Kadri Manjunatha temple is a historic temple in Mangalore. Priests or Archaks and incharge in this temple are called Shivalli Madhva Brahmins. The main deity of the temple, Manjunatha is in linga form here and the statue of Lokeshwara is in seating position. The statue can be seen with three faces & six arms which is bronze statue with a height of 1.5 meter tall.
There is a natural spring at an elevated location at the back of the temple which is called as Gomukha. It is believed that the water flows from Bhageerathi river, in Kashi and thereby it gets its name as Kashi Bhageerathi theertha. The water from this spring is collected to nine ponds which is used by devotees to wash themselves.
Festivals Celebrated:
Every year Jathra Mahothsava festival is grandly celebrated during the month of January. It is a nine days festival that starts on Makara Sankranthi day. Theertha snana is held at morning, followed by dwajasthambha arohana, lighting of Kanchi sthambha and bali uthsava on the same day.
Uthsava bali is held for 4 days, where lord Manjunatha visits four Kattas in four directions. The four kattas are Bikarnakatte savari, Mallikatte savari, Mundana katte savari and Konchadi katte savari. On the 7th day after the savari's "Seventh Deepothsava" is held and "Maha Anna Samtharpaney" ( mass feeding) is held.
History:
The Manjunatheswara temple is on the hills of Kadri and is said to be built during the 10th or 11th century. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The inscription on the platform of Lokeshwar statue states that King Kundavarma of the Alupa Dynasty installed the idol or statue. It mentions Mangalore as "Mangalapura". The image has three faces & six arms, and holds flowers in two of the arms. The crown depicts a Dhyani Buddha.
How To Reach:
Jyothi talkies bus stop is located at a distance of 1.6 KM from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk or by taking a local taxi. Mangalore bus stand is 2.2 KM away from this temple.
