Kadri Manjunath Temple

Karnataka , Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore

Located in Mangalore, Karnataka, Kadri Manjunatha Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva where Lord Shiva is presiding in the form of Lord Manjunathaswamy. The temple was originally made by Vajrayana Buddhis, however, later on due to fall of Buddhism, the temple was converted to a hindu temple. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy is believed to be the oldest of all the South Indian Temples.

Legend

According to the legends, after donating everything to Brahmanas, Lord Parashurama started meditating to please Lord Shiva. Pleased with Parashurama's devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and told him to go to abide at Rasakoopa and offer his prayers, which is in Suvarna Kadali Vana. However, Suvarna Kadali Vana was immersed in the ocean at that time and Lord Parashurama with his divine powers brought the land out of the ocean. He worshipped the Lords at Rasakoopa for a long time. At last the 'Thrimurthies', combined their divine powers and took the form of 'Sri Manjunatha' and fulfilled Parashurama's desire.

Architecture

The temple is built according to the Vijayanagara style of structure. The temple complex is square in shape. It is built on the highest hill in Kadri. The temple is surrounded by several ponds from a natural spring at the back of the temple.A deepasthambha can be found on the northern side of the complex.The temple has 2 kalyana mantapa (wedding halls). The capacity of 2 kalyana mantapa is more than 500.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

The temple open from 5:40 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress appropriately.

Famous Festival

Sowramana ugadhi
Nagarapanchami
Krishna Janmastami
Navarathri
Shri Ganesha chathurthi
Karthika Somavara

January - Annual Festival

Culture

Mangalore is the chief port city of the Karnataka. Mangalore is famous for its multicultural potpouri with people from diverse religious, linguistic, migratory classifications. The town of Kadri is the biggest center of worship for the Natha cult or sampradaya.The Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the foremost examples of the confluence of diverse religious beliefs and their peaceful practice.