Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple is an ancient temple located in the Kamalashile village. It is famous for a unique and powerful representation of three Hindu Goddesses. It is nestled right in the middle of brilliant expansive greenery and is a great place to spend a few hours away from the stress and din of city life.

History

The linga is believed to be the form of Goddess Parvathi who appeared in this form to fulfill the promise made to court dancer Pingala who was cursed by the Goddess to be born on Earth as Kubja or as an ugly woman as a punishment for her ego.

She was to be relieved of the curse when the Goddess appeared on Earth in the form of a Linga at the congregation of two rivers in the Sahyadri Forest. Pleased by the penance of Kubja, she was soon relieved of the curse and one of the rivers was also to be honored after her. According to mythology, the river would swell every year and its waters would reach up to the Linga to cleanse it.

The Brahmi Durgaparmeshwari Temple is located in Kamalashile which is approximately 35 km from Kundapura in Udipi District of Karnataka. The word Kamalashile means linga made of stone. In the temple the linga represents Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. The ghat areas of Kamalashile section is encircled by evergreen forests. The stunning mountains make the whole place look heavenly, especially in the monsoon.

Today, the river Kubja flows by the side of the temple. A small bridge also runs across it. There is a small canal on the other side of the where water from the origin of the river and rain water flowing from the forest mingles and flows ahead as one big river.

Renovations

The Temple underwent major expansion in 2009 as shrines for Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu and the Navagraha was built at the rear side of the main structure. All these deities and the Brahmi Durga Parameshwari are honored during the Mangala Aarati.

The Flag Mast

The flag mast or the Dhwaja Stambha is 75 feet long and was made from a specially chosen Bhogi Tree. It is a seamless structure which has been adorned with around 200 kilograms of silver, all contributed by devotees and well-wishers. It was dedicated to the temple in April 2010.

The Ganesha Temple

A Ganesha Temple was built at the front side of the temple to minimize the negativity given out by Veerabadra Swami, worshiped here as Kshetra Rakshaka or shrine guardian. In 2009, the wooden idol of Lord Ganpati was replaced with one made of stone.

Festivals

The Brahma Ratotsava is held in April and commences with flag hoisting. Special programs are held on all six days of the festival culminating with the Kumbha Abhishekam. Navaratri is celebrated on a major scale on all ten days of the festival. Laksha Deepotsava is yet another major festival during which one lakh lamps are lit to illuminate the idol of the Goddess brilliantly.

Prasadam

Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Prasadam or offering is an exceptional one. Mud is applied to the Kamalashile on every Ekadashi Day. The mud applied to the linga remains on it for the next few days and is considered very auspicious. When the mud is changed on the next Ekadashi, the removed mud is given away as Moola Prasadam. It can be used as a Gandha by applying it on the forehead or taken as teertha or blessed water.

How to Reach

By Road

The temple is 35 km from Kundapur and 125 km from Mangalore. You can take a bus from either of the places as there are many plying on the route at frequent intervals.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Kundapur on the Konkan Railway route.

By Air

Mangalore airport is the nearest airport.