Dear All,
The annual utsava at Nellitheertha Sri Somanatheshwara Temple will be held from 8th to the 13th of January 2012 this time. It is from the Shukla Chaturdashi of Dhanur Masa to the Chaturthi.
The program details are in this pdf file. Please download and read details.
Nellitheertha Jaatre Invitation
All are cordially invited.
On behalf of the temple management.
– hariprasAdaH
This is a placeholder article because when I visited the Mrutyunjaya Rudra Somanatha Temple at Bola on the Karkala – Udupi highway, the temple was closed. I spent some time waiting for the temple authorities to turn up, but had to get back after waiting a while. Someday I will get back and get inside the temple and collect more information. For now, all I have is some pictures taken outside the temple.
Pavanje is one of the most well known villages in Tulu Nadu. It has a rich history associated with its temples and village itself. It is also one of the few villages in Tulu Nadu which has three well known temples. Pavanje has a Durga Parameshwari Temple and a Subramanya Temple but the most famous amongst the temples is the Mahalingeshwara Temple. It is the latter temple that I am writing about here.
The main deity of this temple is of course Sri Mahalingeshwara. The temple also has a Mahaganapati temple but the Ganapati idol is located outside of the main temple complex, just to the right. Such a placement is very rare in Tulu Nadu temples. In most other temples, the Ganapati idol is found right next to the main Garbha Gudi.
The temple authorities did not allow me to click the photos of the idols. But a photo was available in the temple office. Am reproducing the same in this article.
The village Pavanje and the temple have a recorded history of more than 600 years. There are several inscriptions and other archaeological evidences of the temple in and around Pavanje. The Kings of the Hoysala kingdom and later the Vijayanagara kings were great patrons of this region. Several grants have been made to this temple by them. The grants made in 1397 A.D and 1438 A.D have been recorded through inscriptions at the temple.
The temple itself is built on top of a hillock right next to the Pavanje river. This river merges with Shambhavi river a little further down in Mulky and merges into the Arabian Ocean. The temple is constructed in typical Tulu Nadu style and offers a panoramic view of Pavanje and surroundings.
The main Bhuta of this temple is Jarandaaya. The Jarandaaya daiva sthana is located at nearby Haleangadi. Other Bhutas include Rakteshwari and Koddabbu.
There is a Naga Bana associated with the temple and also a “Brahma Sthana”. In fact, the Naga and Brahma worship of Pavanje is very well known in this region.
Name: Pavanje Sri Mahalingeshwara Sri Mahaganapati Temple
Location: Pavanje, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Dieties: Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati, Nagas
Bhutas: Jaarandaaya, Rakteshwari, Kaddabbu, others
Address: Sri Pavanje Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapati Devasthana, Pavanje, Haleangadi Post, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada – 574 146.
Contact: Snail mail
Annual festival: For eight days every year starting on Maha Shivaratri. The Jaarandaaya Bhuta Kola is held on the 9th day.
Nearby temples: Pavanje Subramanya Devasthana, Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Devasthana
Specialities: During the annual festival, there is a custom that no other auspicious event should be conducted in the village. Though this is prevalent in many other villages, it is still very strictly adhered to in Pavanje.
Also, the villagers of Pavanje do not leave the village once the Jaatre starts. Even if they have to leave the village for emergency purposes, they make it a point to return before the temple flag is brought down on the last day.
More photos of the temple can be found here.
Visiting Nandalike was a very interesting experience. I had not planned to cover this temple in my trip this time. I traveled a long way to visit and cover a Shiva temple located close to Nandalike. After searching that temple for over an hour, I discovered that it was closed. There was no one nearby and so I could not enter the temple. I was hugely disappointed. After spending some time looking for the temple folks, I gave up and starting driving back. On the way, I saw a temple arch to my right. My watch showed that I had about 20-25 mins of time before it got completely dark which meant no photos. I instinctively turned right and continued to drive in spite of encountering a very bad stretch of road for about 2 kms. In the end, I reached this temple and to my utter surprise found that this was a Shiva temple as well. Truly, my joy knew no bounds!
Nandalike is located on the Padubidri – Karkala highway and has an ancient and beautiful Shiva (Mahalingeshwara Temple)
It was only after landing at this place that I realized the great history and tradition of this place. In terms of folklore, history and legend, perhaps there is no other place that is as rich as Nandalike. One of the first things I realized is that I would be able to cover only a miniscule amount of what is available here. I instantly promised myself that I would come back here and spend more time to cover all the other important places. This article therefore, is only limited to the Mahalingeshwara Temple.
The temple is built in typical Tulu Nadu style and has “Gudis” for Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati and the Daivas. The temple has been renovated and is very well maintained. The priests and administrative heads of the temple were very co-operative and encouraging.
Nandalike has a huge number of Daivas. The speciality of this temple is that almost all the Daivas have their own separate abodes. In my next visit, I certainly plan to photograph those individual Gudis. The main Daivas are Uri-Brahma, Veerabhadra, Nandigona, Kumara, Abbaga-Daaraga, Khadgeshwari, Rakteshwari, Annappa, Kshetrapala, Bhutaraja and Gajamalla.
There is a lot of folklore and local legend associated with these Daivas. In fact, the legend has it that the Daivas came to Nandalike first and then they were followed by Sri Mahalingeshwara.
The main Mahalingeshwara Temple was established by the great Dvaita Saint Sri Vadiraja Swamy of the Sode Matha.
There is a Ashta Lakshmi temple nearby. The temple also has a Mahanagaraja Swamy Sannidhana right next to the Mahalingeshwara Temple.
Near the temple is the house of the local rulers, the Heggades and the Pergades. This is known as the “Chavadi Aramane”. The descendants of this family reside here even to this day and oversee the smooth functioning of the temple and festivals.
The temple is located amidst lush greenery. In fact, two sides of the temple are surrounded by a beautiful moat. The pond belonging to the temple is also extremely well maintained.
Name: Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple
Location: Nandalike, Udupi, Karnataka
Dieties : Sri Mahalingeshwara, Ganapati
Main Bhootas : Uri Brahma, Rakteshwari, Abbaara – Daaraga, Veerabhadra, Annappa, others
Address : Nandalike Sri Mahalingeshwara Devasthana, Naalku Sthana – Nandalike, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka – 576126
Contact : (08258) 316485, Palace: 268347, Temple : 248346
Annual festival: From Shukla Dvadashi in Meena Masa (around Feb-Mar) to Krishna Panchami. The last day is the grandest day during the Jaatre.
Nearby temples: Belmannu Durga Parameshwari, Nandikur Durga Parameshwari, Bola Mrutyunjaya Rudra Somanatha, Inna Mahalingeshwara, Mundkur Durga Parameshwari
Specialities: The chavadi (hall) in the nearby palace is a very revered place. During the annual festival, disputes between locals are settled here in the presence of the Pergade/Heggade family elders. People lying here are known to have encountered great mishaps in their lives.
The palace has a rich history of its own. The place is definitely worth a visit as a tourist destination, in addition to a spiritual center.
Another highlight about Nandalike is that the great 19th century Kannada poet Muddana was a native of this place.
More photos here.
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”!
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.
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 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
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.
I know I begin almost every article on a Temple by saying its an “extra-ordinary” or “unique” temple 🙂 but trust me, that’s exactly what they are! As I continue my discovery of Tulu Nadu, my awe for this great great place only keeps increasing.
This time, I managed to cover Athuru Bailu, a tiny hamlet near Kinnigoli-Mulki. Athuru Bailu has an ancient Maha Ganapati temple. Believe it or not, this temple is actually just the God worshipped at the home of the Udupa family of Athuru Bailu! The sanctity of this place is so high that the nearby villages consider it as a temple. People who pass by the Udupa home, stop by, get into the ‘temple’, offer their prayers and only then do they move on.
The temple, its idol and the Udupa family have a recorded history of more than 700 years! Two Udupa brothers came down south from Kandavara in search of a better place to reside. They came along with their diety – the Mahaganapati. Local legend has it that when the two brothers were walking near Athuru, a cloud was following them to protect them from the heat. Villagers saw this and reported it to the local chieftain. He requested them to stay back in his village and asked them to choose any place they liked. When they came to the place where the temple is currently located, they found a mongoose and snake co-existing. They instantly chose the place and the temple has existed ever since.
Out of the two brothers, one of them settled down in nearby Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple. In fact, the Udupas of Bailu played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Bappanadu temple. Even today, during the annual festival of Bappanadu, a customary felicitation of the Udupas is done as a mark of respect.
Along with the Mahaganapati, Bailu also has the Panjurli Bhoota. It is believed that Annappa Panjurli Bhoota came down to Bailu from Dharmasthala when one of the Udupas had gone there for a visit. Trust me, the Panjurli of Bailu is one of the most powerful Bhootas in Tulu Nadu. Even to this today, during the Bhoota Kola, there is a segment when Panjurli ‘demonstrates’ his power by throwing the Udupas up from their seats and knocking them unconscious. No one except Panjurli is able to wake them up! Watch this youtube video to see what I am talking about.
The Athuru Bailu Udupa family is one of the most well known families of Tulu Nadu. They are the official astrologers for even the Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple! The almanac they bring out is the most widely circulated almanac in the entire Tulu Nadu region, and has been published for over 100 years now.
Name: Sri Athuru Bailu Mahaganapati Devasthana
Dieties: Mahaganapati
Bhootas: Panjurli, 2 other smaller ones
Address: Athuru Maagane Mahaganapati Devasthana, Shibarooru Post, Kinnigoli, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada
Contact: Snail mail
How to get there: From Mangalore reach Mulki and turn right towards Kinnigoli. About 1km before Kinnigoli town, turn right towards Balavina Gudde. Athuru Bailu is about 5kms from this junction. Locals will accurately guide you to the temple once you take the turn.
More photos: Here
Specialities: “Appada Puje” is very famous in Bailu. Locals get this seve done very regularly. Appa is a special sweet dish, prepared for Ganapati in Tulu Nadu especially. In Appada Puje, a whole lot of ‘Appas’ are made and offered to Ganapati.
Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival celebrated in Bailu. The Panjurli Kola is held about 3-4 times a year on important ocassions.
The Nandini river flows very close to the Udupa home. Every day, the priest has to compulsorily take bath in the river and only then worship at the temple.
Kathelsar is a tiny tiny hamlet, found on the stretch between Nellitheertha and Bajpe. There are probably, just a few tens of houses in this village. One can find a very ancient Vishnumurthy temple in this village. In addition to the main diety, there is also a Ganapati idol in the temple. The Ganapati idol is made of white stone and is significantly different from the idols found in other temples around here.
The temple is not really in a good shape at all. The priest’s family are doing their best to maintain the temple on a daily basis. But the temple could do with a lot of renovation and repair. It is sad to see such a serene place being neglected so badly, although this is not the only temple in Tulu Nadu which is facing such a situation.
The main bhoota worshipped here is Panjurli. Due to the lack of resources, the temple management conducts the annual festival for only one day – during the full moon day in the solar month of Vrushabha (around May-June).
Name: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana
Location: Kathelsar, Dakshina Kannada
Dieties: Vishnu, Ganapati
Bhutas: Panjurli
Address: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana, Kathelsar Village, Bajpe Post, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Contact: Snail mail
How to get there: Reach Bajpe from Mangalore. Take the road to Nellitheertha (Kateel road). Kathelsar is mid-way on this stretch.
Annual festival: For one day – Purnima in the solar month of Vrushabha
More photos: here
Kompadavu is a small village in Mangalore Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. It is very close to Nellitheertha and Muchur. Kompadavu has a small and ancient Vishnu temple. The diety is actually called “Vishnu Murthy”. This temple has close links, in terms of its mythological origins to the Nellitheertha and Muchur temples.
According to the legend of the place, when Sri Durga appeared in front of Sage Jabali at the Nellitheertha cave, she bestowed a boon on the region and said that Shiva, Vishnu and Durga would reside in that region. Consequently, the Muchur Durga Parameshwari temple, the Nellitheertha Somanatha temple and the Kompadavu Vishnumurthy temple came into existence. The place is also known as Kovalapura in ancient records.
The temple is not in a very good condition. The worship, and rituals though, happens without fail. The archaka family which stays close by, is very dedicated to the functioning of the temple. The main Bhootas here are Vyaghra Chamundi and Rakteshwari.
Name: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana
Location: Kompadavu village, Mangalore Taluk
Main dieties: Vishnu
Bhutas: Vyaghra Chamundi, Rakteshwari
Address: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana, Kompadavu Village, Manjana Katte stop, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Contact: Through snail mail
How to get there: From Mangalore, take the Moodabidri road. Cross Gurupura, Kaikamba and Ganjimatha. 3kms from Ganjimatha, turn left towards Niddodi. 4kms on this road, turn left at Manjana Katte. Drive 2kms to reach the temple.
Annual festival: For 4 days starting on Purnima (full moon day) in the solar month of Makara (around Jan-Feb every year)
Best time to visit: All through the year
More photos: here
This past weekend (Feb 28 and Mar 1), a very special and rare seve was offered to Lord Mahaganapati at the Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave Temple. The seve is called as “Moodappa Seve” or “Apoopa Seve”. Just like Laksharchane where thousands of flowers are offered, this seve consisted of offering thousands and thousands of “Appa”, a sweet dish popular in Dakshina Kannada. “Appa” is equivalent to the Modaka offered in other regions.
Since Ganapati is believed to like Modakas a lot, the entire idol of Ganapati is covered (till the nose) with Appas and other dishes. Such a rare seve happens seldom. One famous temple where such a seve happens regularly is the Madhur Ganapati temple in Kasaragod.
In Nellitheertha, the entire ceremony was spread over two days. It started on Day 1 with a prarthana and Punyahavana for purification of the ingredients to be used in preparing the dishes.
Subsequently, during the day, a grand Ganapati Homam and Kalashabhishekas (Panchavimshati – 25) were performed to both Lord Somanatha and Mahaganapati.
Meanwhile, the preparation of the “Appas” started. It was a overwhelming sight to see thousands and thousands of sweets being prepared. The entire team of cooks was taking extreme care and interest in preparing the dishes. Several baskets full of dishes were ready by evening.
At the same time, the Ganapati Gudi was also getting decked up.
In the evening, there was a Bharatanatyam dance program by Kum Megha Kakkillaya, offered as a service to the temple. It was an excellent program and Kum Megha’s performance was stunning.
In preparation for the Moodappa Seve, a special “Ranga Puje” was held for both Mahaganapati and Lord Somanatha in the evening. The Ranga Puje is, once again, a unique offering prevalent in Dakshina Kannada region.
Next, the idol of Mahaganapati was ‘readied’ for the Seve by cleaning, etc and the various dishes were brought in front of the Gudi. The whole ritual was conducted by Sri Baggamajalu Subramanya Tantri and his team.
After that the seve began. It took more than an hour for the team of Archakas to fill the entire Gudi of Mahaganapati with the Appas and other dishes. The offerings were poured in so as to cover the idol, except for the face! It was a beautiful sight to see.
It was getting close to midnight when the entire offerings were put in. The idol was then covered with silk clothes, dry fruits, flowers and other things. Mahaganapati was ‘resting’! and the entire temple was closed. Silence all around as Ganapati was in ‘Shayana’.
The ceremony on day 2 started early – at around 6:45AM. It began with the Kavatodghatana (door opening ceremony). Rituals were conducted to ‘wake’ Mahaganapati up from the sleep and the various offerings were removed one by one.
Finally, a Panchamruta Abhisheka was performed for Mahaganapati. In the afternoon, a Maha Puje was conducted followed by Mantrakshate ceremony signalling the successful end of the Moodappa Seve.
It was a thrilling experience to be part of this seve. Truly, I had never seen anything like this before. More photos of this event can be seen here.
|| Om Sri Mahaganapataye Namaha Om ||
Just like any other part of India, music is a very integral part of the culture of Tulu Nadu. The music of Tulu Nadu has its own stamp. In fact, the music of the entire Parashurama Kshetra (Kerala + Dakshina Kannada + Udupi) is unique. The main focus of the music here is on instruments, which form a core component in the temples here. The music is more rhythm and beat based, which has naturally led to the importance being given to instruments over vocals.
One can find a variety of musical instruments being used in Tulu Nadu. Be it temple festivals, Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Dakke Bali or Naga Mandala, the musical instruments play a vital role in the event. Chande, Maddale, Uduku, Vadya, Kolu and Dollu are some of the commonly used musical instruments found in Tulu Nadu.
Here is a collection of photos of some of the musical instruments of Tulu Nadu.
Anandatirtha Prathishtana 