Nellitheertha Sri Somanatheshwara Cave temple, (Sri Kshetra Nellitheertha)-Karnataka

Address

Nellitheertha Sri Somanatheshwara Cave temple, (Sri Kshetra Nellitheertha) Neerude Post, Kompadavu Village Mangalore Taluk, South Kanara District Karnataka, India – 570063 Phone: 91-824-2299142

Diety

Sri Somanatheshwara

Introduction

Location: The Nellitheertha Cave Temple is situated in Nellitheertha town, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. This temple, dating back to the 15th century, is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Somanatheshwara. The temple complex also features shrines dedicated to Maha Ganapathi and Jabali Maharishi.
Unique Cave Experience: The temple houses a cave that requires devotees to crawl on their knees to reach the inner sanctum. Once inside, devotees encounter a natural Shiva Linga and a lake, which is formed by water droplets. The droplets resemble Nelli (gooseberry), hence the name Nellitheertha. The Lingam of Shri Somanatheshwara, made from Saligrama shila, is considered highly sacred.

Puranic Significance:

The cave temple and the Shiva Linga are believed to have a spiritual connection to the history of Jabali Maharishi, an ancient sage. The sacred water droplets that form the lake inside the cave are said to have divine properties, symbolizing the Nelli or gooseberry, hence giving the town and temple its name.

Special Features:

Nagappa Kere (Snake Pond): A small natural pond located to the north of the temple. Devotees are required to take a ritual bath in this pond before entering the cave, adding to its religious significance.
Cave Exploration: The entrance to the cave is wide, but as devotees proceed, the space narrows, forcing them to crawl on their stomachs for approximately 200 meters. At the end of the tunnel, the cave opens up again, revealing the sacred lake and the Shiva Lingam. The cave’s natural water formation and the unique shape of the droplets have given the cave temple its special character.

Festivals:

The Nellitheertha Temple conducts an annual Jaatre (festival) that lasts for five days. This grand event, full of religious and cultural ceremonies, typically occurs in late December or early January. The festival begins with the Kodi or Dhwajaarohana ceremony, where a silver flag is hoisted to mark the beginning of the festivities.