Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore (2023) | Timings, Architecture

Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore Overview

Mangaladevi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangaladevi, a form of Goddess Shakti or Goddess Durga. It is currently the oldest temple in Mangalore and was built in the year in 9000 AD. The grand temple is visited by devotees of Durga and also draws tourists visiting the city in large numbers for its ancient architecture. The spacious temple complex allows devotees to sit and meditate or chant after offering their prayers to feel rejuvenated and at peace. The name for the city, Mangalore, is derived from the temple. The city was built around the temple too and is also the geographical centre.

How To Reach Mangaladevi Temple

Mangaladevi Temple is easily accessible via NH66 or Bejai - Kavoor road or Bajpe Road from any part of the city. Auto-rickshaws and local buses are the most convenient modes of public transport in Mangalore.

Take the Bajpe Road/Bejai - Kavoor road and head towards Mullakad First Cross Road. Take a left at Kuntikana Junction and head towards NH66. From KPT junction, get onto Bejai Main Road by the taking the third exit from the junction and travel towards Kadri Kambla Road. Then follow the route Kadri Kambla Road - Vyas Rao road - KRR Road - Bunts Hostel Road - Balmatta Road - Maidan Road - Mangaladevi Road. The temple is located to the right at a distance of 2 kilometres.

Legend of Mangaladevi Temple

It is believed that the magnificent temple was built by Lord Parshuram. Goddess Mangaladevi is highly revered in the city within the Hindu Community. In fact, the name, Mangalore, is derived from the name of the deity. It is said that a princess from Malabar had given up her luxurious life to become a disciple of Matsyendranath. She converted to the Nath sect and was renamed as Mangaladevi. When the teacher and the disciple travelled to Mangalore, she fell ill and settled near Bolar. After her death, the locals of Bolar built this temple in the honour of the princess and named it Mangaladevi Temple.

Architecture of Mangaladevi Temple

Mangaladevi Temple is built according to the traditional South-Indian Temple architecture with most of the temple built of wood. The sanctum sanctorum has the idol of the presiding deity who is seen in a seated or lotus position. Made of wood, granite and laterite, the sanctum sanctorum also has a small Shivalinga to the left of the idol. The temple complex houses smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. The upper level of the temple covers the hall where traditional drums are played during festivals while the entire complex is enclosed within a compound wall.