Devi Mookambika Temple

Devi Mookambika temple is an ancient temple located at Kollur in Karnataka. Kollur is about 135 away from Mangalore. And is easily accessed from Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka by train and road. The temple of Devi Mookambika is built in the Kerala style of architecture. In the spacious sanctum, the Goddess is seated in Padmaasana posture, holding Shanku and Chakra in Her two upper hands and showing Abhaya and Varada mudras in Her other hands. The charming Goddess is exquisitely decorated with gold jewels and dazzling diamonds. It is believed that Adi Sankara had installed the Panchaloha image of the Devi along with a Sri Chakra. The Swayambu Linga with the golden rekha is installed below the pedestal. Daily pujas are performed according to rituals established by Adi Sankara. Panchaloha idols of Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi are also worshipped in the sanctum.

In the corridor around the sanctum, there are smaller shrines for Lord Vinayaka (with 10 hands), Subramanya, Anjaneya, Veerabhadra and Adi Sankara. The image of Anjaneya is said to have been installed by Madhwa Acharya, Sri Vadiraja Swami. Theerthas Sowparnika: the holy water of this river is said to possess medicinal properties as the forest is full of medicinal herbs and plants Shukla Theertha: 2.5 km Govinda Theertha: a waterfall Other places Ambavanam (a 20-km trek uphill) and Chitramoola Cave: These are situated amidst serene surroundings.

Adi Sankara is said to have done penance in these places On the banks of Sowparnika, there are Shrines of Mahakali and Lord Ganesha Maaranaghatta (28 km from Kollur): The Devi is said to have vanquished the demon Mookasura at this spot. As ordained by the Goddess, Mookasura is worshipped here even today. A Car Festival is also conducted in honour of Mookasura.

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