South Kanara, ageless in its natural splendor and its famous historical wonders, and is rightly called the tropical paradise of Karnataka. Besides, no where else in India, one comes across so many temples and shrines as in South Kanara. Here are some of the places of visit
ST. MARY’S ISLAND
St. Mary’s Islands are a group of islands lying to the north of the port of Malpe, about 70 km north of Mangalore. Vasco-da-Gama appears to have touched the island in 1498, and called them ‘Padron De Sante Maria’. It is noted for its famous rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into hexagonal mosaic it is indeed a spectacular view.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqgsNPvzAZc]
MULKI
Sri Durgaparameshwari temple Bappanadu, Mulki has long been regarded as a symbol of communal harmony, Devotees from all faiths offer prayers here. Local belief is that the temple was first constructed by a Muslim named Bappa Beary. Mulki is about 29 kms from Mangalore towards Udupi on National highway 17 (NH 17). History has it that Bappa Beary was responsible for the construction of this temple. Locals have an interesting story to tell about this merchant. When the merchant was travelling across the Shambhavi, his boat came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the river. While examining the cause, he found blood spread over the river water and felt a deep sense of fear. Local myth has it that he was then ordained to construct a temple with the help of Mulki Sawantha (a Jain king) and get Baila Udupa (the priest) to perform a pooja to the deity. And so, the Bappanadu Kshetra came into being.
Temple prasada issued on the very first day of the annual festival (Brahma Rathotsava) is sent to the house of Bappa Beary. The beating of the drum (Bappanadu Dolu) during annual festival is another key feature of the celebrations here. The Bappanadu Dolu is very popular among the local of this region.
How to reach: The temple is located on the Udupi-Mangalore highway. There are plenty of buses available to Mulki and Udupi from Mangalore and tourists can alight at Bappanadu.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIAvjkw1Uds]
KATEEL
Kateel is about 27 kms east of Mangalore to Kinnigoli and is situated on the banks of the river Nandini. The temple is dedicated to Durgaparameshwari. The temple was renovated in 1944 after the original was washed away by floods.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvK-ldDH0Tk]
UDUPI
This place is around 50 kms from Mangalore. Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple. It is a holy Hindu shrine, the Sri Krishna Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India every year. The temple houses Lord Krishna. It was believed to be founded by the Hindu saint Sri Madhwacharya. The statue of Lord Krishna,when established used to face a small tank, Madwasarovar named after the holy saint who founded the temple.It is said that the statue turned towards Kanakadasa an ardent follower of Lord Krishna. Today the window is called Kanakana kindi. Pilgrims first pay their prayers from this window before entering the Temple.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEgJ4UOPiq8]
KOLLUR
88 km from Udupi, Kollur is famous for the Mookambika Temple at the foot of the Western on the Kodachadri peak. . The goddess is so called because she is said to have slain the demon Mookasura. The Goddess is described as incorporating the powers of both Shiva and Shakti. The image of the goddess was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. Mookambika is believed to be a very powerful deity and people with true faith often have their dreams fulfilled here.
SRINGERI
Sringeri is a picturesque town in the heart of the Malnad with rich vegetation and pleasant climate. This temple town attracts pilgrims from all over India and abroad as well. It is located at the foot of the Sahyadris (Western ghats). Sringeri prospered as a great center of learning. Temples and Mutts were built and students flocked to this place to learn the vedic philosophy. There are many shrines and temples in and around Sringeri. Adi Guru Shankaracharya constructed four temples for four deities as the protector of the Sree Sharada Peetha at Sringeri. They are Kalabhairava temple to the east, Durga Temple to the south, Anjaneya temple to the west and Kali temple to the north. Along with all this you can also see Sree Malahanikareshwara temple, Sree Vidyashankar temple and Shree Sankaracharya temple.
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HORANADU
Horanadu is a Holy city for Hindus located in Chickmagalur district, The deity at the Annapoorneshwari Temple at Horanadu is Annapurneshwari. The idol of goddess Annapurneshwari was established in 1973 in Horanadu. Horanadu lies amidst beautiful Malnad at a distance of 330 KM from Bengaluru. Distance from Sringeri is 75 Kilometers. Direct buses run from Bengaluru to Horanadu everyday. Watch Horanadu Annapurneshwari Video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m2oFolUA44]
KUDREMUKH
This is a hill station situated around 70 kms from Mangalore. On the top of the hill is the Kudremuk Iron ore which sends crude iron ore to Kudremuk Iron Ore Company in Panambur, Mangalore through the pipeline. There are many restaurants and Lodging Hotels at Kudremuk.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMSBsttsTr0]
DHARMASTALA
Situated 75 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala was formerly known as Kuduma, the place where charity is predominant. The Manjunatha Temple is an enchanting place in the midst of green rice fields, arecanut and coconut plantations fringed by hills abundant with greenery. About 3 km from Dharmasthala flows down the Nethravati river in which the pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the temple. Dharmasthala derives its sanctity from the temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha. The striking feature of this Shiva temple is the family of Dr Veerendra Heggade who is the Dharmadhikri of the place, are followers of Jainism are known for Charity. The Dharmasthala Organisation under the leadership of Veerendra Heggade has built many schools and colleges in South Kanara.
In 1973, a 39 ft statue of Bahubali was installed here. The stone sculpture of Lord Bahubali symbolises renunciation, self-control and subjugation of ego as the first steps towards salvation. The naked (digambara) form of Bahubali represents the complete victory over earthly desires and needs that hamper spiritual ascent towards divinity.
Watch Dharmasthala Mastakabisheka video
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQTUTASOAGI]
KUKKE SUBRAHMANYA
Subrahmanya is situated about 104 kms from Mangalore. The place was originally called Kukke (basket)
because the idol was concealed in a basket by a priest who was afraid that it may be stolen if not protected. It is said that the Nagas offered protection of Sri Subbrahmanya and lived in the caves there. Lord Kartikeya is worshiped here in the form of a cobra. It is a peaceful place attracting people from far and near during Subrahmanya Sashti.
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