We went to Mangalore and visited Kollur Mookambikatemple. Kollur has the famous MookambikaTemple about 135 Kms from Mangalore is located here on top of Kodachadri hill. The Mookambika temple, situated on the banks of River Sauparnika, is the main attraction for the visitors. It is considered as one of the seven most sacred spots of the coastalregion.
Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi. This Mookambika temple has gold plated crest and copper roofs which attracts devotees. Kollur is also a popular destination for rock climbers and trekkers at the Kodachadri ranges. Kollur is also known for having the oldest and the deepest gold mines in the country.
The two rivers Agnithirtha & Sowparnika which flow in the sanctuary of mookambika descend from Kodachadri hills. The wee spring of cool water situated in between the temples of Kalabhairava and Umamaheshwara is the source of river Sowparnika.There is a small cave even today which is known as "Garuda’s Cave". Near the temple there are lots of trucker jeeps.
If you want to go Kodachadri hill, then you have to go there in trucker jeep. For that they will charge Rs.1500 (in peak seasons) for a jeep. In non peak seasons they will charge Rs.1200 or for single person they will charge Rupees 200(per head). It is not easy to reach that place. There will be full of rocks so only trucker jeep can go to Kodachadri hill. The holy river takes birth at the Kodachadri and flows up to the edge of Anthargam region where two more streams join it. Then it flows to Kollur in the name of "Sampara", and proceeds to join the sea near the temple of "Maharajaswamy" at Maravanthe. It is believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows, therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bath in it.
About Kollur Mookambika temple:
Kollur is one of the seven pilgrimages which were created by Parashurama. It is situated at the banks of the never drying river Sauparnika. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi. The five different poojas performed at the temple everyday are during Dantadavana (brushing the teeth), morning, afternoon, evening (pradhosha) and night. Pradosha Pooja is also called as "Salam Mangalarathi". It is said that Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Srirangapatna, once arrived here during pradosha pooja, witnessed the Mangalarathi, and became so impressed with the Devi, that he offered a Salaam in Muslim tradition to the Goddess, hence the name came into use. Then we see the Shankara Peeta. Adi Sankara the great religious leader is said to have installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam. The idol that was installed by Adi Shankara is confined in a copper roofed and gold crested temple. Here pooja practices are based on two disciplines- one as per vathula, which is one of the 28 vedas of Shaivagama, and which includes the rituals of Bali (sacrifice); secondly, as per Vijaya yagama Shastra. Complementary to this account is the practice observed every year, when the Muslim brethren visit the temple on a specific day for the darshana of the Goddess. This special feature has been in vogue for many years now. Of the various festivals and other celebrations held at the temple, "Sharannavarathri" which is held usually during October, and "Brahma Rathotsava" held usually in the month of March are both very prominently observed.
From Mookambika temple, the Holy Place Dharmastala is only 77 Kms and it is situated on the bank of the River Nethravathi. Every person, who comeshere are welcomed and given a free meal. And Udupi 60 Kms from Mookambikatemple is famous for Krishna Temple with the GoldenChariot. Near that temple there is a beach (Malpe) that is really beautiful.
Jewels of Sri Devi Mookambika:
There is vast collection of jewels at the temple received as gifts from,
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Sri. M.G.R. gifted a god sword, which weighs one kg. And are 2½ feet long.
The former Chief Minister of Karnataka - Sri Gundu Rao, has gifted a similar type sword made of silver.
The facial mask of Goddess Mookambika is completely of gold and gifted by Vijaya Nagara Empire.
The gold face mask of Jyothirlinga gifted by Chennammaji of Keladi is another unique ornament.There was no good hotel near the temple