The Kadri Manjunatha Temple located in Mangalore in the state of Karnataka, India, dates back to approximately 1068 The square temple built with nine water tanks, nestles at the foot of the highest hill at Kadri in Mangalore.
About Kadri Manjunatha Temple :
Kadri temple being one of the ancient historical temple dating back about 1068 A.D. is very interesting place. The scenic beauty of the Kadri hills, the presence of the pre-historic caves cut into the laterite mounds and the historical and religious importance of the Manjunatha temple lend particular enchantment to this centre. On the Kadri Hill is situated the biggest centre of the Natha Pantha (cult) in South India. The caves of Kadri hill have to be archeologically examined.
The Manjunatha temple, Kadri belongs to the Vijayanagara style of structure. From its present form, it may be inferred that during the 15th or 16th century A.D., it must have been given a solid structure.
Attractions Of Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Karnataka :
Kadri Manjunatha temple is believed to be very sacred, this place cuts through some of the popular legendary heroes of the Hindu Mythology. A very special thing about this temple, having a panchaloha statue of Tirolkeshwara and Maha Vishnu, certified to be the best panchaloha statues of India.
“Kadali Vana” means Plantain Forest – long ago the place was full of banana plantation and also geographically this place is located at the corner of Mangalore so called as “Kudalu”. Over the ages the pronunciation transformed to the name Kadri. The temple built in Kerala style architecture has a vast compound inside. The sanctum sanctorum is done with beautiful silver doors, gold motifs on the pavilion present in the vestibule of the principal shrines of Manjunatha Swamy, attracts everyones attention.
Popular legend is that Persurama, a variation of Maha Vishnu, identified the swayambhoo (self manifested) saligrama (linga) which has emerged out of the water and offered prayers at this place for pleasing Lord Shiva. Shiva along with his consort Parvati Devi appeared infront of him and stayed here ever as Manjunatha for the benefit of the mankind. The panchaloha statues of Maha Vishnu and Trilokeshwara are said to be the best pachaloha statues in India. There is no cavity in between and the statues are completely solid and big in size. The epigraph on the statue is dated back to 968 AD.
A sacred pond resides in the premises but it’s above the temple ground level, than at the same level or below, something very unusual compared to the other temples of India where sacred ponds are at a level lower than the sanctum sanctorum.
A 60 feet tall wooden flag mast adorns the temple premises.
Shrines of Ganesha, Ayappa, Manjushree and Durga parmeshwari are present in the temple complex.
Kadri Manjunath Temple – Overview
The Manjunath temple is set in the beautiful Kadri Hills in Mangalore. The temple, square in shape, is built on the highest hill in Kadri. It is surrounded by several ponds fed from a natural spring at the back of the temple. Legend links this temple with an avatar of Vishnu, Parashurama.
History Of Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Karnataka :
Earlier to 10th century A.D. Kadri was an important centre of Buddhism. Documents supporting the fact are available in and around Kadri. During 10th century A.D. Buddhism began to loose its grip and new belief viz. Natha Pantha (cult) rooted in Kadri. Natha Pantha is a modified religious practice, which is, came from Vajrayana religious practice of Mahayana branch of Buddhism. In course of time it shined with Shiva beliefs. Local people as Jogis called them. And their monastery is called as Jogimutt.
Buddhist monks who came from northern India made Kadri as their place of Vihara and settled here. In those days it was called as Kadarika Vihara. Subsequently, followers of Natha pantha were also came and settled here. The epigraph of 968 A.D. mentions Mangalore as “Mangalapura” and Kadri as “Kadarika Vihara”. In stone epigraph belongs to 12-13th century A.D. available in temple’s kitchen which is in Kannada and Malayalam script it is clearly mentioned that the then King with local landlords and other important people of the area contributed a land for construction of the temple. Since earlier portions of epigraph are damaged, the name of the King is unknown. As per the documents available the Alupa Queen Balli Mahadevi (1277-1288) called herself as a devotee of Lord Manjunatha.
The temple was built in 12th century according to Hindu Agama Shastra (architecture rule). In 14-15th century A.D. it was reconstructed with granite stone. The idol of Lord Manjunatha is made of Pancha Loha (mixed metal of five elements). The Jogis of Jogimutt are still residing on the Kadri Hill. As Lord Manjunatha is a form of Lord Shiva, they ardently worship him. The surroundings of the Jogimutt depict its ancient importance. There are caves around the Jogimutt, which are called as Pandava caves. But one can assume Jogis often used these caves for meditation and penance. There are small temples of Boothanatha, Matsyendranath, Gorakanatha and many other Natha protagonists surrounded by existing Jogimutt. Reserving its peacefulness and mystery the Jogimutt still arise feeling of holiness within a visitor. Further research and study on all aspect from archeological department may spotlight the hidden facts about the temple and surrounding monuments.
Kadri Manjunath Temple Architecture :
The main shrine here is for Manjunath, with an Udhbava Linga. The beautiful Thri Lokeshwara idol is seated in Padmasana pose, with six arms and three faces. The temple has a pyramidal structure. Besides the inscription put in by the Alupa king who installed the Lokeshwara statue, the style of this temple also dates it to the 10th century. Inside the temple courtyard, there are smaller temples for Durga and Ganesha. The temple is considered to have been converted to a stone temple around the 14th century.
Kadri Manjunath Temple Mythology :
Parashurama, after annihilating the Kshatriyas, who had become headstrong and cruel, prayed to Lord Shiva for a place to live. Lord Shiva told him to go to the Kadhari hills. Here, Lord Parashurama performed penance. Lord Shiva came down with his wife Parvati and assured Parashurama that he would reside in Kadhari to bless the people of the world.
How to Get to Kadri Manjunatha Temple
This temple is situated right in Mangalore. Mangalore is a major city in Karnataka and it is well connected through air, rail and bus routes to all parts of Karnataka and India.
Kadri Manjunath Temple Facts :
- Kadiruthsava, Navaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Makara Shankaranthi, Deepavali, Shivarathri and Ugadi are important festival days here
- The Lokeshwara idol is considered to be one of the oldest bronze idols in India
- There is a huge Deepasthamba at the entrance which is lighted on Deepothsava days
- Lakshadeepotsava is a major function here
- A nine day fair is held here every year
- There are idols of Sastha, Durga Parameshwari, Vyasa Muni and Gomukha Ganapati here