Famous Hindu pilgrimage site Kollur Mookambika Temple is situated in Kollur, Udupi district, Karnataka, India. It is devoted to Goddess Mookambika, who is thought to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s spouse, Goddess Parvati. The temple is regarded as one of the holiest shrines in South India and is one of the Seven Mukti Sthalas (places of salvation) in Karnataka.
The goddess Mookambika’s idol is supposed to have been set here by the sage Kola Maharishi, who is credited with building the temple. The temple’s distinctive architecture blends Keralan and Dravidian designs. The temple’s main entrance is embellished with elaborate sculptures and has a 20-meter-tall gopuram (tower) standing guard over it.
The Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva which is located on the temple grounds is well-known. It is also thought that the renowned saint and scholar Adi Shankaracharya visited this temple and erected a Sri Chakra there.
Mookambika Jayanti, the temple’s yearly festival, is celebrated in December and draws a huge crowd of worshippers from all across the nation. The temple is renowned for its daily rituals as well, including the six-per-day Maha Mangalarathi.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Mookambika followers frequently travel to the Kollur Mookambika Temple. It is a location with significant religious importance that draws tourists and followers from all over the world.
History of Kollur Mookambika Temple
The Kollur Mookambika Temple’s past is rich with myth and folklore and extends back to ancient times. One of the well-known myths holds that the sage Kola Maharishi founded the temple. He is reported to have meditated for many years in order to obtain Goddess Parvati’s blessings, who granted them to him in the shape of Mookambika.
According to a different tale, the temple was constructed in the eighth century AD by Halugallu Veerabhadra, the King of Kodagu. He built the temple to ask for the grace of the goddess Mookambika, to whom he was a big devotee.
The Hoysala rulers repaired and extended the temple in the 12th century. In the Dravidian architectural style, the sanctum sanctorum, the Navaranga, and the Mukha Mandapa of the temple were constructed.
The temple then underwent additional repairs and was expanded to take on its current appearance during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Gopuram (tower) of the temple was constructed at this time and is one of the tallest in South India.
Adi Shankaracharya, a revered saint and renowned philosopher, is claimed to have visited this temple in the 16th century and installed a Sri Chakra. He is thought to have written the well-known song “Mookambika Pancharatnam” in honour of the deity.
The Keladi Nayakas, the Mysore Wodeyars, and the British Raj were among the dynasties and monarchs who supported the Kollur Mookambika Temple over the years. One of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in South India today is the temple, which is overseen by the Government of Karnataka.
How to reach kollur mookambika temple
The Kollur Mookambika Temple is situated in the Indian state of Karnataka’s Kollur, Udupi district. Here are different methods for getting to the temple:
By Air: Mangalore International Airport, located around 130 kilometres from Kollur Mookambika Temple, is the closest airport. To get to Kollur from the airport, use a bus or a taxi.
By Train: Kundapura train Station, located around 35 kilometres from Kollur Mookambika Temple, is the closest train station. You can take a bus or a taxi from the train station to get to Kollur.
By bus: Kollur has excellent road connections to all of Karnataka’s main cities and towns. Between Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapura, and other neighbouring cities and Kollur, regular buses run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators are available.
By Car/cab: You can get to Kollur Mookambika Temple by using a cab or driving your own vehicle. The highway that connects Udupi and Mangalore, National Highway 169, passes right by the temple.
The temple is conveniently reachable from Kollur by foot or by public transportation. The town’s centre is where the temple is located, and there are a tonne of hotels and lodges nearby if you need somewhere to stay.
Best time to visit kollur mookambika temple
The best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple is in the winter, from October to February when the temperature is cool and comfortable. These months have a temperature range of 15 to 30 °C, which is pleasant for outdoor activities and touring.
Avoid going during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The area gets significant rain, which can cause flooding and landslides, making it challenging to see the temple.
When temperatures climb to 40°C during the summer months of March to May, it can be uncomfortable to go sightseeing and engage in outdoor activities.
It’s vital to remember that holidays like Navaratri and Mookambika Jayanti, which are observed in September/October and December, respectively, cause the temple to become very busy. Therefore, if you wish to escape the crowds, it is wise to schedule your visit properly.
Due to the beautiful weather and lower tourist traffic, the months from October to February are often regarded as the finest times to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple.
Nearest places
Near Kollur Mookambika Temple, there are various locations worth investigating. Here are a few sites you can visit that are close by:
Kodachadri Hills: This well-known trekking location is roughly 20 kilometres from Kollur. It is renowned for its waterfalls and thick forests and provides a beautiful perspective of the Western Ghats.
The second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world is housed in the Murudeshwar Temple, which lies in the seaside town of Murudeshwar, 65 km from Kollur.
Udupi is a seaside community in Kollur that is well-known for its Malpe Beach and Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
Maravanthe Beach: This picturesque beach, which is about 30 miles from Kollur, is well-known for its stunning views of the setting sun and the Kodachadri Hills in the distance.
One of the tallest waterfalls in India, Jog Falls is roughly 80 kilometres from Kollur. It is a well-liked tourist destination that draws lots of people each year.
Agumbe is a hill town famed for its wildlife and rainforests that is around 50 miles from Kollur. Due to its heavy rains, it is frequently referred to as the “Cherrapunji of South India”.
These are only a few of the several attractions close to Kollur Mookambika Temple. All of these locations are easily accessible by car and may be reached from Kollur by bus or cab.
Stay option kollur mookambika temple
There are numerous lodging options close to Kollur Mookambika Temple to accommodate various spending plans and preferences. Here are a few possibilities:
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) manages the KSTDC Mayura Kollur, a cheap hotel that is only 500 metres from the temple. The hotel has standard services like a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and AC/non-AC rooms.
A mid-range hotel called Mookambika Palace is roughly a kilometre distant from the temple. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms with contemporary conveniences including AC, TV, and round-the-clock room service. Additionally, it provides parking space and an on-site restaurant.
Approximately 500 metres from the temple lies the mid-range accommodation Mookambika Deluxe. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms with contemporary conveniences including AC, TV, and round-the-clock room service. Additionally, it provides parking space and an on-site restaurant.
The Sri Mookambika Temple Lodge is a low-cost hotel that is within 50 metres from the temple. The lodge provides standard services like a 24-hour front desk and non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms.
A luxurious hotel called Kollur Heights is situated around two km from the temple. The hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms with contemporary conveniences including AC, TV, and round-the-clock room service. It also offers a restaurant, a pool, and parking available on-site.
These are a few of the well-liked lodging choices close to Kollur Mookambika Temple. To avoid any last-minute issues, it is advised to make reservations in advance, especially during the busiest season.
FAQ
What is the history of Kollur Mookambika Temple?
The Kollur Mookambika Temple is believed to be over 1200 years old and has a rich history associated with it. According to legend, the temple was built by the famous sage Parashurama and is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
What is the best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple?
The best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple is from October to February, during the winter months, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
How to reach Kollur Mookambika Temple?
The nearest airport to Kollur Mookambika Temple is Mangalore International Airport, which is about 135 km away. The nearest railway station is Kundapura, which is about 30 km away. You can also reach Kollur by bus or hire a taxi from Mangalore or Udupi.
What are the timings of Kollur Mookambika Temple?
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.
What is the dress code for visiting Kollur Mookambika Temple?
There is no strict dress code for visiting the temple, but it is advisable to dress modestly and avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, and tight-fitting clothes.
What are the festivals celebrated at Kollur Mookambika Temple?
The Navaratri festival, which is celebrated in September/October, and Mookambika Jayanti, which is celebrated in December, are the main festivals celebrated at the Kollur Mookambika Temple.
What are some nearby places to visit near Kollur Mookambika Temple?
Some nearby places to visit near Kollur Mookambika Temple are Kodachadri Hills, Murudeshwar, Udupi, Maravanthe Beach, Jog Falls, and Agumbe.