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:
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
