District: Dakshina Kannada
Town: Bolara
The famous Mangaladevi temple is situated in Mangalore city at a place called Bolara. The temple lies at a distance of about three kilometers from the city centre of Mangalore. As per mythology, the city of Mangalore gets its name from “Mangaladevi”. The city is supposed to be blessed by the Goddess and people have a lot of belief about this deity that takes care of the city.
Mangaladevi Temple – History and Mythology
The history and the story behind the Mangaladevi temple are quite interesting. A famous king named Kundavarma of the Ahepa dynasty was the then ruler of Tulunadu. It was during this period that the sages Gorakanatha and Machendranatha paid a visit. They advised Kundavarma that his kingdom had to be sacred. They advised him to build a hermitage and carry out spiritual activities, as his land was previously the place where the goddess Mangaladevi had once resided. The King immediately agreed to this request.
The saints took Kundavarma to the place, and the guards were asked to dig the land. It was at this time that a shrine of the goddess Mangaladevi was discovered. Under the holy leadership of the saints and various poojas, the “sthapana” of the goddess was performed.
Mangaladevi Temple – Architecture
The Mangaladevi temple has rich sculptures and architecture, thanks to the intricate craftsmanship. Huge rocks were used to build the temple. The temple boasts of rich and intricate carvings. The Mangaladevi temple is very grand and you’re bound to marvel at the architecture of the temple that has been entirely carved out of stone.
Mangaladevi Temple – Religious Significance
The locals in this region believe that women who worship the deity will find happiness and prosperity in their lives. Maidens who worship the deity and perform the Mangala Parvati Vrata can find a suitable match. Many weddings take place in the temple as there is a belief that the couple’s married life will be blessed and fulfilled. The Mangaladevi temple is famous for the Swayamvara Parvati Pooja and the Mangaladhara Vrata.
How to Get to Mangaladevi Temple
Mangaladevi is well connected by road, air and rail. The Bajpe international airport is about twenty kilometers from the city of Mangalore. If you are planning to come to this place by train, then you may either come from Kerala or Tamilnadu. Trains ply from Mangalore Central as well as Konkan railway. The Mangaladevi temple is about three kilometers from the city of Mangalore. The frequency of buses is quite good. There are autos that ply from the station to the temple as well.
Mangaladevi Temple – Facts
Navaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi are the two festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and splendor. During Navaratri, the deity is decorated with jewels, ornaments and flowers. The goddess is worshipped on the seventh day as Sharadamba, and also as Maarikamba on the eight day. On this day, special Aayuda pooja of all tools and weapons of the goddess is performed. On Mahanavami, there is a Rathotasava which is undertaken and there is active participation by devotees.
Ganeshotsava celebrations are also celebrated with pomp and grandeur. The statue of Lord Ganesha is taken on a procession and then immersed in the waters of the Uppinakote.
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