Mundkur Durgaparameshwari Temple – Karnataka

Address

Mundkur Durgaparameshwari Temple – Karnataka

P.O. Mundkur   
Karkala Taluk,

Udupi        District,
Karnataka – 576121.

Amman

Sri Durgaparameshwari

Introduction

• Location: The Mundkur Durgaparameshwari Temple is located in Karkala Taluk, a city of temples surrounded by the River Shambhavi on three sides (east, south, and west). The temple is situated 40 km from Mangalore and 35 km from Udupi, Karnataka, India.
• Deity: The prime deity worshipped in the temple is Sri Durgaparameshwari in the form of Mahishamardini, where she is depicted holding the demon Mahisha upside down and piercing him with a Trishul (trident).
• The temple also houses several other deities, including Sri MahaGanapathi (Kshipraprasaada swaroopi), Navagraha, Naaga, AshwaththaVriksha, Dhoomavathi, Raktheshwari, Vyaghra Chamundi (Pilichandi), Vaarahi (Panjurli), and Rakshopi Devatha (Protector from evil spirits).

Puranic Significance:

The temple has rich mythological and historical connections, particularly from the Skanda Puran:

• Legend of Goddess Durga Parameshwari:
  • According to legend, Goddess Durga Parameshwari killed the demon Mundaka at this site, which is described in the Skanda Puran.
  • The idol of the goddess was originally installed facing the West by Bhargava Rishi at the request of Suratha Raaja, after the consecration of Sri Rajarajeshwari in Pulinapura (now Polali).
  • During the Jain rule, King Veeravarma of the region, a cruel ruler, attempted to plunder buried treasures from beneath the idol by turning it towards the East. After this event, the idol remained facing the East.
  • In nearby Ulepadi, the Kanthabare and Boodabare, two warrior twins, were devoted to the goddess. They fought against King Veeravarma‘s tyranny and liberated the region. They then invited the Chowta rulers of Mudbidri to oversee the administration of Mundkur.
• Donations by Chowta Rulers:
  • As a token of respect, the Chowta King donated large pieces of land and two wooden pillars from a Jackfruit tree (from the Chowta Palace yard), which can still be seen at the temple.
  • The Chowta Queen donated her precious stone-studded ornaments, which are used to decorate the main idol of the goddess during festivals.
• Folk Tradition:
  • Many of these legends have been passed down through Tulu folk songs, known as Paddana.
• Chowta Rulers’ Annual Visit:
  • The Chowta rulers attended the annual car festival of the temple, personally invited by the Chief of the Madmannaya family.

Special Features:

1. Punarprathishta of Goddess Durgaparameshwari:
   • The Punarprathishta (reinstallation) of Goddess Durgaparameshwari was carried out in a newly built sanctum sanctorum in February 2006, followed by the Brahmakalasha ceremony.
   • To mark the Golden Jubilee of the Silver Palanquin at the temple, a Golden Palanquin was donated by devotees in February 2009.
   • During the temple’s reconstruction, the original door frames of the sanctum’s western wall were preserved and are now displayed within the temple premises.
   • Kere Pushkarni (now Sri Bhargava Theertha) and the Ashwatha Vriksha (banyan tree) are also significant features within the temple area.

Festivals:

1. Sauramana Ugadi: Celebration of the Tulu New Year.
2. Vasantha Pooja: A one-month-long celebration during Vyshakha Masa (spring).
3. Vinayaka Chaturthi / Ganeshothasava: The worship of Lord Ganesh.
4. Deepavali: The Festival of Lights marking the beginning of Nithyabali (daily rituals).
5. Nagara Bhajane: Celebrated in Karthika Masa with a special Deepothsava and Deeparadhane (lamp offering).
6. Annual Brahmarathosava: The grand procession of the Brahmaratha chariot.

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Mundkur 

Nearest Railway Station

Mulki

Nearest Airport

Mangalore 

Location on Map

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