Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari

Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari Temple is located in Nalkuru village, Sullia Taluk, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple is surrounded by arecanut and coconut plantations and dense forests. The serene Kallaje stream, flowing beside the temple, adds to its divine and tranquil atmosphere.

The presiding deity, Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari, is widely revered as a powerful goddess known for fulfilling devotees’ wishes.

Legend and History

According to legend, Goddess Durgaparameshwari originally resided in Rathnapura of Balagodu. Over time, she left that place and came to the banks of the Kallaje stream. While Sage Markandeya was meditating near the stream, he heard an Ashariravani (celestial voice) of the Goddess, informing him that she had settled there. Following this divine message, the sage installed the idol at this sacred location.

The temple is situated close to Kukke Subramanya and is believed to be spiritually connected with Kukke Subramanya Temple, Samputa Narasimha, and Harihara Pallathadka Temple.

The rulers of the region later installed the idol of Chaturbhuja (four-armed) Goddess Durgaparameshwari. The area is known for ‘Marakatha’ (emerald), one of the Navaratnas, from which the Goddess derives her name.

Spiritual Significance

It is believed that Theerthodbhava occurs in the Kallaje stream on the auspicious day of Makara Sankramana. Taking a holy dip in the stream on this day is said to wash away sins.

Devotees strongly believe that after bathing in the stream and praying to the Goddess, wishes related to marriage, health, and employment are fulfilled. Local tradition narrates that in ancient times, those who wished to get married would place a Harivana (plate) on the banks of the Kallaje stream beside the temple, and the next morning all the required marriage jewellery would miraculously appear on the plate.

Renovation

The temple was renovated under the guidance of Sri Vidya Prasanna Theertharu, Swamiji of Kukke Subramanya.

Prasadam

Prasadam is offered to devotees on:

Tuesdays

Fridays

Sankramana of every month

Temple Timings 

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Distance

From Bangalore: 295 km

From Kukke Subramanya: 8 km

From Sullia: 32 km