Gokarnatheshwara Temple mangalore
Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shree Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, Read more
Bejai Museum
Bejai Museum is located at Bejai in the heart of the Mangalore city.It is also known as Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, The Sreemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum at Bejai is shaped like a ship for starters and houses some interesting pieces of art and artefacts.It is the city’s only museum, and links modern Indian history with the 16th century. The museum provides a great knowledge into the Indian history and heritage through the collections of ancient and foreign coins, some belonging to British East India Company and Pakistan, and stylish paintings among others.Built in 1955, the museum is treasured by those interested in sourcing outdated artefacts.
This museum is very precious for the researches as it houses a wealth of metallic icons, statues, lamps and inscriptions made out of copper. One major draw is the copper inscription containing the verses of Keladi Venkatappa Nayaka, dating back to 1624 AD.
Bejai Museum is located at Bejai in the heart of the Mangalore city.It is also known as Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, Read more
Sri Karinjeshwara Temple
Sri Karinjeshwara Temple is situated a top a hill in Karinje Village near Kavalamudur Village of Bantwal Taluk, 38 km from Mangalore and 14 km from Bantwal Read more
Shri VenkataramanaTemple
Shri VenkataramanaTemple is situated at Car-street in downtown Mangalore City, which is just 1.5 km distance from Hampankatta area, Sri Venkataramana Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkataramana who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Read more
Kukke Sri Subramanya Temple
Sri Subrahmanya Temple is 105 Kilometers (Km) away from Mangalore on Mangalore-Uppinangady-Shirady-Sakaleshpur road. The pilgrims going Subrahmanya will have to cross the Kumaradhara River, always with knee deep water. The pilgrims take their bath in this river and then proceed to the temple to have darshana.
Derivation of a name Kukke Subrahmanya:
It has been learnt from books and legends that Subrahmanya used to be called Kukke Pattana in the past.
In the ‘Shankara Vijaya’ Anandagiri observed that Sri Shankaracharya camped here for a few days during his religious expedition. Shankaracharya referred to this place as ‘Bhaje Kukke Lingam’ in his ‘Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram’ makes the above evidence all the more convincing. Moreover, the Sringeri Mutt situated to the north of this temple is ancient enough to be an eloquent proof to the above fact. A Mutt of the Dwaitha system of Sri Madhwacharya can also be found in this place. As legend has it, that divine sages have installed many Lingas of Lord Shiva in this area. Vasuki also installed a Lingam of Lord Shiva blessed as he was with the power of Skanda Swamy.As the Linga of Lord Shiva was installed in the ‘Kukke’ or ‘Kukshi’ in old Kannada language (the cave) it became famous as Kukke Linga and consequently the place rose to the fame as Kukkepura. Shivanidhi observes that ‘Shivalinga Pradurbhava Patala’ of Lalithagama Jnanapada, which describes the hundred and thirteen Shiva centres, refers to this ‘Subrahmanyehipeshwara’. This means that lingas of Lord Shiva installed by Ahipa-Vasuki is in Subrahmanya. It may be interesting to note that this description accords with the legend of the place.
But as per the villagers explanation the Kukke means basket. The worship of linga in basket (kukke) resulted in naming the place as Kukke.
Mythology:
In consequence to the boon conferred upon Demon Tarakasura by Gods, in return for the penance he did, he was not destined to die from anybody, either men or gods aged above seven days and therefore being confident that there was no death for him, he began to tease the whole world, and the story goes on to say that he fought single handed and conquered all the three worlds. The Rishis also found it difficult to go on with their penance and hence they went to Lord Shiva and requested him to redress their grievances. Luckily enough, it was the seventh day, his son Kumar was born and through this child “Kumar” aged seven days, the Demon Tarakasura was slain in a hand to hand fight and Sri Kumar permanently made his abode nearby which is called Adi Subrahmanya. Near this Adi Subrahmanya there is a big temple and a Madhwa Mutt. The Kumara Parwath, (Mountain) is just adjacent to the temple and the pilgrims can go up the mountain with the help of mountain guides.
Temple through the ages:
The temple was in ancient days under the Hoisala Ballala Kings of Dwara Samudra. The statue of Ballala King installed in front of the temple bears unmistakable testimony to this fact. Further details of this installation follow shortly. This place was an important town during the reign of Ballala rulers, and the temple enjoyed a splendour and grandeur of its own. It is learnt that various and varied services used to be offered to this temple by many kings. Indore, Mysore and Coorg continue their services to this temple even to this day. The reign of Ballala kings drew to all close and with it did the epoch of splendour and grandeur enjoyed by this temple too. It seems that during the period of time that followed the temple came under the management of the local people. Later on this district came under the Government of East India Company and the management of this temple also rested directly under the above Government from 1810 to 1845. No doubt, consequent upon this happening the properties and liabilities were managed along efficient lines; but as the surrounding areas were converted into protected forests the climate went bad, the population decreased and this place plunged into obscurity.
In 1845 the collector of the South Kanara appointed the Swamiji of the Subrahmanya Mutt. Sri Ramakrishna Asranna, the Tantri (Priest) of the temple and Archaka Narasimha Acharya as the trustees of the temple and handed over the management of the temple to them.
Endowment committee was formed in 1863 and the committee in charge of the Subrahmanya Temple allowed the above Trustees appointed by the Collector in 1845 to continue as trustees. His Holiness Sri Vidyaraja Thirtha of the Subrahmanya Mutt managed the affairs of the temple in his capacity as on of the trustees from 1845 to 1851. Later on subsequently different trustees administered the temple efficiently and in 1938 the tenure of these trustees drew close and Endowment committee appointed new trustees for a period of five years. And this procedure is continuing till today.
Pooja practices:
The Poojas in the Sri Subrahmanya Temple are conducted according to the ‘Vaikasana Agama’ system, which is very rarely found in our province. On festivals and other sacred days, special poojas are prescribed for such occasion. When the utsava is takes place at night, Ratri-Pooja is conducted first with sprinkling of Shankathirtha, after which the utsava idol is brought out. The customary Utsava – Pooja, Mangalarathi and Ashtavadhana are conducted either before the Sannidhi or in the prescribed places. When both the Tantri and the Archaka are present the former conducts the Gopuja in the morning, the Mahapuja and Akshayapatra pooja at the noon and the Deevatige Seva in the Evening. The Archaka conducts the rest of the poojas.
The Garuda Pakshi (kite)which never can be found in this place on the rest of the days of the year makes its appearance at the time of Ratharohana and again at the time of Avabrath Mahotsava the next day. This can never be explained unless we attribute to the holiness of this place. At the time of car festival the chariot is pulled by means of cane. The moment the car festival is over the devotees vie with one another to get hold of a piece of this cane because this is considered to be very effective cure even for the most virulent, positions like that of a snake-bite. Then the God alights from the chariot. The devotees perform various kinds of worships. Then the ‘Mahapooja’ and the ‘Mahasantharpana’ (feeding of Brahmins) take place.
The next day of Shashti also Sri Kumaraswamy comes out to take part in the festival. After the ‘Okuli Pooja’ (Sprinkling of Saffron water) God proceeds to ‘Matsya Thirtha’ where the ‘Nauka Viharotsava’ and the Avabritha takes place. After this festival the devotees and pilgrimage start returning and the density of the population lessons gradually. But the festivals continue till Poornami. On that day ‘Maha Samprokshana’ is conducted and with this the annual festivals come to a close.
Festivals & Celebrations:
The Annual festival is celebrated here every year from ‘Karthika Bahula Dwadashi’ to Margashira Shudha Poornima’. But the devotees begin to throng here as early as ‘Karthika Bahula Amavasya’ and will continue to do so till ‘Margashira Shudha Sapthami’. The Lakshadeepotsava is celebrated on the day of Karthika Bahula Amavasya and on the four succeeding days, the Chandramandalotsava, Ashwavahanotsava, Mayura Vahanotsava and Flower Chariot Utsava are conducted respectively. On Panchami (the fifth day) ‘Panchami Rathotsava’ is celebrated at night. On the Shashti day Sri Subrahmanya Swamy and Umamaheshwara come out at an auspicious hour in the morning to participate in the festival. Sri Subrahmanya Swamy mounts the ‘Brahmaratha’ and God Umamaheshwara the ‘Panchami Ratha’. Then a very strange occurance takes place.
Sri Subrahmanya Temple is 105 Kilometers (Km) away from Mangalore on Mangalore-Uppinangady-Shirady-Sakaleshpur road. Read more
Paldane church mangalore
Bishop Thomas De Castro of the Diocesan clergy was the first Vicar Apostolic of the Diocese of Mangalore. He shepherded the Mangalore Diocese from 1674 – 1684, From 1845 – 1873, Carmelite Bishop administered the Diocese as Vicars Apostolic. When Rt. Rev Mary Ephrem of the Sacred Heart of Jesus OCD was the Vicar Apostolic of the Diocese, the then Parish Priest of Milagres Church Mangalore, Rev. Fr. Alexander Dubois, a French Priest of the Diocesan clergy, who was later known as Frad Saib laid foundation stone on 14th September 1873 for a new Church building at Cordel dedicated to Holy Cross to look after the spiritual welfare of the faithful in and around Kulshekar Read more
Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple
Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple is situated in the bank of Shambhavi River at Bappanadu village of Mulki town.The place Bappanadu means Bappa’s village. It is 29 K.M. north to Mangalore following National Highway No.17. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Shree Durgaparameshwari. As per the legend Bappa a Muslim merchant is responsble for temple construction. Annual festival (Brahma Rathotsava) of the temple falls in the month of April. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum) is well known and There is a large drum that is kept in the side of the temple.
Historical view of Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple:
Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari temple is one of the main Shakti worship Centre of the South Kanara district of Karnataka. Here main deity is in the form of Linga (symbolic statue). Eligibility of Muslims for accepting prasadas (blessings) of the temple is one of the special features of the Kshetra. Muslims also participate in the temple festivals. Even today the prasadas of the very first day of the festival is given to the house of Bappa Beary. But in spite of all these legendary and mythological views and following of the traditional cultural activities based on these views, the proper historical documents depicting the period of the temple is very rarely available.
While observing the temple we can find the feature of 14th century architectural style in device of main sanctum, pedestal etc. In 1333-35 A.D one African traveler viz. Iban Batoota visited India wrote that some of the Muslims in the region (Mangalore and Mallika town) were following Hindu traditions. But the region he mentioned is cannot be confirmed with the Mulki, as there is a vast difference in geographical features.
As believed by the local people Bappa a Muslim merchant has taken important role in the construction of the temple. But confirming the role of the Bappa Beary in construction of the temple is not available. Whether Bappa was a Muslim or he is a Bapa Pai (a Saraswath Brahmin) or he is a follower of Jainism is still a point to ponder. The name Bappa also comes in one copperplate inscription (1607 AD) available in Kotageri Jain Basadi in which it is said ” Moose Kavi son-in-laws offered Varaha 113 on this Kunhappagu to Bappa “.
However, we can assume that Muslims have a major part in this temple activity as it is mentioned in one recently got inscription of Hanjaman (Association of Muslim merchants). Also there are two inscriptions at either side of the temple. Though one is completely damaged, another inscription is pertaining to the era of 1411 AD and is belonging to Tedi. While verifying the words mentioned in this inscription we could strongly believe that in the history of temple many Non-Brahmins also participated in the activity of the temple.
Bappanadu Dolu (Drum):
Beating of the drums during annual festival of the temple is an important factor of celebration. Bappanadu Dolu is well known for it’s beating all over Karnataka. We can’t compare the number of drums with temples elsewhere in Karnataka. Beating of the drums while local rulers and landlords visiting the temple during festival was an age-old tradition. During annual festival time a certain community empowered to participate in beating of drums perform this service to the deity with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Temple authority would pay a certain amount of honorarium to these drum beaters. A beautiful view of this drum beating performed by beaters accompanied by their family members and community is really eye catching one. As a symbol of the specialty of drums, temple authority made one big size drum and hanged it beside the main entrance.
Mythology of Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple:
Once there was a demon called Darigasura ruling Shonitapura. He had enmity with Devatas and Lord Vishnu. In antagonism and with the intention of defeating the Devatas and Lord Vishnu he worshiped Lord Brahma and got a boon. With a help of this boon he defeated Devatas and Lord Vishnu and snatched the ammunitions from Lord Vishnu and handed over that to his wife and told to keep that in worship place. While Lord Vishnu was mourning for his lost ammunitions Goddess Durgaparameshwari appeared before him in the form of seven angel-women (Sapta-Durgas) and promised to kill a demon.
These Sapta-Durgas went to Shonitapura accompanied by one Deity called Guliga. Bhagavathi one of the Sapta-Durgas appeared before demon Darigasura while he was on the way to take a bath in the River, in disguised form of an old woman and begged for a meal. Darigasura advised her to go to palace and ask a meal with his wife. And also told her to tell him that if she didn’t get a meal. Accordingly Goddess Bhagavathi visited the palace of Darigasura and met his wife but asked for ammunitions of Lord Vishnu to be returned. While wife of Darigasura opposed to return, Bhagavathi willingly and wrongly informed Darigasura that his wife is not ready to give her a meal.
Hearing that Darigasura ordered his wife to give Bhagavathi what she wished. Darigasura’s wife gave the ammunitions of Lord Vishnu to Bhagavathi accordingly. Knowing deceived by Goddess Bhagavathi, demon Darigasura became furious and declared war against Sapta-Durgas and attacked them in ambush. He defeated Deity Guliga in war. But after seven days of furious war demon Darigasura was defeated by Sapta-Durgas and ultimately he ran away and took hide in underworld.
Goddess Bhagavathi taken form of Bhadra-Kali and began for his search. While demon Darigasura came for offering pooja to Lord Shiva in late evening, Bhadra-Kali found him and slewed him. Bhagavathi then accompanied by her other sister goddesses and Deity Guliga, visited Lord Vishnu and asked for a boat made by sandal wood for a journey from Vaikunta (Great heaven) to Bhooloka (earth) with a intention of settling down in Bhooloka for betterment of earthly people.
Lord Vishnu permitted them to take a Sandal wood tree from Vaikunta for preparing a boat. Accordingly they made a boat and started their journey. Boat came to Bhooloka and crossed Kasaragod, Kumble, Uppala, Pattattur, Manjeshwara, Udyavara, Ullala and Kudroli of southern coast of India. From there it came to Sasihithlu near Mulki town. There, Bhagavathi took tender coconut from one lower caste devotee and wished to settle there only. Goddess Durgaparameshwari emerged symbolically in conjunction point of Shambhavi & Nandini River at Mulki border.
Legend:
In due course, one Muslim merchant viz. Bappa Beary while traveling through Shambhavi River for trading in remote places, his boat suddenly stopped in the middle of the river. While examining the cause he found blood spread over the river water and he deeply felt fear on that. Mean time a divine voice came from the ether ordering him construct a temple with the help of Mulki Sawantha (king) and to make pooja by the help of Baila Udupa (priest). Mulki Sawantha was belonging to Jain religion and a decent ruler. Hearing the incident from Bappa Beary, the king built one temple with the contribution of many other donors and made Baila Udupa as a chief priest of the temple. Hence the temple became Bappanadu Kshetra.
Annual Festival occasions:
1. Dwajarohana (Holy Flag hoisting) – on the day of Meena Masa Shuddha Chathurdhashi.
2. Bali Utsava & Ayana Deepotsava – Second day
3. Pete Sawari – Third day
4. Koppala Sawari – Fourth day
5. Bakimaru Deepotsava – Fifth day
6. Kere Deepotsava – Sixth day
7. Morning Car Festival, Night Chandra Mandala, Shayanotsava – Seventh day
8. Kawata Inauguration, Night car festival – Eight day
Pooja Timings:
Morning: 8-00 A.M.
Afternoon: 12-30 P.M.
Night: 8-00 P.M.
How to reach of Sri Kshethra Bappanadu temple:
From Mangalore City there are plenty of service busses available to Mulki and Udupi. Since the temple is situated near the Udupi Mangalore High way it is very convenient even for new visitors to reach by catching these busses and getting down at Mulki or Bappanadu. From Mangalore to Bappanadu the distance is 29 K.M.
Postal Corresponding address:
Executive Officer,
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple,
Bappanadu MULKI – 574154 (D.K.)
Karnataka – INDIA
Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple is situated in the bank of Shambhavi River at Bappanadu village of Mulki town.The place Bappanadu means Bappa’s village. It is 29 K.M. north to Mangalore following National Highway No.17. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Shree Durgaparameshwari. Read more
Rosario Cathedral
St. Thomas the Apostle of India kindled the light of faith during the first century A.D. in the Southern Part of India. The early Franciscan Missionaries later continued the Gospel preached by him in Kanara in the year 1510. Befittingly Mangalore is called “Rome of the East”. Alphonso-de-Albuquerque a Portuguese explorer conquered Goa and was its Viceroy of the Indies from 1510-1515. This made it easy to Portuguese King Immanuel to send missionaries to Kanara for evangelization of Christianity. Albuquerque conquered this territory from the Bijapur Sultan Ismael Adil Shah. Later in the year 1542 St. Francis Xavier a Spanish Jesuit arrived in Goa from Portugal and propagated the true faith.
The Portuguese under Diego de Silveira attacked Mangalore in the year 1568. On January 5th 1568 the city was occupied and Portuguese built a fort called the “Fort of St. Sebastian” at the place where now stands the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The Portuguese also had trade links in Kanara and Malabar and as such they built a factory for curing, storage of spices and other condiments prior to shipment. Since they felt the necessity of a church for their spiritual welfare they built a church (Holy Rosary Church) referred to as the “Factory Church” of Bolar. The Royal stone emblem of the Portuguese king is lying at the entrance of the Cathedral as insignia of their landing in 1568. The Cathedral now stands in the same place where the Portuguese built their first church after capturing Mangalore on 5th January 1568. They opened three churches namely 1) Holy Rosary at Bolar 2) Our Lady of Mercy at Ullal 3) St. Francis Assisi at Farangipet. In the year 1570 Fr. Vincent who was at the time the Provincial of Jesuits in Goa sent a fresh batch of missionaries into Kanara. The Archbishop of Goa exercised his ecclesiastic jurisdiction over the coast. On December 3rd 1609 Pope Paul V extended his jurisdiction along the coast as far as Dharmattam. The Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle visited Mangalore in 1623 and he mentioned about the existence of these 3 churches mentioned above. The Holy See appointed Thomas De Castro a native of Divar in Goa Vicar Apostolic of Kanara on 30th August 1675. He later died on 16th July 1684. The venerable Fr. Joseph Vas played an important role in the history of the Rosario Church in the year 1681. Archbishop Brandao of Goa assigned him this task. Venerable Fr. Joseph Vas repaired the existing Bolar Rosario Church, which was known as the “Factory Church”.
In the year 1910 Rev. Fr. H.I. Busoni S.J. the then Parish Priest demolished the old structure and commenced the work on the large and beautiful church worthy of dignity of a Cathedral. Br. Divo S.J. (St. Xavier’s) Bombay Mission was the master architect. Bishop Perini was consecrated here on 4th December 1910 when the sanctuary alone had been completed. This dome is a crowning work of architectural magnificence in the diocese. Fr. Busoni erected a belfry and installed 4 sonorous bells from Italy. Bishop Perini S.J. then Administrative Apostolic of the Diocese consecrated the main altar of the Cathedral on 3rd April 1924. He died in Bangalore on 28th June 1932 and interned at Calicut Cathedral on 30th June 1932.
The period from 1784 to 1799 forms a turbulent and sad page in the history of the Christians in Kanara. On 30th January 1784 the British surrendered to Tippu Sultan’s forces. Tippu Sultan was enraged with the Christian community as he suspected their fidelity, as his subjects and issued orders to his Commanders to arrest all Christians in Kanara, confiscate their lands and valuables and destroy their churches and lead them as captives to Srirangapatnam. This catastrophe took place on the fateful night of Ash Wednesday February 21st 1784. These cruel orders were carried out and several thousands of Christians in his domain were lead as captives to Srirangapatnam. Their fate was sad and gloomy and many perished through starvation and fatigue on the way. The survivors who reached Srirangapatnam were rounded up and by torture forced to embrace Islam.
During this period Tippu’s forces desecrated and destroyed 26 out of the 27 churches in Kanara and Rosario Church was one of them. Thus began their long suffering and bitter lent for 15 years to follow. Srirangapatnam was besieged and fell to the British forces in 1799 commanded by Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, who was destined to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte at the battle of Waterloo. Colonel Arthur Wellesley was the brother of The English Governor-General of India, Richard Wellesley, Second Earl of Morning ton. Thus ended the torture and captivity of Christians.
St. Thomas the Apostle of India kindled the light of faith during the first century A.D. in the Southern Part of India. The early Franciscan Missionaries later continued the Gospel preached by him in Kanara in the year 1510. Read more
Jamalabad fort
Jamalabad fort built by Tippu Sultan in 1794 and named after his mother, Jamalabee, is located 8 km north of Beltangadi town, (65 km from Mangalore) is 1788 ft above sea level and was formerly Read more
Sultan Battery
Sultan Battery watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan, is situated 4 km from Mangalore City. Built in black stones, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round. Read more
