Sri Mookambika Temple

The Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur of Udipi district in the Southern state Karnataka. Kollur is at a distance of about 135 kms from Mangalore. It is the only temple which is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is believed to be built by Parshuram.  The people of Karnataka are very fond of this temple and the Goddess Parvathi is called in Tamil as Thai Mookambika. Parvathi temple is located exactly on the banks of the perennial river Souparnika that runs close to the foot hills of the Western Ghats. River Sauparnika has its connection to the eagle called Suparna that did penance in this bank and attained salvation. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Muktislala pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are (kollur), Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna.Kollur is known for its association with Aadi Sankara.

The establishment of Mookambika temple is attributed to Parameshwara, who has drawn a chakra with his toe. History of the temple begins with the arrival of sage Shankaracharya at this place in 8th century A.D. Historically it is believed that this place was inhabited by Shakthas called Kaulas and that was how this place came to be called as Kollur. Honneyakambali Kings of Hosangadi have been ruling Kollur and they were ardent devotees of Mookambika. King Halugallu Veera Sangayya is said to have laid the foundation of valuable stone to cover the inside premises and this was done by him under the instructions of Rani Chennamaji. The Mookambika temple has been graced by many ancient kings who donated various precious jewels to Sri Kollur Devi and they are still adorned by her. Many other Hindu kings have also donated to this temple since it was believed to be the state temple in those days and was an emblem for Goddess Parvarti.

Architecture of Temple:

The architecture of the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple Temple belongs to the Keladi period. Recently the Temple was renovated. The Sanctum Sanctorum which is in a Quadrangular shape has a tower known as Vimana Gopura which is in the Dravidian Architecture. The tower of the sanctum sanctorum is covered by gold donated by local king centuries ago. Around the sanctum sanctorum of goddess Devi, we can see the retinue deities like Subrahmanya, Dashabhuja Ganapathi, Anjaneya, Chandramouleeshwara, and Gopalakrishna. The statue of Mookambike is very attractive and has four arms The upper two arms are holding Shankha and Chakra and the palms of the lower two arms.