Mookambika Temple

Mookambika Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre, located in Kollur, Kundapur taluk of Udupi district, on the banks of River Souparnika in Karnataka State. Situated in the picturesque surroundings at the foot of the hill Kudashadri, Kollur Mookambika Temple attracts thousands of devotees, from all over India.

It is one of the seven pilgrimages, which were created by Parashurama. The other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha. The temple derives its name from a demon Mookasura who was destroyed by the goddess Shakti.

The sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Mookambika temple contains the Shiva lingam called the Jyothirlingam. The lingam is divided into two unequal parts by a golden line and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of the lingam represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva while the larger left part represents Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi.

The metal image of the Goddess was installed by the celebrated spiritual leader Sri Adi Sankara. The image of Sri Mookambika is in a seated posture, bearing the conch and the discus. The other shrines in the temple are Veerabhadra, Subramanya, Naga, Vinayaka and Anjaneya. Veerabhadra is worshipped first by devotees before entering the shrine to Mookambika.

According to legends, Suparna, an eagle, performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the river got the name Sauparnika. It is believed that heading for a darshan of Goddess Mookambika at the temple, after taking a dip in the holy river, is very pleasing experience. This holy river is said to posses medicinal properties.

Timings:

The temple is open to devotees between 5 a.m to 1.30 p.m and again from
3 p.m to to 9 p.m

Festivals

• Rathotsavam.
The main festival of Sri Mookambika Temple is the Rathothsavam, the car festival, in the month of Phalguna (March-April).
• Ashtami Day
On the bright half of the Jyesta month (June - July) in the Ashatmi day there is a special festival, as it is considered the day of the appearance of the Goddess. Special poojas are performed during Mahalakshmi Vratham, Maha Shivaratri, Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Jyesta Lakshmi Vratham, etc.
• The Navarathri,
the nine nights in the autumn (September-October), is a very auspicious occasion when thousands visit the temple.
• Vana Bhojanam festival
in November-December.

Other Attractions nearby:

A trek to the peak of Kudashadri hills.

A hike to the Govinda Theertha Waterfalls.

Accommodation

Best hotels are available here.

By Air: The nearest Airport is Mangalore, 135 kms away.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Udupi.

By Road: Kollur is well connected by roads to other major cities in Karnataka.

Photo courtesy: Nimbupani


Return from Mookambika Temple to Temples South India