Religious places in mangalore free essay sample

Dakshina Kannada, also called South Canara, is a coastal district of the Karnataka state. It is bordered by the districts of Udupi to the north, Chikkamagaluru to the northeast, Hassan District to the east, Kodagu to the south east, and Kasara god in Kerala to the south. The Arabian Sea bounds it west. Mangalore is the capital and chief city of the district. There is also the good presence of mountainous region in the state, with tea and coffee plantations. Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are often called Tulu Nadu, as Tulu is the majority language in the region. However, Tulu language and the people have been closely associated with Kannada language as Tulu itself has been written in Kannada script. Dakshina Kannada has a totally different culture and tradition compared to the rest of the state. The worship of spirits Bhuta Kola–is an integralpart of this region- Kambala, the traditional buffalo race is held during the harvest season. We will write a custom essay sample on Religious places in mangalore or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Dakshin Kannadas pristine beauty and rich heritage cannot bead equately expounded by mere words. The districts sacred shrines and epigraphic monuments are renowned and commented on by noted historians. One of the major art form of this region is Yakshagana, and is famous for its puppetry. A sort of a tiger dance – called Hulivesha – is done inDussera in honour of Goddess Sharada. Sri Sharavu Sharabeshwara Sri Mahaganapathy Kshetra This is a famous ancient temple located in Hampanakatte, sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the principal deities in the temple. There is a temple tank called Sharatheerthah’. The name Sharavu is derived from â€Å"Shara which means arrow. The Sthalapurana mentions that about eight centuries back, a very power full king Maharaja Veerabahu of tuluva region, by sheer mistake killed a cow by shooting it with an arrow. To ward off the sin committed by him, as per the suggestion of a great seer Sri Bharadhwaja. The king installed a Siva linga, and started worshipping it, by building a temple. This sacred place was termed thereafter as Sharavuand the newly formed temple tank as Sharatheertha. Later, the divine images of â€Å"Sri Dhashabhuja Mahaganapathy† along with â€Å"Siddilakshmi† were installed in the temple. It is believed that once the Muslim rulers of Srirangapattana Tippu Sultan hada strong desire to plunder this famous temple during his military march over Mangalore. But, on the very previous night, he had a suddenly and inquired about this ghastly dream. He has been explained that the mysterious divine power of Lord Ganapathy of Sharavu Kshetra was cautioning him not to resume any misadventure of plundering this famous temple. Consequently, Tippu Sultan gave up his ill conceived adventure and offered golden ornaments and other gifts to the presiding deity. Sri Gokarnanatha Kshethra, Mangalore, ?The divine Siva Linga was consecrated by Sri Narayana Guru in Sri Gokarnanatha Kshethra to support the Billaya Community who were being traditionally suppressed by the upper caste treating them as untouchables. Sree Narayana Guru advocated that all Gods creation had the right to worship the Almighty and preached that people irrespective of the caste, creed or religion must worship one divine force, though known by different names. The temple is famous for Mangalore Dasara as per the Guru’s advice, idols of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, Lord Bhairava, the Nava Grihas Lord Shanishwara and Lord Shri Krishna has been installed at the Kshethra. This has helped devotees worship at all these sannidanams at one place and seek blessings and solace for their varied problems. The temple was renovated in the year 1989 designed and built in the Chola style of architecture from its original kerala style. But it was found by Narayana Guru, spiritual guru of billavas. Billava is community in south kanara. Sri Mangaladevi Temple The place Mangaklapura (now Mangalore) owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. In Tulunadu, when Kumudavarma of Ahepa dynasty was ruling, there came two holy saints of the natha cult named Machendranatha and Gorakanatha from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura, crossing the river Nethravathi. ?The place where they crossed the river came to be known as Gorakdandi. They chose a place near the bank of Netravathi which was once the center of activities of sage Kapila, who had his hermitage, and turned as a great center of education. The saints approached the King and they informed the King that his kingdom is a hollowed place and it was sanctified by the activities of holy saints and sages in the past. They requested the King to grant them land so that they could build their hermitage and make it a center of their religious activities under his protection and patronage. For Kundavarma it was really a surprise to know that his land had such a hoary history. It was from these saints he came to know that once upon a time there existed a temple in his land dedicated to mother Mangaladevi. Kundavarma carried out the advice of the two sages and excavated the buried temple and built a grand shrine for Goddess Sri Mangaldevi. Sakthinagar Gopalakrishna Temple, Mangalore It is a magnificent Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The 108 steps leading from the basement to the Garbha Gruha symbolizes 108 names of Lord Krishna chanted through Sri Krishna Ashtotthara. The sacred idol of Chaturbhuja Mahavishnu, the original form of Krishnavatara sitting in the Garbha Gruha, is carved out of black granite. And also has splendid carvings, grand auditoriums, magnificent gopurams, with polished granite sanctum sanctorum, decorative motifs on walls, add beauty to the grand structure. Kadri Manjunatha Temple The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore. It is said to be built during the 10th century. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The idol of Lord Manjunatha swamy of the temple is believed to be the oldest of the South Indian 1Temples. It is also believed that Parashurama performed a penance at Kadali kshethra, and Lord Shiva reincarnated as Manjunatha along with Goddess Parvathi andstayed at Kadri for the betterment of the world. As per the orders of Manjunatha the sapthakoti manthras become the seven theerthas . There are statues of Machendranath, Gorakanath, Shringinath,Lokeshwara, Manjushri and Buddha in the temple. During karthikamaasa, deepothsava is held here. Its a practice to hoist the 40 feet Garuda to the 62 feet tall flagpole during the annual fair. The other places to visit around the temple are Udhbhava Linga,Akshaya pond, the 5 feet tall statue of Thrilokeshwara and Deepasthamba. Sakthinagar Gopalakrishna Temple, Mangalore. Polali Raja Rajeswari Temple The primary deity of the temple is shri rajarajeshwari. The idol of the Goddess is made of a soil mixture specially prepared for the purpose. The image made of clay is a unique feature and nowhere else can we see such a big idol. The Goddess is more than nine feet tall and wears a dazzling crown made of precious gems. It is believed that King Suratha presented it to the Goddess. Mahaganapathi, Subramanya, Bhadrakali and Saraswati adorn the sanctum sanctorum. The Gods and Goddesses are exquisitely modeled.. Lepashta Gandha is a religious event where the idol is given a coating of soilmixture with eight medicinal properties once in 12 years. This is celebrated with the Brahma Kalasa festival. The idol is made up of soil mixture; it was prepared by hundreds of years ago. Some special herbal juice was used in the preparation of the soil mixture, making it strong like granite. About 100 yards to the south of the temple there is a platform like structure named â€Å"Simhasana Katte† (platform of throne). On the fourth day of the festival the deity graces the throne and a formal pooja is performed. Annapoorneshwari temple at Horanadu It is a famous one, and is on the itinerary of most people who visit Mangalore or Sringeri. Horanadu is about 2 hours away from Sringeri, and is an extremely beautiful temple. The idol of Annapoorneshwari is life size, and covered with gold from head to toe. This is quite an ancient temple, and is regarded as the kula devathai, or the household deity of many people residing in Chickmanglur district. Kalasa of the Temple This is a temple on a hill, on the foothills of which flows the Bhadra River. One has to climb a few steps to reach the temple. At the entrance of the temple are the statues of two elephants, regarded to be Ganesha and a she-elephant, his wife. It is believed that there was an Asura and responding to the prayers of his devotees Ganesha descended on Earth to kill him. The magical Asura took the form of a tree, and Ganesha assumed the form of an elephant to uproot him. Seeing the struggle, as he elephant in the forest came to help, and along with Ganesha succeeded in uprooting the tree and putting an end to the Asura. Since he had touched the she-elephant during the fight, Ganesha married her, and decreed that she should take her place by his side at this place. Both the elephant statues look identical, except that the male one is depicted astrampling the Asura beneath his foot. The idol of kalaseshwara, a lingam, believed to be Shiva who manifested himself in a kalasam, to respond to the prayers of the great rishi Agasthya. Durga parameshwari temple at Kateel The temple is about an hour away from Mangalore. Kateel is a sacred place for Hindus in Dakshina Kannada. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. The temple is on a small island on a river, and the goddess is found killing a demon For the best experience, one must visit it in the rains, when the river is in full flow. The temple has a history of about 800 years. The meaning of Bappanadu is Bappas Village. It is believed that, Bappa Beary, a Muslim merchant is responsible for the construction of Goddess Durga Parameshwari temple here. Since then the place is come to be known as `Bappanadu and the first honoraryprasadam of the annual car festival is offered to the successors of Bappa Bearyevery year. Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple at Bappanadu is one of the important seats of Shakti worship in Dakshina Kannada districtBappanadus Dolu (musical drum) is well known and a large drum can be found in the temple premises. During annual car festival a community allowed to participate in beating of drums which is done with great enthusiasm and devotion. Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple, Mulki This Temple is a rare confluence of deities. In the beginning there was a small shrine of Lord Vittal built by Soira Vittal Bhat, an astrologer under the patronage of the local Jain King the Savant of Mulki. On Account of some political disturbances people from Karkal brought their deity Lord Venkatraman over here for safe keeping. Later when they wanted to take back, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devotee and expressed his desire to stay back in Mulki and assured that the people in Karkal would get another Idol from a saintly sanyasi. Thus this temple became Shri Venkatraman Temple and even now this is known in same name Shri Vijayeendra Tirth Swamiji who gave deeksha to the first Swamiji of Shri Kashi Math Samsthan, miraculously came in possession of Lord Narsimha depicting very violent passion called Ugra He wanted to keep the Idol for himself for daily worship but in a dream the Lord appeared and ordained, Take me to Volalanka (Mulki) and install there. I shall remain calm and fulfill the desires of all the devotees who take shelter under me. Accordingly from Kerala, with a few devotees Shri Swamiji, set out for Mulki by foot. After a few days they reached Padupanambur the capital of the Jain Kings, as the sun set. Shri Swamiji sent his men to the palace to get light for onward journey. But surprisingly the king refused as the Swamiji did not belong to his faith. Shri Swamiji with a smile said, When the very Lord who gives light to all the three worlds is with us why should we worry. Lets continue the journey. When they had hardly crossed the outskirts of Padupanambur, the roof of the palace suddenly caught fire and the flames touched the sky. The King and his men could not extinguish the fire at all. In the glare of that light Shri Swamiji completed the journey. Lord Narsimha was formally installed in Volalanka. On Datta Jayanti Day of Margashira Poornima, considered to be the most auspicious month according to Bhagwad Gita. It is believed that when the King tried to rebuild the Palace, the trees felled for timber turned into charcoal. Astrologers declared that the king had incurred thewrath of Lord Narasimha and suggested the King to visit the temple to seek forgiveness. He did it and only thereafter things became favourable. UDUPI Udupi is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats. Situated about60 kms from Mangalore, it is a fairly large and upcoming town that was sanctum of Madhva charya, the great Philosopher. The famous temple here has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna installed by the great saint Sri Madhva charya that is richly adorned with jewels. Another attraction of this temple is the Kanakana Kindi -a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa. There are three temples in Udupi; Chandreshwara, Anantheshwara and Sri Krishna temple. Chandreshwara. Popular belief is that King RamaBhoja, an ardent follower of Parashurama installed the statue of Anantheshwara. The Chandreshwara temple was built in the spot where Chandra (the moon) performed a penance, to get rid of the curse of Daksha Prajapathi. The place where Chandra meditated is called asUdupa. (Udu = a star and pa = follower) The usual practice in Udupi is to visit Chandreswara, Anantheshwara temples and then visit Sri Krishna temple. There are many interesting stories behind the installation of statue of Sri Krishna at Udupi. One of the popular stories goes like this. The main statue of Sri Krishnaat Dwaraka got completely covered by gopichandanam A sailor from Dwaraka loaded this heavy lump in his boat as ballast, during one of his trips along the west coast. The ship was caught in a terrible storm while sailing in the western coast of Malpe. When the meditating Sri Madhvacharya sensed this by his aparoksha or divine jnana he got the ship sail safely to the shore by waving the end of his saffron robe and quietening the storm. The pleased captain of the ship offered Sri Madhvacharya anything in the ship in return. Sri Madhvacharya asked for the sandalwood piece containing the statue of Sri Krishna. Later as the story goes, Sri Madhvacharya took it to the lake, purified it and installed it in the mutt. In the 16th century, during Sri Vaadiraja’s rule, Kanakadasa, an ardent believer of God, came to Udupi to worship Lord Krishna. He was not allowed inside the temple since he was from a lower caste. Sri Krishna,pleased by the worship of Kanakadasa created a small hole in the back wall of the temple and turned to face the hole so that Kanakadasa could see him. This hole came to be known as Kanakana Kindi. The sight of the beautiful Muddu Krishna is available to every body through the Kanakana kindi. Anegudde Anegudde is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Lord Vinayaka, situated at Kumbhashi The Lord is called Siddhi Vinayaka or Sarva Siddhi Pradaayaka. Since he is believed to fulfill the wishes of his devotees this place is known as â€Å" MuktiStalas† which means â€Å"Place where you can attain Salvation†. The mainsanctum sanctorum contains the majestic figure of Vinayaka resplendent in silver Armour, in standing posture. Of the four arms two are varada hasta indicating his inclination to grant boons. Two hands point to his feet, as a means to Salvation.. One can also visit the Mahalingeshwara temple nearby. The Sthala Purana indicates that. Kumbasura, an Asura troubled the sages and disrupt the sacred yagna. At this time Lord Ganesha presents Bheema, the strongest among the Pandavas, with a sword. Bheema to fight Kumbasura and slays him. Thus the yagna was completed successfully. Hattangadi Udhbava Ganabathi Hattiangadi, about 8 kms to the northeast of Kundapur, which is famous for the ancient Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, also houses many other ancient Temples and Jaina Basadis (temple of jains). Gopalakrishna, Lokanatheshwara, Maraladevi,Shankaranarayan, Shivamunishwara, Ekantheshwara and Shaktharabrahma Kollur Temple Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Muktislala pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are (kollur), Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara,Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. Kollur is known for its association with Aadi Sankara. Mookambika is said to have appeared before Aadi Sankara here, and he is said to have installed heritage at this shrine. Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti,Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi. The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adishankaracharya during his visit to this place. There is an exquisite sculpture of Panchamukha Ganesha. Murudeshwar It is a picturesque place situated between Honnavara and Bhatkal on National highway. Murudeshwar is bounded by the rolling hills of Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, and the place is a favorite picnic spot The main attraction of Murudeshwar is Shiva temple, this sacred place presents some beautiful carvings and statues, which has a history that dates back to a few centuries. A recent attraction of Murudeshwara is the worlds tallest Shiva idol erected beside the temple. The idol of Lord Shiva is 123 feet high and viewable from a very long distance from the Arabian Sea. Presently there is also the tallest gopuram which is awe inspiring. The origin of the name Murudeshwara dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu Gods attained immortality and invincibility by worshipping a divine lingam called the Atma Linga. King Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the Atma Linga. Since the Atma Linga belonged to Lord Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers Lord Shiva appeared before him. Ravana requests the Atma Linga as his boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground till he installs it in the temple, if not it would get embedded at the place where it is placed. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka. Sage Narada, fearing that Ravana may become invincible, approached LordVishnu to retrieve it. Ravana used to perform his rituals religiously in the evening. Lord Vishnu and Ganesha decided to exploit his devotion. As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun with his Sudarshana Chakra to make it look like evening. A Brahmin boy (Ganesha) approached Ravana, who requested him to hold the Aatma linga until he performed his rituals. Ravana returned to find the boy gone and the Aatma linga on the ground. Lord Vishnu removed his Chakra, and it was daylight again. An angry Ravana tried to uproot the Aatma linga. He threw away everything covering the Linga, including its cloth, to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara. This entire legend has been carved on the temple gopuram. Ravana called the Linga, Mahabala, as he was unable to lift it, and the Mahabaleshwara temple was built in Gokarna. A small hole in the temple permits devotees to have a glimpse of the top of the Aatmalinga. Murudeshwar also has an amazingly beautiful beach which has been developed as a resort with water sports Sringeri The ancient temple of Sri Sharada, the presiding deity of Sringeri has a glorious history that begins with the setting up of the Dakshinamnaya Peetham by Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada. Originally it was an unpretentious shrine with the Murti of Sharada made of sandalwood, installed over the Sri Chakra that Sri Adi Shankara carved on a rock. Subsequently Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha andSri Vidyaranya had a temple built in the Kerala style, with timber and tiled roof. Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha substituted the sandalwood idol with the present golden idol. The highlight of Sringeri at Karnataka is the temple of Saradamba temple. Moved by a scene when he saw a cobra protecting with its hood a frog in labor, Adi Sankacharya decided this place to be a veritable haven of peace on earth and decided to establish Goddess Sarada, the goddess of learning at this very place. That gave birth to the Saradamba temple and the adjacent Sarada Peetham, the seat of learning. Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati raised the present structure in granite with polished granite walling round the sanctum and Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati consecrated the new temple in May 1916. Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha made several improvements in the temple. The Mahamandapam has huge stone pillars exquisitely carved with deities like Durga, Raja Rajeshwari, Dwarapalakas and Devis which are all sculpted according to the Shilpa Sastras practised in Tamilnadu. Sanctified by the worship of an unbroken succession of Acharyas of the highest purity, loftiest devotion and unsurpassed mantric powers, the Murti of SriSharada radiates grace and blessings. Navaratri festival is celebrated on a grand scale every year for 11 days with Shathachandi Homa Poornahuti performed on the Mahanavami day. On the Chaitra Shukla Poornima day, special Puja is performed in Sri Sharada Shrine. On Vaisaka Krishna Prathipath Mahabhishekam and special pooja is done for Sri Sharadambal. On Karthika Poornima day Deepotsava is conducted in Sri Sharada Shrine. On the Magha Shukla Panchami, Lalitha Panchami is celebrated with special Pooja performed to Sri Sharadamba by the Jagadguru. On the Magha Krishna Dwithiya special pooja to Sri Sharadamba is performed by the Jagadguru. On the Magha Trithiya Sri Sharadamba Rathotsava is celebrated. Kigga Kigga, also called Marukalu is situated on the Nandini, a tributary of the Tunga,is renowned for its Sringeshwara temple, which stands on the site where Rishyasringa was absorbed in the celestial light. The antiquity of the place is attested by inscriptions of the seventh century which refer to the deity here as Kilganeshwara or Kilganadeva or the lord of Kilga. The linga in the sanctum is shaped like a rudraksha bead, with a horn-like projection on top. Its left side is believed to represent Santa. There is a common belief that if the linga isproperly worshipped, famine will be averted in the land to a distance of twelve yojanas all round. This reminds us of the story in Ramayana that Sage Rishyasringas advent removed the acute drought in Romapadas capital. Horanadu Annapurneshwari Temple It is the most famous temple of Goddess Annapurna in South India. Shri Adishakthyathmaka Annapoorneswari Ammavari temple, also known as Sri Kshetra Horanadu, is situated on the banks of River Bhadra in Chikmagalurdistrict of Karnataka. The deity is considered as the Hindu Goddess of food and nutrition. The presiding deity of the temple was installed by the great Sage Agasthya Maharshi. The main deity of Annapoorna is made of gold and she looks so beautiful. A sense of fulfillment is felt when a person visits this temple and it is said that a person who seeks the goddess blessings would never have any scarcity for food in life. It is believed that lord Shiva once had a curse and that this curse was reversed when the lord visited Goddess Annapoorna and sought her blessings. A 61 feet Hanuman Statue was consecrated at Shri Annapoorneswari Temple and Lord Hanuman is shown as carrying the Mountain with the Sanjeevaniparvatham. The mammoth idol is located near the main gate of the temple. Sadashiva Rudra Temple, located in Suriya Village Mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has got a unique tradition of offering clay sculptures to God. Generally people offer money or gold to God when their wishes are fulfilled as a symbol of gratitude, but in this temple people make clay offerings to the God. The Suriya temple is probably is the only one of its kind because of its unique tradition of clay offerings. Devotees pray god for their wishes and desires. Once it is fulfilled the devotees along with their clay offerings have to go to the temple preferably on Mondays along with a coconut and a kg of rice. The offerings are available in temple premises which are clay sculptures of one’s desire. For example chair and table symbolizes job, marriage means small sculptures of bride and groom, human body parts like ear, eyes, heart etc. One can also see children, cradles, limbs, houses, automobiles, coconuts, cattle, eggs, computer, watch, aeroplane etc.. ,this list is probably is endless (as desires of people are endless). There is a small tank near by the temple. All the clay offerings are made in a separate place called Mannina Harake Bana (Clay Offerings Place) which is close to temple. One can see a huge collection of clay sculptures there. It is believed that temple is around 700 years old. But no one in the temple knows the importance behind these clay offerings. Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha Swami Dharmastala literally means a place of Dharma, a path to religion, ritual, duty,righteousness, and alms. It is the embodiment of justice, truthfulness, faith, solace, fulfillment and peace. â€Å"Let us all live together, Eat together, and grow together Without any feelings of Animosity†. This is the essence of all our religious traditions, and this philosophy in action is the glory of Dharmasthala. Dharmastala was formerly called Kuduma or Koduma. . Long ago about 800years before Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballathilived a pious life in a village called Nelliadi Beedu. They belong to the Pergade family, who were very simple, generous and affectionate people. According to the legend, the angels of God visited them in their dream and informed them to continue their worship and their practice of hospitality, the Dharma Daivas -Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari requested him to build separate shires for each of them. The Chieftain built the shrines and priests requested him to install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. Annappa Swamy procured the linga of Lord Manjunatheshwara from Kadri, near Mangalore. Nrusimha Saligrama is placedby his side. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the Linga Here, the Jain Theerthankara is worshipped on the same consecrated grounds as the native Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Lord Shiva). The average flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people every day. Each pilgrim who visit shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is an honored guest irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status. Advanced mechanized and clean kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims at the Annapoorna Choultry, the beautiful dining hall. Free boarding and lodging with modern amenities are also to all the visiting devotees provided with sincerely At Dharmasthala there is a museum where the exquicitively carved old temple cars are exhibited. Some of them are -Hiremagalur- temple car, Gangadeswara Temple, Sriranga Patna,- temple car, Malekot Sri thirupathi venkataramanaswami – Arasekare – temple car, Sri Malleswaraswami temple , Bellary temple car. Sri Kothandaramaswami Temple, Close to Dharmasthala is the Kothandaramaswami temple. It is a huge structure built recently on a small hillock. It has sannadhis for various deities and the ceiling has been decoratively finished with modern facilities for the pilgrims to visit. The main sannadhi can be reached through steps or by a motorable road. Sowthadka Mahaganapathi Temple, Close to Dharmasthala is this temple for which there is no temple structure is nestled in tranquil natural surroundings is open round the clock for offering prayers, with simple worshipping opportunity to the public. Devotees themselves have the opportunity to perform pooja to Lord Ganapathi. With lush greenery around and Lord Ganapathi in middle of it, this place is ideal for meditation. There is also a park near the temple, where there is a statue of Lord Shiva. Long ago, a temple was in control of a Royal family. During one of the battles, the temple was destroyed. At that time, cowherds in and around this area took away the Mahaganapathi idol and started worshipping wherever they went and finally installing the idol here at Sowthadka. They were growing cucumber and during their worship started offering the same to Lord Mahaganapathi of this temple. In Kannada, sowthe means cucumber and adka means meadow hence the name Sowthadka. Kukke Subramanya Kukke Subramanya is located amidst hills of Subramanya in western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the presiding deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy came to this place – Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other brothers, after killing the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war. The Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river and from then on the river is famous known as Kumaradhara Lord Subramanya was received by Lord Indra along with other Gods; Pleased by the success of the war Indra prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. This was agreed upon courteously and the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara on Margashira Shudda Shashti. Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance here. Vasuki prayed to the Lord to stay along with him permanently at this place and the Lord granted him this boon. From that time it is believed that the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki. Every year a famous car festival is being held here on MargashiraShuddha Shashti with special poojas to the Lord. Pilgrims going to the Temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River, taking a holy bath in it before they go on to the temple to have darshan. The devotees enter the courtyard from behind and walk around to go before the idol. There is Garuda pillar covered with silver between the sanctuary and the portico entrance. It is believed that the pillar was charmed and planted there to shield the devotees from the poison flames streaming from the breath of Vasuki whore sides inside. Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at Kukke Subramanya Temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Due to the wide belief in the snake god in the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala, this pooja is performed by people from all faiths. To the north of the sanctuary there is a cluster of lingas known as â€Å"Kukkelingas†. Some believe that the lingas got that name simply because people used to worship them together kept in a basket, and the place owes its name Kukke Pattana to the Kukke linga. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple: The Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shri Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. This temple is situated at Kudroli, which is about 3 Km away from the main city area of Hampankatta. The original temple structure was in Kerala style, which was replaced, by Chola style during recent renovation in 1991. The main deity of the temple is Lord Sri Gokarnatha (another form of Lord Shiva). Navarathri Utsava (Dasara festival) is very famous and is one of the main tourist events in this temple. A grand procession of Goddess Durga takes place during this festival, which attracts many tourists and devotees from distance corners of the state and is very popular like Mysore Dasara. Sri venkataramana -Car Street Temple: The Venkataramana Temple at Car Street, Mangalore is believed to have been founded during 17th century A. D. (1735). It is also said that Sri Mahla Pai from a noble family of Mangalore belonging to Gowd Saraswatha Brahmin Community of Kaushika lineage erected bronze idols of Lord Sri Veera Vittala and Lord Sri Gopalakrishna. Inside the main sanctum of the temple, there established idols of deities of Goddess Sri Devi and Goddess Bhoodevi along with main deity Lord Sri Veera Venkatesha, Garuda Vahana, Shri Gopalakrishna and Shri Veera Vittala. Goddess Durga Temple: Goddess Durga Temple is located at a distance of 30 km in a place called Kateel. The place is surrounded by lofty hills and is covered with green paddy fields, the place is naturally splendid. Kateel has been one of the most visited pilgrimage center in Karnataka. Huge number of