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Karnataka Mundkur Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple
History
Shri Durga Parmeshwari temple is one of the most important temples of Udupi district. This temple was constructed before 1300 years. This temple is a well designed compact building. According to Skandha Purana, this place was named as MUNDAKOORU and later due to pronunciation changed to Mundkur. The idol of Maa Durgaparmeshwari was earlier installed in this temple facing to the western direction. The same was established by Sage Bhargava. This temple was originally built in 8th century and demolished due to various natural calamities and again re-constructed during 13th century. This temple is the oldest one in the surrounding area. During Jain ruling period, a greedy king Veeraverma dug the idol in search of riches buried below the idol and turned the face of the goiddess towards east and since then the direction of the goddess has been changed. The presiding deity of this temple is from the Brahmin community and serves Bhargava Brahmins of the areas. The goddess is also worshipped as Kuldevi of these communities. It is also believed that only the Jackfruit tree grown in the compound of the temple was donated by the Chowta king and his queen also donated her stone to the deity of this temple. The jackfruit tree is having the status of thicker and wider in the district. Due to the fame of deity of the temple, various persons belonging to Christina, Muslim and Sikh religions visit this temple regularly for their betterment.
Architecture
Front portion of this temple has been constructed in the Odisha style of architecture. Roof has a slight view of a starting of Gopuram but on a sudden the work converted into a completed roof. This temple is housed with annexies at both sides which are constructed in a simple manner. Often this temple provides a look of Buddhist’s Stupa. Four pillars have been erected in support to the walls and carved with the small idols of Maa Kali on them. Roof of the temple is made of stone and pillars too. Small windows on both sides of the temple are constructed to ensure the ventilation. Garbhagriha of the temple has been constructed just at the middle and backyard portion is acquisitioned with the large iron made temporary shelter. This place is used to celebrate various ceremonies. Color of the exterior walls is red while roof and pillars are of natural yellow.
Festivals
In this temple Annual Car festival is organised with full passion. This festival is organised on the occasion of Navaratri. Except this festival, Deepotsava and Punarpratishtha day is also celebrated in this temple with full passion and zeal. A large number of devotees participate in these festivals from various parts of the country. Madhava Navmi is another festival organised here.
Special Works of the Temple
Besides religious functions, some better social services also rendered by this temple.
- Providing Annadaana to the poors.
- Providing education facilities to the children.
- Organising community marriages for the deprived section of the society.
- Managing Veda paathshaala for sasnskrit education.
- Conduction of dental unit for social serviuce.
How to Reach
Three way of transportation are available.
By Air
Mangalore is the nearest airport from Udupi located at 60 kilometers from this temple. Easy road transportation is available.
By Rail
Udupi is the nearest railway station and well connected with all the major trains of broad gauge. Bus facility is no problem from railway station to reach this temple.
By Road
Mangalore city is just at a distance of 60 kilometers from Udupi and easily connected with road transports. KSRTC buses and a wide network of private taxi operators are available to take the devotees to this temple. This temple is connected with National Highway No 4 to Neelmangala and national highway No 48 to Mangalore. Finally national highway No 17 is available there to reach this temple.
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