Sirsi Marikamba Temple, Karnataka

Address

Sirsi Marikamba Temple, Karnataka

Sirsi-Banavasi Rd, Sirsi,

Karnataka 581402

Amman

Marikamba

Introduction

• Location: Sirsi, Karnataka, India (83 km east of Gokarna)
• Dedicated to: Goddess Durga (also known as Renuka or Yellamma)
• Built in: 1688
• Significance: A prominent Shakti Peetha, known as Doddamma (elder sister of all Mariammas in Karnataka)

Puranic Significance

• Origin of the Idol: The idol of Goddess Marikamba was brought from Hangal to Sirsi.
• Mahabharata Connection: Dharmaraya prayed for protection at a Shakti Peetha in Hangal, believed to be the site of Viratanagara.
• Historical Legends:
  • The idol was first placed near Basattikere tank by thieves, creating the site of Gali-Mari-Katte.
  • The area is significant for Shri Marikamba’s fairs and the “seemollanghana” ritual performed on Vijayadashami.
  • The goddess’s palakki is taken to Kotekere tank for immersion.

Beliefs and Special Features

• Exterior: Painted blue, with a central courtyard surrounded by passages with images of mythological deities.
• Inner Sanctum: Houses a 7-foot-tall, eight-armed idol of Goddess Durga, riding a tiger and slaying a demon.
• Murals: Features unique Kaavi art murals, an extinct coastal Konkan art form.
• Social Impact:
  • Mahatma Gandhi visited Sirsi in 1934 but refused to enter the temple due to animal sacrifice.
  • A movement followed to abolish animal sacrifices and allow Dalits into the temple.

Festivals

• Sirsi Marikamba Jaatre: The chariot procession held every alternate year in February.
  • Attended by thousands of devotees from across the state.
  • Includes fairs, circus performances, and plays depicting the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahisha.
  • One of the biggest and most famous fairs in Karnataka.

Century/Period

1688 AD

Nearest Bus Station

Sirsi

Nearest Railway Station

Haveri railway station

Nearest Airport

Hubli 

Location on Map

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