Mangaladevi Temple

Statue of Mangaladevi inside the temple

The Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple at Bolara in the city of Mangalore, India, situated about three km southwest of the city centre.

The name Mangalore is usually derived from the name Maṅgaḷadēvī "the goddess Maṅgaḷa", the main deity of the temple. The name Mangalore is the anglicised version of Kannada: ಮಂಗಳೂರು, Maṅgaḷūru. Mangalore is surrounded by many forts and it has also been suggested it was named for these forts, which are called maṅgaḷ.^[1] People of Kerala call the city Maṅgaḷapūram "city of Maṅgaḷa", a Sanskrit translation.

Legend

The temple dates back to the ninth century when Kundavarma, the most famous king of the Ahepa dynasty, was ruling Tulu Nadu. During this period, there were two holy saints of the Nath cult, Machendranatha and Gorakanatha, who came from Nepal. They reached Mangalore, crossing the river Nethravathi. The place where they crossed the river came to be known as Gorakdandi. They chose a place near the banks of the Netravathi which was once the centre of activities of the sage Kapila. He had his hermitage there and it was a great center of education.

Hearing about the arrival of the two saints, the king came to meet them. Introducing himself as the king of Tulu Nadu, he paid his respects and offered them patronage. Pleased with the humility and virtues of the king, they informed him that his kingdom needed to be sanctified. They requested him to grant them land so that they could build a hermitage and make it a centre for their religious activities under his protection and patronage.

This ancient history surprised the king. He then came to know that his land was dedicated to Mother Mangaladevi. It was from these saints he came to know that once upon a time there existed a temple in his land dedicated to her. From their own mother he heard the story of Vihasini and Andasura, Parashurama and the temple built by them. The two saints took the king to the sites where all these historical events had taken place. They asked the king to dig the place and relieve the lingam and the dharapatra symbolising Mangaladevi and install them in a shrine along with Nagaraja for providing protection.

Kundavarma carried out the advice of the two sages. A grand shrine to Mangaladevi was built on the hallowed place. The two sages themselves guided and supervised the execution of the work. The temple attained special significance as Mangaladevi granted special favours, especially to maidens, who worshipped the goddess by observing Mangaladharavrata and got their wish of a suitable husband fulfilled.

Even today the two temples of Mangaladevi and Kadri, Mangalore have maintained their connection. The hermits of Kadri Yogirajmutt visit Mangaladevi temple on the first days of Kadri temple festival and offer prayer and silk clothes.

The Goddess Mangaladevi gives the city of Mangalore its name. She is the main deity of the Mangaladevi Temple at Bolar, Mangalore. The temple was built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. Mangala is worshipped as Shakti.

Festivals

Chariot of Mangaladevi

Navaratri (dussera) is the time for special pujas performed on all nine days. On the seventh day, Goddess Mangaladevi is worshipped as Sharadamba and on the eighth day the goddess is worshipped as Maarikamba. On this day Aayuda puja is performed. All the weapons and tools are worshipped as the day marks the slaying of the cruel demons by the goddess Durga. On the ninth day also known as Mahanavmi, a large number of devotees participate in the Rathothsava. The decorated goddess in mounted on the grand chariot and pulled with thick ropes. the procession goes to Marnamikatte where the goddess is worshipped.

Even today pious people believe that worship of Mangaladevi brings them prosperity and happiness. The temple has a special significance for the maidens. Maidens who observe Mangala Parvati Vrata will have their wish of having a suitable match fulfilled. Those who celebrate their wedding in this holy place will have a happy married life.

Ganeshotsav is also celebrated with much grandeur in this temple. A huge statue of Lord Ganesha is erected on the day of Ganesh Chathurthi. The statue is taken out in a procession on the third day & immersed at Uppinakote near Hoige Bazar.

Access to the temple

The temple is situated just three km from heart of the Mangalore city (Hampankatta), and frequent bus service is provided to the temple. Auto rickshaws are also available for personal transportation.

This temple is about 3 km from the Mangalore city railway station. This area is well connected to different parts of the city by city buses. The temple is easily accessible by city buses, autorikshaws and taxis.

References

1. ^ book of Panje Mangesharayaru; Sthalanama. Kirana

• Shree MangalaDevi Temple