Kollur Mookambika Temple

Kollur or Kolluru is a tiny hamlet situated 40km Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center.

History

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History of the temple begins with the arrival of sage Shankaracharya at this place in 8th century A.D. Historically it is believed that this place was inhabited by Shakthas called Kaulas and that was how this place came to be called as Kollur. Kollur is one of the seven pilgrimages which were created by Parashurama. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to Goddess Parvathi. It is said goddess Parvathi killed the Kamsasuran who lived here and who attempted to become all powerful through his penance.

Honneyakambali Kings of Hosangadi have been ruling Kollur and they were ardent devotees of Mookambika. Venkanna Savantha of this dynasty built the stone structure of the temple in 11th century A.D. Chieftains of Barkur were also devotees of Mookambika and they created a lot of endowments for the temple. A poet named Linganna Kavi had written a book titled ‘Keladi Nrupa Vijaya’ in 1750 A.D and this book contains a lot of references to Mookambika Temple. Tippu Sultan of Mysore had visited this temple and a special ‘mangala arthi ( Deeparadhana)’ was conducted at his behest. That pooja is being continued even today and it is called ‘Salam Mangalarthi’ which follows the main pooja during night session.

Devotees from all over South India visit this temple. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centres created by Parashurama, a Hindu mythological figure. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Parvathi, wife of Shiva. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.

Distances from Kollur Mukambika Temple:

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• Mangalore : 129 Kms
• Udupi : 75 Kms
• Chickmagalur : 197 Kms
• Bangalore : 416 Kms

How to reach Kollur:

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Kollur is around 36 km from Kundapur, the taluk head quarters. From Kundapur, one can take three different routes to reach Kollur. One route is via Tallur-Hattiangadi-Karkunje-Vandse. Second route via Hemmadi-Vandse and third one is via Byndoor.However, the shortest route is through Hemmady. On the National Highway 17, after around 7 km from Kundapur, at Hemmady one has to take right deviation to reach Kollur.