Belmannu – Temples of Tulu Nadu

Within Tulu Nadu itself, one of the most fascinating regions, especially when it comes to Temples, is the Karkala taluk of Udupi district. Just along the Padubidri – Karkala stretch, there are tens of ancient and fascinating temples.  In my earlier visits to the region, I had covered a few like Palimaru, Mundkur, Inna and others. This time, I visited another of the beautiful temples in this stretch – the Belmannu Durga Parameshwari Temple.

Belmannu is a small village that lies almost exactly midway between Padubidri  and Karkala. It is about 12-15 kms from Padubidri after turning right on the Mangalore – Udupi highway at Padubidri. Belmannu has a Durga Parameshwari Temple.  The temple is located at the village Belmannu and one has to turn right at the village and travel a short distance to reach the temple. The most fascinating part of the temple is its location. When I was driving to the temple, I almost felt as if I was in the middle of a thick jungle. The amount of greenery surrounding the temple is unbelievable. As a matter of fact, the Durga Devi of Belmannu is known as “Vana Durga” or the “Durga of the Forest”!

Sri Durga Parameshwari
Sri Durga Parameshwari
Sri Ganapati
Sri Ganapati

Along with Sri Durga Parameshwari, the temple also has the idol of Sri Ganapati.  The temple has an amazing serenity about itself that is quite unique. The temple structure itself, looks to have been renovated a few years ago and looks very good. The Prangana is very huge and is fairly well maintained. The priests of the temple are always from the Bhargava Gotra.

Garbha Gudi
Garbha Gudi
Tirtha Mantapa
Tirtha Mantapa

Information about the temple and its history was not easy to accumulate, partly due to the absence of the temple administrators during my visit, but I hope to obtain the same some other time. The main Bhuta at the temple is Rakteshwari. In addition, there are also many other Rajan Daivas at the temple.

The Prakara
The Prakara
Another view of the Prakara
Another view of the Prakara

The annual festival happens around March-April and is held for 5 days. It starts on the day Sun enters Aries (Mesha Sankramana)

Name: Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple

Location: Belmann, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District

Main deities: Durga Parameshwari, Ganapati

Bhutas: Rakteshwari, many others

Temple entrance
Temple entrance
Temple arch
Temple arch

Address: Belmannu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Belmannu Village, Padubidri Karkala Road, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka

Contact: Sri B M Krishna Bhat, Managing Trustee, Ph: 9241943581

Nearby Temples: Nandikur Durga Parameshwari Temple, Bola Mrutyunjaya Ruda Somanatha Temple, Nandalike Mahalingeshwara Temple

More photos here.

Greenery around temple
Greenery around temple
More greenery
More greenery
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6 thoughts on “Belmannu – Temples of Tulu Nadu

  1. Belmannu is my fathers bith place n i have been visiting this temple since childhood…ou exact location is @ Manjalpalke….which we had to toil along the forests reaching this temple, but experience was AMAZING…Reading this wikipidea, i was delighted and i cud cherish my old memories….good job n keep it up.

  2. Dear friend,
    Do u have any idea about the Belmannu copper plate inscription, which was unearthed in the year 1952, under the foundation of Durga temple. Because it is the earliest copper plate inscription in Karnataka.
    Dr.Samak
    Department of Histroy,
    DVS PU College
    Shivamogga-577201
    Mob.09448438038

  3. i am extremely happy my granpa is the managing trustee of sdp temple belman
    watever you need or wish your need or wish will fulfill
    i love granpa
    do visit again and dont forget to meet my granpa he is really sweet

  4. P.S.
    Dear sir,
    I could view the pictures as well.
    The amount of information on Madhva scriptures is amazing. I hunted treasure today.
    J. B, Belmannu

    1. Dir,
      Do you have information about Belmannu copper plate inscription. Where it is now?
      Dr.S.G.Samak
      Shimoga

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