Placed in the Kadri hills of Mangalore, Kadri Manjunath Temple is a square-shaped sacred site that is constructed on the highest hill here. Receiving water from a nearby natural spring, there are a number of ponds that surround the temple. Mythology links Manjunath temple to Sage Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
History
Many centuries ago, Kadri hills were known to be Buddhist monasteries. Then in 968 BC, an idol of Lokeshwara was installed by King Kundavarma Bupendra of the Alupa Dynasty in the Vihara. Thereafter, a temple of Lord Shiva was also constructed here, which is one of the oldest temples in southern India.
Architecture
The main memorial in the temple is of Manjunath that has an Udhbava Linga. The idol of Thri Lokeshwara with three faces and six arms, is in a seated form in Padmasana pose. The temple complex is in a shape of a pyramid. The architecture style of the temple belongs to the 10th century. The inscription added by King Kundavarma is absolutely original and belongs to the same time. The Kadri Manjunath temple complex also has smaller shrines dedicated Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. It is said that in the 14th century, the temple was converted into a stone temple.
Legend
After conquering the cruel Kshatriyas, Sage Parshuram worshipped Lord Shiva to get a place to live peacefully. The Lord asked him to go to Kadri Hills. When Parshuram came here, he performed penance for the killings. After seeing the repentant Parshuram, Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati came to him and asked him to make the hills his home. They said that he would be worshipped here and devotees will visit him from all across.
How to Get to Kadri Manjunatha Temple
The temple is placed in Mangalore, an important city of Karnataka state, which is well-connected to through all the modes of transportation to all the important destinations of India as well as the world.
Mangalore international airport(13 km)
Mangalore railway station(4 km)
Important Details
- The important festivals celebrated in the temple are Deepavali, Kadiruthsava, Shivarathri, Ugadi, Navratri, Makara Sankranti, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
- The idol of the Lord Lokeshwara is known to to be one of the oldest bronze idols in India.
- The entrance of the temple is adorned with a huge Deepasthamba, which is lighted at the time of Deepothsava.
- The main event here is Lakshadeepotsava, when a 9-day fair is held.
- Other idols at the temple include Gomukha Ganapati, Durga Parameshwari, Vyas and Sastha.
