Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore

 Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore


The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shakthi in the form of Mangaladevi, the presiding deity from whom the city derives its name.

An ancient temple with historical significance and dating back to the 9th century, it is under the protection of ASI. I wonder why they covered the roof of the entire temple with metal sheets. I always felt higher energy levels in temples where the sanctum was exposed to the elements.

Sri Mangaladevi in the central shrine is in a seated posture and reminded me of Parmekkavu in Thrissur. 

The temple was built by Parasurama Swamy, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and later expanded by Kundavarman of the Alupa Dynasty in the 9th century. It seems the king retrieved and installed the lingam and the dharapatra symbolising Mangaladevi.

It is disappointing that the temple has no space that separates it from the main road. There is a Nagaraja sanctum in an elevated platform in front of the Dwajasthambam.

I like the haarthi brass and the unique wick arrangements of Karnataka. The temple was getting ready for the evening puja with numerous shiny brass lamps.

Sriram(Hari)

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