Kollur Mookambika Temple

Kollur Mookambika Temple

Kollur Mookambika Temple, an important seat of Shakti worship is located in very picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district. This sacred place is situated on the banks of River Sauparnika and surrounded by thickly wooded hills and has a natural formation resembling the Sri Chakra. Kollur is one of the seven mukti places which were created by Parashurama. It is believed that rishis have performed penance on this holy place.

Sauparnika River at Kollur:

It is a believed that Garuda (eagle) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika. It is also 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 bathe in it.

Legend of Kollur:

Skanda Purana speaks about the glory of this erstwhile Maha Aranyapuram (Kollur). Kola Maharshi, a sage was advised to worship Shakti at Kollur, on the banks of River Sauparnika. The place was known as Kolapura, after him.

Kola Maharshi found a swayambu linga (Shiva Linga, appeared on its own) and was offering ablutions and was worshipping it regularly. Kola Maharshi who was doing penance here, was disturbed by a demon, Kamasura.

Kamasura, learned from his Guru Sukracharya that his death is at the hands of a woman and performed rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva and get the boon of immortality. All gods learned that, Kamasura will become all powerful and no one can stop his misdeeds, if he gets this boon. All gods prays Vagdevi not to grant his wish.

When Lord Shiva, appeared before Kamasura and asks him to name the boon that he wishes, Vagdevi, the Goddess of speech makes him dumb so that the boon could not be asked. Thus Kamasura became Mookasura (Mooka means dumb).

On the request of Kola Maharshi, the goddess creates a mystical power by bringing together the individual powers of all the gods who had assembled and wages a war on Mookasura.

Devi then killed Mookasura using her charka on the midnight of Jyesta Sukla Ashtami. The place where devi killed Mookasura is known as "Marana Katte". Since that day, the Goddess has resided at this holy place Kollur by the name Mookambika, fulfilling the wishes of all her devotees. After killing Mookasura, Devi is believed to have merged into this Swayambu Linga in this temple.

The main deity in the temple is the Jyothirlinga (Shiva Linga). This Jyotirlinga is in front of the idol of the Goddess Mookambika. A golden line divides this Linga into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the Linga. The smaller right portion of this Linga is said to represent Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva (as he conscious static principles) and larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi (as the creative energy principles)

Adi Shankaracharya, is said to have installed the metal idol of the Goddess behind the Jyothirlinga. Godess Mookambika is in Padmasana posture holding Shanku and Chakra, and is showing Abhaya and Varada Mudras. On the either side of this are idols of Kali and Saraswathi. The roof of the temple is made of copper and is gold crested. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have composed his Soundharya Lahari when he was here.

Places to visit at Kollur:
1. Mookambika Temple
2. Sauparnika River
3. Arasina Makki, a famous waterfall.
4. The Kudachadri range is a beautiful place and attracts a large number of trekkers.
5. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread along the Kundapur-Kollur road.

Festivals at Kollur:
1. The main festival in the temple is the car festival, in the month of Phalguna (March-April).
2. Navarathri: Special Poojas are performed on all nine days. Vidyarambha (Starting education) to kids is done on Vijayadashami day.

Facilities to devotees:
1. Accommodation: Temple guest house is available.
2. Lunch and Dinner is provided free.
3. Medical Care Centers, Hospitals and Dispensaries opened in Kollur for devotees

Distances from Kollur:
1. Kundapur: 40 Kms
2. Udupi: 80 Kms
3. Murudeshwara: 55 Kms
4. Mangalore: 140 kms
5. Bangalore: 405 Kms (via Shimoga)
6. Sringeri: 115 Kms

How to reach Kollur:
Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi.

Kollur is a 2 hour drive from Udupi. On the National High 17, after around 7 Km from Kundapur, at Hemmady one has to take right deviation to reach Kollur. The nearest railhead is at Udupi.

Reaching Kollur from Bangalore:
Kollur can be reached from Bangalore via Arsikere, Kadur, Bhadravathi, Shimoga, Hosanagar, Nagar and Nagodi

Reaching Kollur from Gokarna:
Kollur can be reached from Gokarna via Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal and Byndoor

Reaching Kollur from Kodachadri:
Kollur can be reached from Kodachadri via Gowrikere, Nittur and Nagodi