Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Mookambika Temple at Kollur, in Byndoor taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka, is one of the most revered shrines of the Divine Mother in South India. It lies at the foot of the Kodachadri hills in the Western Ghats, on the banks of the Souparnika river, amid thick green forest. Devotees from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and beyond come to Kollur to seek the blessings of Mookambika Devi, the Mother of all knowledge and power.
The Deity – Shiva and Shakti Together
The heart of the sanctum is a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Jyotirlinga, divided by a fine golden line into two parts. One part represents Lord Shiva together with Brahma and Vishnu, and the other represents Shakti – Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Shiva and Shakti are thus worshipped together in one Lingam, a rare and sacred form.
Behind the Lingam stands a beautiful panchaloha (five-metal) image of the Goddess, seated with the conch and discus, which according to tradition was installed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to the legend, a demon named Kaumasura performed severe penance to gain a boon from Lord Shiva. To prevent him from asking for a boon that would harm the world, Goddess Saraswati made him mute (mooka) at the moment he tried to speak. Now called Mookasura, the enraged demon began to torment the sages and gods. The Goddess, in her combined power, fought and destroyed him at Kollur, and was thereafter worshipped here as Mookambika – the Mother who vanquished Mookasura.
Adi Shankaracharya and Kollur
Kollur is closely associated with Adi Shankaracharya. Tradition holds that he meditated on the Kodachadri hills, had a vision of the Goddess there, and installed her image in the temple. The Sarvajna Peetha on Kodachadri, a small shrine marking the place of his meditation, is visited by many pilgrims. The temple's form of worship is also traditionally said to have been laid down by the Acharya.
Vidyarambham and Navaratri
As the Mother of learning, Mookambika is especially worshipped by students, writers, musicians and artists. Many families bring their young children here for Vidyarambham – the first initiation into letters – especially on Vijayadashami. Navaratri (September–October) is the most important festival, celebrated with special pujas, music and very large crowds.
Other Festivals
- Annual Rathotsava (around March): the temple's chariot festival, celebrated with great devotion.
- Fridays and Ashtami days: especially auspicious for the worship of the Goddess.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with a break in the afternoon.
- Timings change during Navaratri and festival days. Please check locally before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Kollur is about 35 km from Kundapura, about 80 km from Udupi and about 140 km from Mangaluru. KSRTC and private buses connect Kollur with Udupi, Kundapura, Mangaluru and Bengaluru, and many buses run from Kerala.
By Train: the nearest railway station is Mookambika Road (Byndoor), on the Konkan Railway, about 28 km away, with buses and taxis onward to Kollur.
By Air: the nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), about 140 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is expected – men usually wear a dhoti and remove their shirts before entering, and women wear a saree or churidar.
- Kodachadri: the Sarvajna Peetha on Kodachadri can be reached by jeep and a short trek; plan a separate half-day for it.
- Best time to visit: October to March; Navaratri for the festive experience. The monsoon brings very heavy rain to the area.
- Nearby places: Souparnika river, Kodachadri hills, the Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple, the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, and – another great seat of the Goddess of learning associated with Adi Shankaracharya – the Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri.