Mookambika Devi Temple is located in Kollur, which lays approximately 80 kms from Udupi and 135 Kms from Mangalore. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri peak. Mookambika Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site.
It is an ideal and soothing experience for an early morning dip in the pure and holy water flowing down the Kodachadri hills. The temple is dedicated to Mookambika Devi, the only temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The Goddess Mookambika is in the form of Jyotir-Linga which combines both Shakti and Shiva.
Quick Facts about Mookambika Devi Temple
- Opening Timing: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- Website: kollurmookambika.co.in/tm
- Address: Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Udupi District – 576220 (MAP)
Mural painting at kollur mookambika temple. Image courtesy : Syam
History and significance of Mookambika Devi Temple
There are many beliefs regarding the origin of the temple. It is believed that the shrine of Mookambika Devi was installed by Adi Shankara. He worshiped Goddess Saraswati intensely, as a response to his dedication goddess appeared before Adi Shankara and agreed to go with him to Kerala.
Goddess agreed to accompany him upon one condition that Adi Shankara who leads the way should not turn back to check whether she is following him. If he looked back and checked her, Goddess would stop there and will not move further.
On the way, when Shankara could not feel the presence of Goddess Saraswati, he looked back and assured her presence. Goddess Saraswati stopped her journey and stayed at that place as per her promise. After repeated begging and pleading of Shankara, the Goddess agreed to be at the Chottanikkara Temple in the mornings and come back to Mookambika Devi Temple by noon.
Kodachadri Hill houses places such as Chitramoolam and Ambavanam where Adi Shankara is believed to have meditated. Ancient Hindu Kings were patrons of the temple and the temple houses valuable treasures that are reminiscent of rich past.
This was the state temple for the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and many jewels now adorning the idol are said to have been presented by them and by their overlords of Vijayanagara. During the Mahratta raids in this district in the 18th century, these freebooters are believed to have carried away gold, silver, and gems worth crores of rupees.
Mookambika Devi Temple. Image courtesy: shok Prabhakaran
How to Reach Mookambika Devi Temple
Mookambika temple being a famous pilgrimage spot in the south of Western Ghats has transport facility from all over Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
By Air
The Airport close to the temple is Mangalore International Airport. One can avail pre-paid taxis from the airport to Kollur. It is approximately 150 kms from the airport and can be reached in three-four hours.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Bijoor (BIJR) 20 km away from Kollur and Kundapura station at 40 km from Kollur. You can easily get taxis from the station to Kollur. The stations have waiting rooms for passengers.
By Road
Kollur is connected by road from major cities such Shimoga, Mangalore, and Bangalore. It is a three-hour journey from Mangalore by bus. Direct buses are also available from Shimoga and Sagara and some other near places as well.
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