Shri Mookambika Temple, Kolluru is one of the most popular Devi kshetras or shrines in Karnataka. The temple is unique in the sense that it attracts devotees not only from the local Karnataka state but also from the neighboring Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The village Kolluru where the temple is situated is just six square kilometers in size but has high religious relevance because of the temple.

History

Mookambika Temple is situated in Kolluru village which comes in the Kundapura taluka in Udipi district. It is at the foot of the Western Ghat. The Kolluru Mookambika is unique because the Goddess is believed to symbolize the combined powers of Mahasaraswathi, Mahalaxmi and Mahakali in one single source.

The history of the place can be traced back to the eighth century A.D when it was occupied by Kaulas because of which the place became popularly known as Kolluru. The kings who ruled the place during those times, Honneyakambali of Hosangadi, were passionate devotees of Mookambika Devi. The structure of the temple was built in the 11th century A.D by Venkanna Savanta of the Hosangadi Dynasty. Many other rulers down the years contributed to the development and expansion of the Temple which attained the heights of popularity during the rule of King Virupaksha from Vijayanagar.

The Expansion and Development of the Temple

The Goddess was worshipped with absolute devotion by the Keladi Kings. Queen Chennammaji of the dynasty gifted a palm-sized emerald to the temple. Special prayers and festivals were started at the temple during this period. The kings also donated land generously for the expansion of the temple. The Salam Mangala Aarti which is held after the main pooja in the temple dates back to the times of Tipu Sultan of Mysore who had a special aarti done at his behest when he visited the temple during his reign.

Jewels and Rubies of the Treasure Chest

Mookambika Temple is known for its jewelry treasure chest which was accumulated through donations and gifts from various Kings and rulers of the region of the past. The mask of the idol which is placed during Alankara Pooja is made of more than a kilogram of pure gold. The eyes of the mask have sapphires while the forehead has rows of precious rubies with diamonds and emeralds decorating the idol’s crown. The nose stud is made of diamond and precious stones. Another mask of Udbhava Linga weighs over two kilograms and is made of pure gold sheet. A priceless rare green gifted by the Keladi kings some 600 years ago is another important jewel in the temple’s treasure chest.

Recent additions include a gold sword weighing 1.1 kilogram from M.G Ramachandran, the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, gold jewelry worth INR 30 lakhs from a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, gold casting to the flag mast from famous industrialist Vijay Mallaya and a chariot made from 80 kg of gold.

Festivals Conducted at the Temple

Various festivals are conducted at the Sri Mookambika Temple including rituals like the Pancha Pooja and Thrikala Bali. The most popular festivals observed here are Varshikothsavam, Nithyothsavam, Masothsavam, Pakshothsavam and Varothsavam. The annual festival or Varshika Utsava is celebrated for ten days. The Brahma Rathothsava is celebrated in the month of March. Another major festival conducted with aplomb here is the Navaratri in the month of October.

Timings

The Temple is open to devotees from 5 AM to 1.30 PM in the first session and from 3 PM to 9 PM in the second session every day.

How to Reach

By Road

Mookambika Temple is 135 km from Mangalore. There are buses, both private and state managed, available. Private taxis and cars also ply on the route.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Byndoor which is 27 km from the temple.

By Air

Mangalore airport is the nearest access point by air.