Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple Mundkur — Attraction in Karnataka

Mundkur Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple

Sri Mundkur Durga Parameshwari Temple is another such wonderful temple. It is along the Shambhavi river coast and can be reached if one takes the Belmann-Moodabidri road from Udupi. As per available ancient records and Skanda Purana Sage Bhargava Rishi has installed the idol of Mahishamardini as per the request of Sumedha Rishi and Suratha Raja . The idol was facing west, was turned to east by a Jain ruler called Veera Varma who removed lots of wealth from the bottom of the Moola Vigraha . The Great hero brothers of Tulunadu Kanthabare and Budabare killed Veeraverma and restored the peace in Mundkur Maagane by handing over the charges to moodabidre Chowtas as per Paddane(Legendary Tulu Folk Song).Hence Mundkur Durga is the Kuladevi for Bhargava Gothra Brahmins.

The prime deity is Sri Durgaparameshwari in the form of Mahishamardini, holding the demon Mahisha upside down and piercing thrishul on his body. Hence the name Mundakke oori nintha OOru became Mundkur in the later stage as per one version. Other deities being worshiped are Sri MahaGanapathi (Kshipraprasaada swaroopi), Navagraha, Naaga, AshwaththaVriksha, Dhoomavathi, Raktheshwari, Vyaghra Chamundi(Pilichandi), Vaarahi (Panjurli) and Rakshopi Devatha (Protector from evil Spirits)in the temple. Photos of Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Vadiraja swamiji, Sri Raghavendra Swamiji, and Sri Bhootharaja are installed in Sri Madhva Mandira, where bhajans and poojas are held regularly.

The Ganapathi idol in the temple is fully covered with silver and looks very auspicious. This temple has a history of more than 1200 years old. The rings of the well, which is used to draw water for the rituals  have not been changed over the years and stand as archaeological proof for the age of the temple. There are deep grooves on all the rings which stand as testimony to the fact that this temple has been in existence for thousands of years.

This temple, over the years, had been patronised by the rulers of Moodabidri. In fact, legend has it that the King and Queen of Moodabidri, when visiting the temple praying in front of the idol, the ear rings of the Queen dropped down. The Queen gave it as an offering to the idol. The ear rings are used to decorate the idol of Durga even today. Two wooden pillars were also carved on behalf of the King in memory of this event.

How to reach Mundkur: Mundkur is in the extreme border of Udupi District. Devotees coming from Mangalore can take the route of Bajpe-Kateel-Kinnigoli-Mundkur and from Udupi – Katpadi-Manchakal-Belmannu-Mundkur Regular Buses are available from Mangalore, Udupi, Karkala, Moodabidri, kinnigoli...

It's in my native place, it's in pente (Market area, pente is called by local people which is Tulu Language).This place is 30 mins walk from my native house ulepady village. This temple, has some story with bollywood famous actor Nana Patekar. I have heard that, one night in nanapatekar sir dream, the devi(godess) cames and asked her to build the temple. Nanapatekar sir, never knew about this place and this temple, he never visited this part of Karnataka. He eventually found out, and renovated the temple in beautifully. Temple was there earlier, but in old construction type. Last time I visited this temple, it was festive season, which is called Jatra. Jatra is where palki is decorated, and devi idol is kept on it. Huge number of devotees gather around to have glimpse of such jatra. Ill add few photos of, ganpati festival which i had taken...

Mundkur Durga Parameshwari Temple is one among the Saptha Durga Kshethras.

This ancient temple is situated along the Shambhavi river coast. According to mythology, Mundkur is the place where Goddess Durga killed Mundasura, a fierce demon. Later Bhargava Rishi installed the Durga idol in this sacred place.

Here Durgaparameshwari is holding the demon upside down with a thrishul, piercing through his body. Hence this place was known as Mundakke oori nintha ooru or Mundakooru, which later became Mundkur.

According to a folk song, the idol facing west, was turned to east by a Jain ruler called Veera Verma to loot the treasures kept beneath the Moola Vigraha. On knowing this, Tulunadu warriors Kanthabare & Budabare killed Veeraverma & handed over the charges to...