Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, Karnataka

Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur is one of the most prominent shrines for people in the state of Karnataka and Kerala. Located at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore in the picturesque surroundings presented by the banks of the river Sauparnika and the lush green Kudashadri hill, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple holds immense relevance for the devotees as it is associated with revered Hindu saint and Vedic scholar Adi Shankara. It is believed that Adi Shankara perceived the idea of having a Mookambika Devi temple at Kollur and himself installed the idol of deity in the temple some 1200 years ago. People have high faith in Mookambika Devi Temple as Goddess Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi. In fact Temple of Mookambika Devi is one of the 'Seven Muktistala' pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are Kollur, Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna.

The Temple

Mookambika Devi Temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. It has a big courtyard and a spacious sanctum in which the graceful idol of Mookambika Devi in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi is placed. The idol is made of Panchaloha - an alloy of five metals. The Goddess is seated in Padmaasana posture holding 'Shanku' and 'Chakra' in Her two upper hands and showing 'Abhaya' and 'Varada' mudras in Her other hands. Idol of the Devi is adorned with exquisite gold and diamond jewelry. On either side of the Mookambika Devi idol are idols of Goddess Kali or Parvathi and Saraswathi.

In the corridor around the sanctum, there are smaller shrines for Lord Vinayaka (with 10 hands), Subramanya, Anjaneya, Veerabhadra and Adi Sankara. The image of Anjaneya is said to have been installed by Madhwa Acharya, Sri Vadiraja Swami.

Other Places of Interest

There are several interesting places in and around the Mookambika Devi Temple which catches the attention of tourists and devotees. About 28 km from the historic town of Kollur, there is a place called Maaranaghatta. The place has mythological relevance as Mookambika Devi is said to have vanquished the demon Mookasura at this spot. As ordained by the Goddess, Mookasura is worshiped here even today. A Car Festival is also conducted in honour of Mookasura.

This article was added on request of Mr Rajesh M.K.