Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple, Karantaka
Address
Kollur Mookambika Devi Temple, Karantaka
Kollur, Kundapur Taluk,
Udupi District,
Karnataka – 576220
Amman
Mookambika Devi
Introduction
- Location: Kollur, Karnataka, India, about 147 km from Mangalore.
- Significance: One of the Seven Muktistala pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, combining the energies of Shakti, Saraswati, and Mahalakshmi.
- Historical Context:
- Believed to be 1500 years old.
- Associated with Adi Shankara, who installed the idol of Mookambika Devi.
- Legends related to Adi Shankara’s journey with Goddess Saraswati, who stopped at the temple after Shankara looked back during their journey.
- Patronage: Temple was supported by the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and Vijayanagara Empire.
- Legend: Goddess Saraswati stopped her journey at Kollur after Shankara looked back, and she agreed to stay at Chottanikkara Temple in the mornings and return to Mookambika Temple by noon.
Temple Features
- Architecture: Kerala-style architecture, with a spacious courtyard and a large shrine.
- Main Idol: Mookambika Devi idol in the form of a Jyotir-Linga, made of Panchaloha (five-metal alloy), adorned with gold and diamond jewelry.
- Iconography: Goddess in Padmasana posture, holding Shanku (conch) and Chakra (wheel), with Abhaya and Varada Mudras (fearlessness and blessing gestures).
- Other Deities: Idols of Goddess Parvathi, Saraswati, Lord White Vinayaka (Vellai Ganesha), Subramanya, Anjaneya, Veerabhadra, and Adi Shankara.
- Historical Artifacts: The temple houses valuable treasures, including jewels donated by kings and rulers of the past.
Festivals
- Navaratri: Celebrating the victory of good over evil, honoring Goddess Durga.
- Dhanurmasa: A month-long festival during the winter solstice.
- Shivaratri: Night of prayers and fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Annual Festival: Major celebrations and religious rituals.
- Ugadi: The regional New Year festival, marked by prayers.
- Ashtabhandha Brahmakalashotsava: Special event for consecrating idols and ensuring spiritual well-being.
- Chandika Homa: Sacred fire ritual to invoke blessings and remove obstacles.
Spiritual Importance
- Mookambika Devi Temple is a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees who seek divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Century/Period
1500 Years old
Nearest Bus Station
Kollur
Nearest Railway Station
Bijoor (BIJR)
Nearest Airport
Mangalore