Introduction About Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore
India is the land of diverse Gods and goddesses. As you explore the nooks and corners of the country you get acquainted with different deities. One such deity is Mangala Devi. Local belief has it that the port city of Mangalore has received its name from the Goddess Mangaladevi. Both the local people and tourists across India worship the goddess in the revered Mangaladevi Temple in Mangaluru; it is located in a place called Bolar, 3 km from Mangalore, Karnataka. The sculpture of the deity is believed to be the earliest sculpture of Goddess Durga carved in the South Kanara district.
Devotees of Mangaladevi attribute their wealth and happiness to the goddess. A visit to this temple nestled amidst lush greenery not only offers spiritual fulfillment but also a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Mangalore and its surrounding regions.
Did you know that amongst all the Mangalore temples, Mangaladevi is one of the top tourist spots in the city?
In this blog we cover all details about the Mangaladevi Temple, starting from its origin to its Darshan timings. Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveller interested in exploring the religious and cultural heritage of India, this temple is the ideal place to visit this year.
So, keep reading to know more
History and Origin of the Mangaladevi temple in Mangalore
The Mangaladevi Temple in Mangaluru was established in 986 AD. Located in Bolara, the temple’s architectural brilliance combined with its holy ambience attracts pilgrims, historians and tourists alike.
According to one local story, the temple was established by King Kundaverma from the Ahepa Dynasty in the honour of two sages, Gokarnatha and Machendranatha.
It is believed these sages were pleased by King Kundaverma’s offerings and told him about the temple of Goddess Mangaladevi which stood in his land many years ago. The saints, Gokarnatha and Machendranatha guided the king to where the temple was and requested him to dig the place. King Kundravarma followed their advice; soon he retrieved the linga representing Mangala devi.
He further respected their wishes to build an iconic shrine and installed the linga of the deity in the shrine along with Nagaraja. Sages Gokarnatha and Machendranatha supervised the entire process and ensured the process including the construction of the temple to the placement of the deity was conducted properly. As more and more people witnessed the mercy and favour of the Goddess, the praises of the temple started spreading. Fast forwarding from the 9th century to the 21st, the Mangaladevi Temple is one of the prime religious destinations in the city.
Another popular legend believes that the temple was originally crafted by lord Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of the Hindu God Vishnu. People say that, later the temple was expanded by King Kundavarma.
Architecture of MangalaDevi Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple is a great example of traditional South Indian Architecture. We can spot this architectural style in many temples of Kerala and the Western Ghats. A greater section of the temple is built of wood. It features intricate carvings and a gopuram that reflects the Dravidian style. Adorned in beautiful jewellery and flowers, the idol of Goddess Mangaladevi is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum; the deity is in a seated posture. The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to other deities, with spacious courtyards and a serene ambience that is perfect for meditation and prayers.
The Mangaladevi temple is one of the most popular historical places in Mangalore. People from different parts of India come to spend some time here, immersing themselves in the sanctity of the temple and witnessing its architectural style. With much pride they glance upon the skills of the architects who crafted such a wondrous temple in a time as early as the 9th century; It is especially remarkable as the temple was built in a time when there were no modern tools and equipment to assist them in the construction process.
Explore Mangalore’s beaches, cultural sites, and religious landmarks. Discover the city’s unique charm and places of interest in Mangalore.
Ways to Reach Mangaladevi Temple and Distance
Medium to reach the temple and Distance
Mangaladevi Temple is located in a place called Bolar, which is situated 3 kms away from Mangalore, Karnataka. The people can access this holy place in three ways, including road, rail, and air. Let us look at these in detail.
| Means of reaching the Mangala devi Temple in Mangaluru | |
| Road | You can reach the temple by road. Both tourists and locals can avail the frequent bus services, taxis, and autorickshaws. Bus numbers 27, 29A, and 27A will directly take you to of Mangaladevi Temple. |
| Rail | People travelling by rail can reach the temple from the nearest railway station, Mangalore |
| Air | If you are visiting Mangaladevi temple from a far off location, then the best option is to reach Mangalore Airport by air and then avail road and rail services to reach the temple. |
Distance:
Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore is situated in a convenient location. As mentioned previously, you can navigate it by road, rail and air. Fortunately, the temple is in proximity to all three facilities.
| Road | Mangalore bus stand is 2.5 km away from the temple |
| Rail | Mangalore Central Railway station is 3 kms from the temple. |
| Air | The temple is around 15 km from the Mangaladevi temple |
Location on map Link
You might struggle to find the location of the Mangaladevi Temple, especially if you are visiting the temple for the first time.
Do not worry, we are sharing its Google location to help you locate the place easily.
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y6cyjcdGE2BXaxNSA
Mangaladevi Temple Nearby Hotels and Ashrams to Stay
If you are a tourist visiting Mangaladevi in Mangalore, then it would be wise to stay in a hotel close to the temple. Not only will it be easier for you to visit the temple comfortably but you can also explore the places around the temple. So, we are mentioning some accommodation facilities near it.
| Hotels / Ashram | Price | Location |
| Metro Plaza Hotel | Rs. 2029 (via Booking.com) | 1.1 km from the temple |
| Ocean Pearl Inn | Rs 3560 + taxes (via MakeMyTrip) | 1.3 km from Mangala devi Temple in Mangalore |
| Ramkrishna Ashram, ISKCON Mangalore |
Mangaladevi Temple Timings
Pooja Timings (morning, evening)
Although the temple is open for “darshan” for a longer time, there are specific time frames for offering pooja to the goddess. Note the pooja and aarti timings so that you don’t miss it.
Mangaladevi Temple Mangalore daily pooja timings
| Pooja | Timings |
| Morning pooja | 6:00 am |
| Afternoon pooja | 11:30 am |
| Evening Aarti | 9:00 pm |
Darshan Timings:
While preparing your travel itinerary, it is best to note the pooja timings of the temple in advance so that you can witness the rituals while allotting ample time to visit the other temples and attractions in Mangalore.
Darshan Timings for Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m to 4:00 pm–8:30 pm |
Why is Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore so famous?
The Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore started gaining prominence during the 9th century. The devotees of the goddess believed that if you pray for something to Mangala devi wholeheartedly then your wishes will be granted.The popularity of this holy space grew as the praises of the goddess’s kindness spread far and wide. Let’s look at some reasons for the fame of this temple. Discover Mangalore’s temples to learn about their religious significance and gain deeper knowledge.
Religious Importance
Mangaladevi Temple holds immense religious significance for devotees and deeply roots in South India’s spiritual traditions. The temple honors Goddess Mangaladevi, worshipped as a powerful manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Every day hundreds of devotees offer prayers to the goddess and ask for her blessings. They believe that Mangaladevi is the source of their health, prosperity, and happiness.
Cultural Heritage
The Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore plays a crucial role in maintaining traditional costumes through daily poojas and ancestral worship, thus fostering cultural continuity. The temple gathers people from different cultures in one place. The mythological significance of the temple along with legends revolving around Mangaladevi, enriche the local cultural narrative. Furthermore, the temple reinforces Mangalore’s cultural identity by supporting various art forms and nurturing local talents. Thus, the Mangaladevi temple is not just a place of worship but also a source of cultural pride
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Festivals and Rituals
The Mangaladevi Temple is well-known for its vibrant rituals and festivals which in turn play an important role in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural heritage. The 9-day Navaratri festival is the most celebrated festival in the temple premises. Rathotsava is another significant festival where the devotees pull a chariot with the idol of the goddess. In addition, daily poojas including Abhisheka, Alankara, and Maha Mangala Aarati are performed everyday. Moreover, special rituals like Navagraha pooja and Vasanthotsava attract numerous pilgrims. Finally, monthly and weekly rituals held in the temple also witness a huge participation from local people.
Tourist Attraction
We have kept saying throughout this blog that the temple welcomes hundreds of people every year. Due to the significance of the temple in multiple domains including religion, history, architecture, and more, the temple attracts a broad tourist base. Therefore, although the Mangaladevi Temple in Mangalore holds immense religious value, its scenic and architectural beauty is equally praiseworthy. Moreover, there are some other temples and historic places in Mangalore that you can easily explore after visiting the temple, including Kadri Manjunath Temple, Rossario Cathedral, Sultan and more.
Scenic Locations
The temple is located amidst the scenic beauty of Mangalore. The lush green landscapes surrounded by the Western Ghats are soothing to watch. Not only does it complement the religious ambience of the temple but it also transforms this destination into an ideal tourist spot. It is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the humdrum of life for a little while and recharge amidst the divinity and tranquility of nature.
Mythological Stories
We have already explored the legends regarding the origin of the Mangaladevi Temple. In this segment we are going to mention some of the other prominent mythological stories associated with this holy place.
- Legend of Devi Mandir
The city of Mangalore was formerly known as “Mangalapuram”. The locals believe that both the names are in honour of Mangala devi. According to them, the goddess represents the divine feminine energy. Her presence is said to bless the city and its inhabitants with prosperity and well-being.
- Legend about Matsyendranath
This legend associates Mangaladevi temple with Matsyendranath, a revered saint and founder of Nath tradition of Hinduism. People believe that he worshiped at the site where the Mangala devi temple in Mangalore now stands. His spiritual practices and blessings are believed to have sanctified the area making it a sacred pilgrimage site.
- Miraculous Events
Over centuries devotees have narrated miraculous incidents where their prayers have been answered, illnesses have been cured, and wishes have been fulfilled. They attribute all these miracles to the kindness and divine power of goddess Mangaladevi.
Conclusion
The Mangala devi Temple in Mangalore is much more than a place of worship; it is symbolic of the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Whether you are a devotee in quest of spiritual solace or a tourist exploring historical landmarks, a visit to this temple is a rewarding experience. In this blog we have shared all the details about this revered temple. The blend of mythology, tradition, and architectural splendour makes it a must-visit destination in Mangalore. Mangalore is the city of dreams where you can explore as much as you can beaches, religious places, variety of foods, hotels, and resorts.
Interested to know about more tourist spots in Mangalore?
These articles can help
- 50 Top and Best Places of Interest in Mangalore for rejuvenation and tranquility.
- Top 25 Mangalore Attractions
FAQs
1. What is the ticket fee for visiting the Mangala devi Temple in Mangaluru?
The Mangaladevi Temple welcomes people from all walks of life. Entry to the temple is completely free for everyone.
2. What is the best time to visit the temple?
The most ideal time to visit the sacred temple is during winter. To be more specific, the months from October to February are the best as the weather is pleasant and comfortable during this time thus making it ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. Moreover, the temple’s most significant festival Navratri is celebrated during October, visitors keen to experience the vibrant celebrations and cultural activities must considering visiting the temple during this time.
3. Can you suggest some tips for visiting the Mangala devi temple?
- Leave your footwear outside the temple
- Some areas might prohibit photography, so seek permission before clicking pictures.
- The temple crowds during festivals like Navratri and Dussehra, so book accommodation in advance if visiting then.
