District: Dakshina Kannada
Town: Mangalore
Temple: Sri Venkatramana Temple
Sri Venkatramana Temple – Overview
The Sri Venkatramana temple in Mangalore is of great religious significance. The chief deity is Lord Sri Veera Venkatesa, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. The temple boasts of a glorious and rich history of over three hundred years. Devotees from all over the country and the world flock here to visit the revered shrines. The temple trustees are the Gowd Saraswatha Brahmins. Festivals like the Rathotsava are celebrated with great pomp and splendor and Lord Venkatramana is worshipped.
This exquisitely beautiful temple is located in Mangalore and is also referred to as Temple Square. The daily poojas are performed as per the principles of the Madhawa – Vaishnavas. Other festivals like the Ganesh Chaturthi, Venkatesha Pratistha Mahotsava, and Ugadi are celebrated at this temple.
Sri Venkatramana Temple – History
The Sri Venkatramana temple has a rich history. The Vaishyas were the main residents of this place and when the Portuguese invaded the place, the Vaishyas had to move southwards. This is how many of them settled in Mangalore. Sri Venkatramana was the chief deity of the Vaishyas and the temple was built by members of their community.
The chief deity has other deities along the side like Sridevi and Bhoodevi. These deities are made of panchaloha – that is, five metals were used to make the statues. Lord Venkatramana holds the chakra in his right hand and the shankh on the left hand. The goddess Sridevi is symbolic of prosperity and wealth and Bhoodevi is an embodiment of sanctity, prakriti and success. The temple was built during the seventeenth century and the main idol was erected at the primary sanctum of the temple.
The temple also houses other deities like Veera Vittala, Garuda Vahana Shri Gopalakrishna, and Shri Mula Venkatramana. The statue of Naga Devata is present in the temple’s outer circle.
Sri Venkatramana Temple – Architecture
This beautiful temple has a very big parikrima. The “Vrushubh Ayu” faces the east side, the Garbhagudi Gabhara lies in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum which consists of a three step peetha. The moolachara statues are made of panchaloha. You can find the Srichakra Shesha and Saligramas on the lowest step. Six lamps are lit through the night and there are huge brass metal bells that are rung at the time of the poojas.
Sri Venkatramana Temple – Mythology
There is a quite interesting story behind the temple. Sawkar Thimmappa Pai resided at Car Street. There was this strange visitor who left behind his satchel for the Sawkar to take care of. Sawkar Pai closed his shop for the day when the watchman came running and informed him about thick smoke emerging from the shop. When the satchel was checked, they found a beautiful idol of Sri Veera Venkatramana. This was an absolute miracle and the Sawkar decided to keep the idol and sought advice from Swamiji Shree Kashimatadheesha Shrimadh Vibhudhendra Tirtha Shri Paadangal.
The Gowda Saraswat community trust is very strict about specific rules and pooja vidhis that are performed in these temples. The Sri Venkatramana temple has a rich and glorious cultural heritage and traditional pooja vidhis.
How to reach Sri Venkatramana Temple
The temple is equidistant and has a prominent location in the heart of the Mangalore city. It is possible to reach the temple easily as there are city buses and auto rickshaws that are available. Once you reach the Hampankatta city, it will be possible to reach the temple within a few minutes. There are KSRTC buses that will take you till the temple. Mangalore is well connected by railways and the closest airport is the Mangalore Airport.
Sri Venkatramana Temple – Facts
The Sri Venkatramana temple hosts many celebrations and poojas. Special pooja vidhis are followed. The Maha Aarati is performed during the mid morning hours and then the temple closes. It is then reopened during the evening. Once the night pooja is performed, the temple is closed again.
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