Mangalore Trip Part 4 – Temples in and around Mangalore

Sharavu Maha Ganapathi Temple

We first headed to the nearest temple from our hotel:  Sharavu Maha Ganapathi Temple.

Lord Ganesha is seen in a unique form here with ten hands with Siddhalakshmi seated to his right and lion as his vehicle instead of the usual mouse. History gives a long reason for this and this temple is many centuries old but renovated recently. To put in current perspective, in Kali yuga people are more interested in material gains. Hence it is said that Lord Ganesha appeared in this form to remove obstacles and bestow wealth and prosperity to his devotees.

Kudroli Sri Bhagavathi Temple

This temple is said to be 800 years old and the four temple complexes are renovated with beautiful maroon and gold colors.

Katil Shree Durga Parameswari

This beautiful temple is situated on an islet near River Nandini. This is the only temple that has a live river flowing through it. The river is named after the daughter of holy cow Kamadhenu. The temple main diety of the temple is Sri Durga Parameswari. The temple is in the middle of hills and the drive itself is through lush greenery. The drive to Kateel from Mangalore is around 20 km and takes around 40 mins. You have to go past the Mangalore airport and pass through ghat section.

Kadri Manjunatha Temple

The city of Mangalore itself is on hills. Kadri Manjunath temple is situated on the highest hill in Mangalore. This 9^th century temple is in square shape and has nine water tanks behind it.  It is believed that Parashurama who was living in Sahyadri, killed the kshathriyas who were cruel and donated the lands to Kashyapa. Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and created a place for his penance. Yielding to Parashurama's prayers Lord Shiva appeared to him as Manjunatha along with Goddess Parvathi and stayed at Kadri for the betterment of the world.

There is a natural spring at an elevated location where there is a natural spring. Water comes out of the mouth of a cow shape. This is called the Gomukha. This water is let into nine tanks. People take a dip in each of the tanks which they believe will absolve them from doshas.

There are multiple temples within the compound. There are steps which take you further up the hill and there are many more temples there. This marks the end of our trip to Mangalore.