Kudroli Gokarnath Temple / Gokarnanatheshwara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple / Gokarnanatheshwara Temple- Kudroli, Kodailbail, Mangalore, Karnataka 575003

Deity

Gokarnath / Gokarnanatheshwara

Introduction

• Location: Kudroli area of Mangalore, Karnataka, India, approximately 2 km from the city center.
• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Gokarnanatha, a form of Lord Shiva.
• Foundation: Consecrated in 1912 by Adhyaksha Hoige Bazar Koragappa, inspired by Narayana Guru.
• Community Significance: Recognized as “Aadi” by the Billava community.
• Architecture: Built in the Dravidian style, featuring a Gopuram (tower-like structure) adorned with murals depicting various gods and scenes from epics.

Puranic Significance

• Billava Community: Historically warriors, the Billava community sought spiritual representation in their deity, Lord Shiva.
• Initiative by Koragappa: Adhyaksha Koragappa, a prominent Billava leader and businessman, led efforts to construct a temple in line with their spiritual traditions.
• Guidance from Narayana Guru: Koragappa invited Shri Narayana Guru to assist in building the temple, marking a significant step in their spiritual journey. Narayana Guru, recognized for his spiritual knowledge, played a crucial role in guiding the community.
• Site Selection: Narayana Guru chose Kudroli for the temple location, emphasizing its spiritual significance. The Koragappa family maintains the chair used by Narayana Guru during discussions about the temple’s creation.
• Historical Context: Adhyaksha Koragappa was a notable businessman involved in various trades, including Mangalore tiles and spices. The Shiva linga installed in the temple was brought by Narayana Guru himself.

Special Features

• Devotion to Lord Shiva: The temple primarily worships Lord Shiva as Gokarnanatheshwara.
• Dravidian Architecture: One of the newer structures, showcasing traditional Dravidian design.
• Golden Gopuram: A prominent 60-foot golden Gopuram stands at the temple’s entrance.
• Alternative Name: Commonly referred to as “Kudroli Gokarnath.”

Festivals

• Major Celebrations: The temple hosts several festivals, including:
  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Krishnashtami
  • Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Nagara Panchami
  • Deepavali
  • Navaratri
  • Sri Narayana Jayanthi
• Mangalore Dasara: Celebrated with grandeur, featuring life-size idols of Nava Durgas and other deities. The festival includes a grand procession throughout the city, concluding with the immersion of idols in the temple lake.
• Navaratri Rituals: The nine days of worship include elaborate rites for various deities, culminating in the immersion of the idols on the tenth day.

Century/Period/Age

1912

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Kudroli

Nearest Railway Station

Mangalore Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

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