PLACE COVERED
- Kollur Mookambika Temple
- Anegudda Vinayaka Temple
- Udupi Krishna Temple
- Bappanadu Durgaparmeshwari Temple
Mookambika Temple is located at Kollur, Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. It is one of the most popular pilgrim centers in South India. It is located on the banks of river Souparnika. Here the Goddess is in the form of Swayambhu Lingam. The idol of the temple is believed to be installed by Shri Adi Shankara.
History
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.
Significance
1. The temple is known as the center of wisdom and knowledge.
2. The idol of Mookambika Devi is made of Panchaloha( Combination of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron and lead)
3. It is believed that offering prayers to Devi enhance Knowledge and excellence in academics. Kollur shrine is dedicated to knowledge and art. Goddess is considered as Vagdevatha. ‘ Goddess of Letters and Speech.’.
4. It is considered very pleasant and auspicious to keep figurines and Mookambika lamp related to Mookambika Devi.
How to reach
BY AIR: Nearest Airport is at Mangalore, which is around 140kms away from the temple. After reaching Airport, one can reach the temple by bus from Mangalore or by hiring a car to Kollur.