.
Deepothsava in November.

     Situated in the heart of the City at Sharavu Temple lane in K.S. Rao Road. It is one of the ancient temples of Dakshina Kannada District. The story of its origin and importance of the temple is narrated in Skanda Purana. The temple is built in the 14th century by Tuluava King Veerababu. The shrine of God Sharabheshwara is located on the western side of the Temple and that of Mahaganapathi is on the south. Yakshagana performance can be arranged here on demand, but for a fee. Poojas and Gana Homa can also be performed on payment of a prescribed fee.

     An inevitable and unavoidable location in the tourist map of south India, Mangalore is well-known as a pilgrim center and have a number of prominent and sacred temples, one of which is Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi temple. It is located in the heart of the city and easily accessible. It is an exceptional religious place having a history of more than 800 years.

     Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi temple is a hub for a range of cultural activities like dance and drama performances, Yakshangana, and also for a number of social and cultural activities.

     Large numbers of devotees throng to this temple during special occasions like Ganesh Chathurthi and Sankranthi. Sacred Darshana of the deity is a blessing for the visitors. Other attractions in the temple are Rathothsava and Deepothsava or 'Festival of Lights', celebrated with much enthusiasm and happiness.