Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple of Udupi is one of the oldest temples in the district of South Kanara and has a history of more than 1200 years.
About Kadiyali Mahishamardhini Tempe :
Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple of Udupi is one of the oldest temples in the district of South Kanara and has a history of more than 1200 years. According to the famed archaeologist, Late Dr. P. Gururaja Bhatt, this Temple is as ancient as Sri Ananteshwara Temple of Udupi, established early as in the 7th Century and is thus more ancient than the Lord Sri Krishna Temple. He based this opinion on the style of sculpture of the Vigraha (statue) of Kadiyali Mahishamardini, which resembles the style of Chalukyas of Badami.The unique features of the statue are as follows The statue of Mahishamardini is in a standing posture. She has four arms. In Her upper right hand, She holds the Prayaga Chakra (the discus) and in Her upper left hand, the Shanka (conch shell). She is piercing the head of Mahishaasura, the buffalo shaped demon, who has fallen at Her feet, with the Trishul (Trident) held in Her lower right hand. She is pulling the tail of Mahishaasura with Her lower left hand. This emphatically portrays the helplessness of the Demon whose abdomen is bulging due to the pressure exerted by the pulling of his tail.
The bearing of the Goddess in the standing posture, Her facial expression and the casual way of Her holding the weapons shows that it is but a child’s play for Her to vanquish evil. This is a sculpture of unique beauty, devoid of any ornamental trappings. One falls under Her divine spell the moment they lay eyes on Her.
Attractions Of Kadiyali Mahishamardhini Temple In Karnataka :
Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple of Udupi, South India, is one of the oldest temples in the district of South Kanara and has a history of more than 1200 years. According to the famed archaeologist, Late Dr. P. Gururaja Bhatt, this Temple is as ancient as Sri Ananteshwara Temple of Udupi, established as early as in the 7th Century and is thus more ancient than the Lord Sri Krishna Temple. He based this opinion on the style of sculpture of the Vigraha (statue) of Kadiyali Mahishamardini, which resembles the style of Chalukyas of Badami. The unique features of the statue are as follows:
The statue of Mahishamardini is in a standing posture. She has four arms. In Her upper right hand, She holds the Prayaga Chakra (the discus) and in Her upper left hand, the Shanka (conch shell). She is piercing the head of Mahishaasura, the Buffalo shaped Demon, who has fallen at Her feet, with the Trishul (Trident) held in Her lower right hand. She is pulling the tail of Mahishaasura with Her lower left hand. This emphatically portrays the helplessness of the Demon whose abdomen is bulging due to the pressure exerted by the pulling of his tail.
The bearing of the Goddess in the standing posture, Her facial expression and the casual way of Her holding the weapons shows that it is but a child’s play for Her to vanquish evil. This is a sculpture of unique beauty, devoid of any ornamental trappings. One falls under Her divine spell the moment they lay eyes on Her.
Featuers of Kadiyali Mahishamardhini Temple :
Mahishamardini Temple in Kadiyali is located almost 2 miles west of Udupi. The temple has got the reputation of being one of the oldest temples in South India. It has a history of more than 1200 years.
Kadiyali Mahishamardini temple is very near to the famous Shree Krishna Temple in Udupi as well as to the famous Manipal University. The temple dates back to the Chalukyan period. With the help of cyber pilgrims, the temple was renovated recently.
The idol of goddess Mahishamardhini is in a standing posture. Temple is constructed out of stone and has slanding roofs covered by thick granite slabs. Some of the major attractions of the temple include the Chariot Festival that happens every year as well as presence of the idol of Goddess Durga. Another ancient temple, Ananteshwara temple is also near to this temple.
Transportation services such as bus, taxis as well as auto rickshaws are available to and from Udupi and Kadiyali.