If you are planning a trip to Karnataka anytime soon, make sure to visit the famous Kollur Mookambika temple here.
Now, you might be wondering as to what’s so special about this temple that we’re especially suggesting you to visit it here.
Well, there’s a whole lot of mythological charisma associated with this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. In this blog, we’ll learn all about it including its history, significance, timings, and more. And in the end, it’s all on you to decide whether you want to explore this one of the ancient wonders or not.
Kollur Mookambika Temple History
Let’s first learn the history behind this majestic temple.
So once there was a demon named Kamsasuran who, misusing his powers and will created havoc all around the universe. Everyone including the humans and the great gods were distressed about this situation. This was when Goddess Parvati stepped in to put an end to Kamsasuran’s cruelty. She initially made him dumb whereafter he was known as Mookasuran (mook means dumb). However, later, on the midnight of shukla ashtami, Goddess Parvati killed him with her chakra whereafter she came to be called Mookambika. Today the place where the goddess killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.
About the Temple: Architecture and Built
The Kollur Mookambika Temple housed a unique Panchaloha (five metals) statue of Goddess Mookambika, depicted with three eyes, four arms with a conch, and chakra in her hands, sitting in a padmahasana pose. Goddess Mookambika is seen as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi, and Mahalakshmi.
This statue is believed to have been consecrated by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to Murudeshwar. The temple also honors Lord Shiva in the form of a Lingam.
Talking of the temples built and architecture, it was constructed in the Dravidian style and is believed to be around 1200 years old.
It saw major enhancements during the Keladi Nayakas period in the 15th and 16th centuries and has been renovated in recent times. You can see a beautiful Vimana at the temple’s sanctum, and the 135-foot-long mandapa is decorated with intricate carvings of various deities.
Along with Goddess Mookambika, you can also find beautifully carved sculptures of many other deities like Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini, Partheeshwara, Chandramouleeshwara, Pranalingeshwara, Nanjundeshwara, Anjaneya, Venkataramana, and Thulasi Gopalakrishna.
And while at it, don’t miss the huge deepasthambam (lamp pole) with its 21 concentric circles, standing tall on the temple premises – you’d be truly amazed!
Dress Code for Kollur Mookambika Temple
When visiting the Kollur Mookambika Temple, it is important to be a bit mindful about your attire. Here are some guidelines to adhere to:
- Men: Men are suggested to wear a dhoti or mundu paired with a short kurta or shirt. You can also wear t-shirts without any inappropriate messages or graphics. Just make sure to avoid wearing lungis or shorts.
- Women: Women can choose to wear a saree, salwar kameez, or any other traditional Indian attire. Avoid wearing Western outfits like jeans, skirts, or shorts, and always make sure to cover your head with a shawl or dupatta before entering the temple to show your respect towards the deities.
Apart from this, know that it is mandatory to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. You can either leave them in your car or use the shoe-keeping facility provided outside.
Timings, Darshan, and Pooja Schedule
Timing is everything! Hence, to make the most of your visit to Kollur Mookambika temple, make sure to keep a note of the temple’s timings. Here’s the schedule of the temple timings, darshan, and pooja timings:
- Temple Timings: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Darshan Timings: You can take darshan throughout the day during the temple hours. However, we’d suggest you visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues.
- Pooja Timings:
Nirmalya Darshan: 5:00 AM
Abhisheka Pooja: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Mangalarathi Pooja: 7:30 AM
Uchikala Pooja: 12:00 PM
Maha Mangalarathi Pooja: 7:30 PM
Best Time to Visit Kollur Mookambika Temple
The best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather during this time is quite pleasant, best for exploring the temple and its surroundings. Additionally, several festivals are celebrated with great zeal at the temple during these months, which allows you to experience the unique South Indian culture. The Navaratri festival, in particular, is a grand celebration that attracts a large number of devotees every year.
How to Reach Kollur Mookambika Temple?
You can reach Kollur Mookambika Temple through various means of transport. Here are the different ways to get there:
- By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Mangalore International Airport, located around 140 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kollur.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is the Kundapura which is approximately 40 Kilometers away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
- By Road: Kollur is well-connected by road, and there are frequent bus services from major cities in Karnataka. You can also drive to Kollur from nearby towns and cities. The temple is about 130 kilometers from Mangalore, 460 kilometers from Bangalore, and 200 kilometers from Udupi.
Best Places to Visit Near Kollur Mookambika Temple
While the Kollur Mookambika Temple is the main attraction, there are several other fascinating places that you can explore nearby. Below are some of our favorite spots that you must visit:
- Murudeshwar Temple: Located about 60 kilometers from Kollur, the Murudeshwar Temple is famous for its towering statue of Lord Shiva, which is the second tallest statue in the world. The best part is that it’s situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, whereupon you can enjoy some spectacular views.
- Kodachadri Hills: If you’re both a nature lover and an adventure freak, we’d suggest you trek to Kodachadri Hills – you won’t be disappointed. The hills are part of the Western Ghats and are believed to be the place where Adi Shankaracharya meditated. The stunning views of the surrounding forests and valleys will surely leave you amazed.
- Souparnika River: Sowparnika is a sacred river flowing near the temple. Taking a dip in its waters is believed to purify the soul and leave you all calm and relaxed. You can spend some time strolling through the river banks after your temple visit.
- Anegudde Vinayaka Temple: Situated around 60 kilometers from Kollur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that sage Agasthya performed strong penance here to attract Indira. The stunning 12-foot elephant statue of Lord Ganesha which is said to be naturally found in the ground, is one of the best things you’ll witness here.
Conclusion
A visit to Kollur Mookambika Temple is not just a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Karnataka. However, always remember to respect the temple’s traditions by adhering to the dress code and participating in the rituals with devotion. Have a nice trip!
