Worship, Temple No -2 (Devi Sri Kollur Mookambika)

Sree Mookambika Devi Ashtakam

Namasthe Jagadatri Sadbrahma Rupe
Namasthe Haropendra Datryadivandye
Namastheprasanneshtadhanaikadakshe
Namasthe Mahalakshmi Kolapuresi

Vidhikrithi Vasa Harirviswmethath
Sijathyathi Patheeyathath Prasidham
Kripalokana Devathe Shakthirupe
Namasthe Mahalkshmi Kolapuresi

Thuayamayayapyapthamethathsamastham
Dritham Leelaya Devi Kukshu Hi Viswam
Sthithambudhirupenasarvathrajanthou
Namasthemahalakshmi Kolapuresi

Yayabhakthavargahi Lakshyanthaetho
Thouyatraprakamkripapoornadrishtya
Athogeeyasedevilakshmeerithithuam
Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Punarvakpaduthuadiheenahimooka
Naraistharnikamkhaluprarthaseeyath
Nijeshtayathethasyamookambikathuam
Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Yaduaditharoopathparabrahmnastham
Samuthapunarviswaleelodyamstha
Thadahoorjanasthamhigowreemkumarim
Namasthemahalskshmikolapuresi

Hareesadidehothejomayapra
Sfurachakrarajyakyalingaswaroope
Mahayogikolarshi Hridpadmagehe
Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Namasankachakrayabishtahasthe
Namasthambikegowripadmasanasthe
Namaswarnavarneprasannesaranye
Namasthemahalakshmikolapuresi

Location   

Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Karnataka State, India.

About 135 Kms from Mangalore, one of the major city in Karanata State. The nearest railhead is Udupi. The Mookambika shrine at Kollur is one of the most revered pilgrimage centers in Karnataka (and in Kerala). It is located at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore. The nearest railhead is Uduppi, and it is well connected with tourist centers such as Mangalore and Shimoga in Karnataka and Kannanur in Kerala.

Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore (Capital of Karnataka State) and Mysore. Regular buses are there from Udupi. Also Kollur is well connected with tourist centers such as Mangalore and Shimoga in Karnataka and Kannanur in Kerala.

The Temple :
Located in very picturesque surroundings, Kollur is on the banks of the river Sauparnika (said to possess medicinal properties) at the foot of the hill Kodachadri. The temple is located in a spacious courtyard, and is entered through the eastern gopuradwara. The western entrance is opened only on special occasions. It is believed that Aadi Sankara entered the temple through the western entrance.

Legends :
Kollur is referred to in the Skanda Purana. It was originally known by the name Maharanyapura. It is said to have been home to several sages and yogis. A sage by name Kola was advised to worship Shakti at Kollur. A lingam appeared on its own accord then at Kollur, and Shiva requested Kola Rishi to worship it and that in due course Shakti would manifest herself as Maha Lakshmi there. The name Kolapura eventually changed to Kollur.

Further, the ravages of the demon Kamha bothered the ascetics of Kollur. Upon being requested by Kola and other sages of Kollur, Shakti cursed the demon to become mooka or dumb. Undaunted, the demon continued his atrocities, and an enraged Devi vanquished him. Upon vanquishing Mookasura, Devi is believed to have merged into this self manifested Lingam in this temple. 24 km from Kollur is Maarana Ghat where it is believed that the demon Mookasura was destroyed. In the temple at Maarana Ghat, there is a Sri Chakra symbolizing Devi.

A trek to the peak of the Kodachadri peak and a hike to the Govinda Theertha waterfalls are noteworthy trips from Kollur.

Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Mangalore and Udupi. A Rental taxi or Tata sumo would cost you about Rs. 2400/- for the entire day. Bus charges vary according to the time taken by them to get there. While super express would charge about Rs. 50-60/- shuttle service would work out to about Rs. 40-50/-. About 135 Kms from Mangalore, it takes about two and a half hours to get there, and the drive except the last 35 kilometers is a real joy as it is on the NH 17, with the beautiful rivers and bridges. Kollur has the famous Mookambika Temple at the foot of the Western Ghats. Situated in the banks of river sauparnika, This attractive Mookambika temple with gold plated crest and copper roofs attracts thousands of devotees. This is a well-known temple in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district in Karnataka visited by pilgrims from all over India. Kollur is one of the seven pilgrimages, which were created by Parashurama. It is situated at the banks of the never drying river Sauparnika. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.

It is a belief that an eagle (Garuda) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika. It is a pleasant experience to take a dip in the holy river and then head for the darshan of the goddess.

The main statue in the temple is the Shiva linga called the Jyothirlingam. This Jyothirlingam in front of the image of the Goddess Mookambika is of great antiquity. A golden line divides this lingam into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - as the conscious static principles and the larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi - the creative energy principles. It is a belief that the three goddess Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Parvathi and the three lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara emerged out of it.

Adi Shankara the great religious leader is said to have installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam. Adi Sankara is said to have spontaneously composed the classic work Soundarya Lahiri here. The idol that was installed by Adi Shankara is confined in a copper roofed and gold crested temples.

There places worth visiting in the vicinity of the temple are the Arasina Makki waterfalls and the Kutachadri range, which is a beautiful place and attracts a large number of mountaineers and trekkers.

Remember, lodging in Kollur is not possible since there are no good lodges. So you will have to either camp at Mangalore or Udupi and proceed to Kollur or halt at Kundapur and then travel to Kollur.

Major Events & Festivals

Rathotsavam

The main festival in the temple is the Rathothsavam, the car festival, in the month of Phalguna (March-April). On the day of the Uthram Star in the Bright half of the month, the temple flag is hoisted and the care festival continues from that day to the day of the Moolam Star - for nine days.
Surrounded by the majestic mountains and the blooming forest with varied hues and fragrance, the shrine of Sri Mookambika invokes the springs of beauty

filling it with a joy divine. Thousands join the Rathothsavam, by drawing the great chariot of the Divine Mother, symbolizing the need of a joint effort of mankind to bring about a new civilization based on a higher spiritual vision of life. The temple festivals suggest that man should make these inner depths a great center of festivity, of the joy of Self-discovery. He has to make his mind a pit of Yajna fire of selfless work.He has to offer the negativity of his selfishness in that fire. From that fire will manifest the Divine Mother, the all-loving Supreme, who allays all fears, who makes man the Man Divine. in human heart

Festivals

On the bright half of the Jyesta month (June - July) in the Ashatmi day there is a special festival, as it is considered the day of the appearance of the Goddess. Special pooj-s is performed in the days of Mahaalakshmi Vratham, Mahaa Shivaraatri, Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Vinaayaka Chaturthi, Jyesta Lakshmi Vratham, etc.

The Navaraathri, the nine nights in the autumn (September-October), is a very auspicious occasion when thousands visit the temple. The special rites during this period are the Navakshari Kalasam, the Chandika Homam, the Rathothsavam, the Purnakumbha-abhishekam etc.

There is a very colourful festival Vana Bhojanam, in November December, when during night the festival idol of Devi is carried by a decorated and colourfully illuminated country craft across the Souparnika and offered worship in the forest. There is a feast for all on the next day at the river bank amidst the forest scenes

History

Mythology

Long ago when a demon called Kaumasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva was reigning pompously, Kodachadri became the hiding place for all the gods and divine beings who became helpless against his harassment. While the Saptarishis were engaged in prayers and poojas to bring about the end of demon kaumasura, Guru Shukracharya enlightens him about his impending death at the hands of a woman. Learning this, kaumasura performs an austere penance t please Lord Shiva. When Lord pleased with his prayers, appears before him and asks him to name the boon that he wishes, Vagdevi, the Goddess of speech senses that this could lead to a greater devastation and makes him speechless. The dumb Kaumasura then becomes unable to verbalise his wishes and then onwards he is called Mookasura. Soon after, on the request of Kola Rishi, the goddess creates a mystical power by bringing together the individual powers of all the gods who had assembled. This Divine Power wages war on Mookasura and brings about his destruction, thereby granting him salvation. The place where devi killed Mookasura is known as "Marana Katte". Since that day, the Goddess has resided at this holy place Kollur by the name Mookambika, fulfilling the wishes of all her devotees. Here resides Sreedevi in the Padmasana posture, of a serene countenance, and with three eyes, bearing always a shankha, a chakra and with a pleasant appearance as the embodiment of mantra to bless the devotees.

Significance of Swayambhulinga

Swayambhulinga manifested itself when Parameshwara drew the Srichakra with his toe and Kola Maharshi performed a long lasting penance in its vicinity, as a result of which power of meditation spread far and wide on the earth. Udhbhava linga is the tangible form of Sri Chakra Bindu that is said to have the proximity of all gods. It has a very high significance since Shri Mookambika Devi has merged with this Linga and fulfills the desires of devotees. A golden line has formed in the swayambhu Linga and it is wider on the left side as also taller. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi have all merged in the left side and the Lord Parameshwara, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma resides in the right side of the Linga. Besides the golden line, it is also said there is an image (carving) of Shiva injured by Arjuna's blow during the clash of Kiratharjuna, on the right side of the Linga. Towards the left, we may find the image (carving) of Gopada (foot of the Holy cow) at the Shakthi Peeta. Adi Shankara (Vedic scholar and saint) has perceived and realized Goddess Mookambika as residing thus. Adi Shankaracharya appeared here leading Shri Saraswathi with a view to finding a place for enshrining her. He stopped at this temple, fixed Shrichakram and on it installed the idol of Mookambika which is the central idol behind the lingam. On the either side of this are idols of Kali or Parvathi and Saraswathi. The place where sage stayed and did penance and the gate by which he left are at the back of the Mulasthana and to north respectively. Votaries to the temple are allowed the privilege of sitting at the place and passing under that gate for a fee. The temple has been patronized by ancient Hindu Kings and several parts in it are still believed to contain valuable treasure. This was the state temple for the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and many of the jewels now adorning the idol are said to have been presented by them and by their overlords of Vijayanagara.

Sanctum of Shri Mookambika

The installation of the idol at Mookambika temple has a history as ancient as about 1200 years. As suggested by Rani Chennammaji, the feudal lord by name Halugallu Veera Sangayya has covered the inside of the temple with stone. When we look at the temple structure, we find the sanctorum, then entrance hall and then the Lakshmi Mantapa. There are four pillars at Lakshmi Mantapa and on upper portion of each of these pillars, we find beautifully carved images of various gods. Prominently, they have sculpted the images of Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini and the goddess in different postures as delineated in Devi Mahatma. Earlier, this made up the total temple structure and the outer prakara was not present. So Veera Sangayya also took up the prakara, as per the principles of temple architecture. We may also find beautiful images of Ganapathi atop the doors situated at the entrance to Garbhagriha, Lakshmi Mantapa and the Mukhya Dwara (main entrance). It is normal practice in any temple to depict the main deity over the entrance, and the fact that all three doors carry the carvings of Ganesha is considered to be of special significance. There are many inscriptions at Kodachadri that relate the tale of time. The Prakaras, which underwent renovation from time to time, hold a mirror to the changing mores in architecture during bygone cultures. Specifically the Vaasthu of Garbhagriha structure is very ancient and extraordinary. The Garbhagriha is single yoni flag size (Eka yoni pramana dwaja aya). Pre entrance has a three flag proportion and is about 3½ feet wide and 12 feet long. Lakshmi Mantapa measures 134'. 11". Then comes the prakara. Beyond that, is Navaranga Mantapa. Outside the temple is a large and beautiful Deepa Sthambha ( a pillar to hold lamps). This has 21 concentric circles in which the lamps can be lighted, and when viewed from Kodachadri, one would feel as though we were looking at the Divine Makara Jyothi at Lord Manikanta's Shabarimale. This beautiful Deepa Sthambha rests on a Koorma Peeta (seat with tortoise head); on this tortoise is a huge elephant upon which Lord Ganapathi is astride, looking westward and facing Goddess Mookambika Devi. During Navarathri, and during the Rathotsava on Phalghuni Masa Krishna Paksha Ashtami day (the day after Holi), the age-old practice of starting the pooja by praying to Lord Ganesha present on the pillar is kept up even today. In the inner corridor, just beyond the Garbhagriha, as we move around the shrine in a pradakshina, we will find totally four different idols of Ganapathi being worshipped, beginning with the Dashabhuja Ganapathi. Of these, the Balamuri Ganapathi idol that is made of white marble is beautiful and high of significance. Then we have the image of serpent which has formed on the stone in the south-west corner. It is believed that, as we move in pradakshina, if we touch this serpent and offer our prayers, it results in several benefits, like warding of Sarpadosha, averting all doshas, and most importantly, acquiring good fortune.Then we see the Shankara Peeta, where Adi Shankara Bhagavathpada meditated, and by virtue of his ascetic powers, visualized the form of Devi in all totality and realized the Devi herself. As we move in a pradakshina at the outer enclosure, we first find Subrahmanya swamy, then Saraswathi and then Pranalingeshwara, Partheshwara, the deity of Mukhya Prana (with a bell on the tail) installed by Vadiraja, Vishnu Brindavana, a beautiful idol of Gopalakrishna within the Brindaana (Considered as upa-pradhana Devatha), the platform for Tulasi and then the temple of Veerabhadraswamy who is the presiding deity. Entrance to this shrine being made of wood, we may see an excellent image, of Nrutya Ganapathi, right at the centre of the arch. It is said that the deity of Mukhya Prana has been situated right opposite the Veerabhadraswamy shrine with a view to balance its frightful appearance.

Pooja practices

Here pooja practices are based on two disciplines- one as per vathula, which is one of the 28 vedas of Shaivagama, and which includes the rituals of Bali (sacrifice); secondly, as per Vijaya yagama Shastra. The five different poojas performed at the temple everyday are during Dantadavana (brushing the teeth), morning, afternoon, evening (pradhosha) and night. Pradosha Pooja is also called as "Salam Mangalarathi". It is said that Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Srirangapatna, once arrived here during pradosha pooja, witnessed the Mangalarathi, and became so impressed with the Devi, that he offered a Salaam in Muslim tradition to the Goddess, hence the name came into use. Complementary to this account is the practice observed every year, when the Muslim brethren visit the temple on a specific day for the darshana of the Goddess. This special feature has been in vogue for many years now. Of the various festivals and other celebrations held at the temple, "Sharannavarathri" which is held usually during October, and "Brahma Rathotsava" held usually in the month of March are both very prominently observed. There are several instances of childless couples, the dumb, the blind and many such other people making a vow to the Goddess and realizing their desires.

Ornamental jewels of Sri Devi Mookambika

There is vast collection of jewels at the temple received as gifts of acknowledgement from the community of devotees who have realized their dreams and desires with the blessings of the Goddess. Of the various jewels of the Devi, the one in emerald is very valuable. Emerald represents knowledge. This temple has two processional deities of gold. One is offered by Rani Chennamma as a substitute for the missing of original one. But subsequently the missing one found and thus there are two processional idols. Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Sri. M.G.R. gifted a god sword, which weighs one kg. And are 2½ feet long. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka - Sri Gundu Rao, has gifted a similar type sword made of silver. The facial mask of Goddess Mookambika is completely of gold and gifted by Vijaya Nagara Empire. The gold face mask of Jyothirlinga gifted by Chennammaji of Keladi is another unique ornament.

Sowparnika River

The two rivers Agnithirtha & Sowparnika which flow in the sanctuary of mookambika descend from Kodachadri hills. The wee spring of cool water situated in between the temples of Kalabhairava and Umamaheshwara is the source of river Sowparnika. Legend says that Suparna (Garuda) did a penance on the banks of this river praying to the Goddess for the abatement of his mother Vinutha's sorrows. When the Goddess appeared before him, he prayed that the river be henceforth known after him, Suparna, and therefore came to be called as Sowparnika. At the location where he is said to have sat in penance, there is a small cave even today which is known as "Garuda's Cave". This holy river takes birth at the Kodachadri and flows up to the edge of Anthargami (now oluru) region where two more streams called Bhrungisha and Pippalada join it. Then it flows westward, surrounding Kollur in the name of "Sampara", and proceeds to join the sea near the temple of "Maharajaswamy" (Varahaswamy) at Maravanthe. It is believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows, therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bathe in it. Hence a bath in this river assumes significance and is considered sacred.

INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM THE WEB SITE

http://www.mookambika.info/

an also help from

http://www.kollur.com/

Mr. Ritesh Kotian