The guys at the Kundapura hotel desk greeted me as I got down for breakfast. ‘So how was Kodachadri trek?’ they asked. ‘Nice’ I replied.
Both, Onake abbi falls (Agumbe) and Kodachadri trek are a confidence booster no doubt. but the pain can only be felt the next day, and my legs are literally immovable. ‘So I shall rest today, relish my ghee masala dosa for now, and continue my journey tomorrow morning,’ I thought to myself.
While being the gateway to the Western ghats of Karnataka; Kundapura - Udupi - Mangalore also evidently falls on the food trail. The very best this region has to offer! A lot has been said about the Chicken ghee roast and crab dishes that go well with neer dosa, a soft succulent light variety of dosa.
Seeking spirituality in Tulu Nadu
Karnataka is a big state with many important temples and it’s not possible to visit temples at different locations. So while you are in this region called Tulu Nadu, here are my Top 10 picks- places you can visit to seek spirituality.
TABLE OF CONTENT
#1 Gokarna
Gokarna's Mahabaleshwara temple has an interesting story centering Ravana, the king of Lanka and Ganesha, the elephant-headed god and son of Lord Shiva. Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and after severe penance managed to secure the Atmalinga. An atmalinga or Pranalinga is 'the reality of God which can be captured by the mind'. It is said that even a glimpse of the atmalinga is enough to bestow immense blessings to a devotee.
Ravana, by asking Shiva for the atma-linga, yearned to attain immortality. This frightened the other gods. Ganesha came to the rescue and tricked Ravana by placing the atmalinga to the ground. Now that it was transfixed to the earth, Ravana could no longer lift it. Mahabaleshwara is the other name for Shiva.
When in Goakarna: Gokarna beach trekking is popular with adventure seekers.
#2 Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is yet another name for Lord Shiva. You can feel sublime peace here. The Murudeshwar temple has an impressive 20 storey rajagopuram, and there is a lift that takes you to the top of the rajagopuram, from where you can view the world's 2nd biggest Shiva statue. This place of pilgrimage is well-connected by rail on the Bhatkal-Murudeshwar-Coastal Karnataka route.
#3 Kollur
The Mookambika temple at Kollur, is located at the foothills of the Kodachadri hills and dedicated to the Mother Goddess known as Mookambika Devi. The temple has a good number of pilgrims from Kerala. In case you are visiting here do wear traditional clothing like a sari, dhoti etc as they are quite strict about dress code.
 |
| Mookambika temple, Kollur |
#4 Udupi
Udupi Srikrishna temple is also an important temple. Sri Krishna idol is said to be so beautiful and unique, that it cannot be seen directly, but through a 9 holed window called ‘Navagraha Kitiki’. Like most temples in Dakshin Kannada, anna dana or free meals are offered to devotees. Do also visit other temples in Udupi.
#5 Sringeri
Adi Shankaracharya (8th CE) was a hindu spiritual guru of Advaita Vedanta; a philosophy that states ‘Om’ or ‘Brahaman’ is the ultimate truth and reality. The Jagadguru (pontiff) tradition still continues.
 |
| jagadguru of Sringeri math |
On arriving at Sringeri he witnessed co-existence in nature- when he noticed a cobra with raised hood, protecting a frog in labor from the heat of the sun. He stayed back in Sringeri for 12 years. You too can be generous and give Sringeri at least 2 days for an unforgettable spiritual experience. Of the many temples here, the 2 most important ones are:
Sri Sharadamba temple - Sri Sharada is the presiding deity of Sringeri. There is a night pooja here around 9.15 pm, when they carry the idol round the temple (inner area) and devotees also go along, which is a profound experience.
Vidyashankara temple, Sringeri- This temple of 1338 AD, has historical significance, as it was built by the founders of the Vijayanagara empire. It is indeed a piece of antiquity known for its unique architecture based on astronomical concepts.
 |
| Vidyashankara temple, Sringeri |
Walk across the bridge towards the mutt area and explore the natural setting.
 |
| Sringeri, Karnataka |
There are temple guest houses that provide accommodation to pilgrims at nominal rates.
#6 Karkala, Moodabidri
The state of Karnataka is also home to Jainism, a religion that upholds tolerance for all creatures, above all. Apart from Shravanabelagola- Karkala and Moodabidri are two other places sacred to Jains.
Mangalore has a significant Christian population as well, and the beautiful church of St. Lawrence at Attur (around Karkala), and the countryside along it is a must visit.
 |
| entrance of St. Lawrence church (1759), Attur Mangalore |
#7 Mangalore
Mangalore has some impressive Hindu and Christian places of worship; it’s quite possible you may leave the city with a halo over your head. The most important of these are :
Mangaladevi temple - Mangaladevi is a form of Shakti goddess; after whom the city of Mangalore is named. A sakthi goddess is said to be very powerful and grants the wishes of her devotees. The temple and courtyard is large, in typical style of the region.
Kadri Manjunatha temple- Built in the year 1068, this ancient temple of Lord Manjunathaswamy is also revered.
Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple- Is set in pristine natural surroundings on a tiny isle. Durga Parameshwari is the presiding deity here.
Prominent churches in Mangalore are :
Milagres church- Is a grand looking 16th century church, possibly from the Portuguese era and St. Aloysius chapel on the lighthouse hill.
#8 Dharmasthala
It was almost 8 pm, after a tiring long bus ride- and the moment I approached the main entrance it was a different world altogether. The place is decorated with lights, with the temple elephant strolling along with pilgrims.
As you walk along the clean streets of Dharmastala at night you can feel the palpable sense of positive energy, like all of us are approaching the same goal and purpose. I cherish it as one of the most positive experiences I have had.
 |
| temple guest houses, Dharmasthala Karnataka |
There are plenty of guest houses which cost Rs.20 to Rs.100 and above depending on your requirement. No matter which place you select, the rooms and baths are spotlessly clean- something extraordinary, given the number of pilgrims that visit here.
 |
| temple guest houses, Dharmasthala Karnataka |
|
Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple as it is called. Lord Shiva is also called Manjunatha. The temple is run by a Jain bunt family i.e. originally Jains from Karnataka who are the hereditary trustees of this temple. Do also visit the museum in this area for its remarkable selection of artifacts.
If there’s anything Dharmasthala lacks, it’s decent food options. We had carried some tomatoes, cucumber, green chutney, butter and bread to make veg sandwiches. No alcohol or non-veg allowed.
#9 Belur
Stepping into the precincts of the Chennakesava temple at Belur is like taking a step back in time, sometime during the 12th century.
Chennakesava 'handsome Kesava' is a form of Vishnu.
 |
| (free download) Sri Chennaskesava, Belur |
This temple and Halebidu (14 kms from Belur) was built during the Hoysala Empire period. It is well-preserved and its architecture and sculptures are brilliant.
 |
| Chennakesava temple at Belur |
 |
| ceiling of Chennakesava temple at Belur |
If you find Belur impressive, then also pay a visit to nearby Halebeedu, just 14 kms ahead. Belur is closer to Chikmagalur.
 |
| Hoyasala period temple, Halebeedu Karnataka |
Halebeedu is not an active temple (there is no worship here). There are English, Hindi and Kannada speaking guides who can explain the intricacies of the sculptures and temple architecture. Do hire one, it's worth it.
#10 Kukke Subhramanya
Last but not the least in the remover of all ‘dosha’ (obstacles) in our life, none other than Lord Subramanya, This temple is much revered and thus likely to be crowded.
The temple is located on the banks of the Kumaradhara river. deep within western ghats- which is home to nagas (cobras and snakes). And it is easy to see the influence of co-existence in nature when you visit this temple.
May the gods shower you with peace, prosperity and most of all wisdom! Take care, bye for now!
Photo gallery
'There are things known, and things unknown - and in between are the doors'.
 |
| Kollur Mookambika temple, Kollur |
'Keep your heart and mind open. Let the light shine in.'
 |
| Hoyasala temple, Halebeedu |
Comments
Post a Comment