Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Kollur Mookambika Temple – A Seat of Supreme Shakti

Nestled in the serene Kollur valley of Karnataka, surrounded by the sacred Sauparnika River and the majestic Kodachadri peak, Kollur Mookambika Temple stands as one of India’s most powerful Shakti Peethas. Revered as a center of immense spiritual energy, this ancient shrine draws devotees seeking wisdom, strength, peace, and divine grace.
Divine Origins and Spiritual Significance
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya meditated at Kollur and experienced a divine vision of Goddess Mookambika. He consecrated the deity by installing the Sri Chakra and a Panchaloha idol, firmly establishing the temple as a major spiritual nucleus of Shakti worship.
A unique and sacred  manifestation is worshipped here:
One half represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma
The other half represents Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati
This rare union symbolizes the harmony of creation, preservation, destruction, and divine feminine power.
The Legend of Mookambika
According to legend, Sage Kola Maharishi was tormented by the demon Mookasura, whose arrogance stemmed from his inability to speak and seek boons from Lord Shiva. When Mookasura attacked the sage in rage, Devi Shakti descended, silenced his evil forever, and destroyed him.
By rendering the demon mooka (dumb), the Goddess earned the name Mookambika, embodying both compassion and fierce protection.
Kashaya Theertham – Devotion Meets Ayurveda.
A unique offering at the temple is 
Kashaya Theertham, a sacred herbal drink distributed after the night puja. Prepared using traditional Ayurvedic ingredients, it is believed to:
Boost immunity
Improve overall health
Cleanse the body and mind
This ritual beautifully blends ancient medicine with devotion.
Aksharabhyasa – The Sacred Beginning of Learning 
The temple is renowned for Aksharabhyasa (Vidyarambham)—the ceremonial initiation of children into education. Presided over by Goddess Mookambika in her forms as:
Saraswati (Knowledge)
Lakshmi (Prosperity)
Kali (Power)
The ritual is performed daily, often using a gold ring to write the first letters in rice or sand. It is especially auspicious during Navaratri, attracting families from across the country.
Sacred Geography and Heritage
One of the seven pilgrim sites created by Parashurama
Located amid lush forests and spiritual landmarks
The main idol is adorned with rare jewels, including:
Gajamutthu (Elephant Pearl)
Navarathna necklace
The Miracle of Inner Transformation 
Devotees often describe the greatest miracle of Kollur Mookambika Temple as the deep peace, mental strength, and wish fulfillment experienced after sincere prayer. Many leave with a sense of clarity, calm, and renewed faith.
Temple Timings 
Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location 
440 km from Bengaluru
72 km from Udupi
126 km from Mangaluru
48 km from Sigandur

Sri Guru Narasimha Temple Saligrama

The Sri Guru Narasimha Temple located at Saligrama, near Udupi in Karnataka, is one of the most ancient and spiritually powerful Narasimha temples in India. Its history is deeply rooted in Puranic legends as well as historical accounts, centering around the self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Narasimha, believed to date back to the 8th century CE.
Puranic Origins of the Temple
According to the Padma Purana, the sacred idol of Lord Narasimha manifested on its own at the base of a pipal tree. The deity appeared holding the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (disc), seated in a serene yogic posture. A divine celestial voice (Akashavani) instructed Sage Narada Muni to install the deity, which he faithfully carried out.
Nirvairya Sthala – The Land Without Enimity
The region came to be known as “Nirvairya Sthala” (the place without hostility), named by Bhattacharya, a learned Brahmin leader. He observed a rare phenomenon here—natural enemies such as lions and elephants living in harmony. This divine symbolism is reflected within the temple complex through the presence of both Lord Narasimha (lion form) and Mahaganapati (elephant form) idols, representing unity and balance.
Historical Accounts from Skanda Purana
The Sahyadri Khanda of the Skanda Purana mentions that King Lokaditya of the Kadamba Dynasty invited a group of Brahmins from Ahichatra, led by Bhattacharya, to settle in his kingdom for prosperity and spiritual growth.
After performing grand Maha Yagnas, Bhattacharya received a divine vision. Lord Ganapati appeared in his dream and instructed him to re-install the idol of Lord Yogananda Narasimha. The Lord declared Himself as the sole Guru and supreme God for the Brahmins of the fourteen surrounding villages.
This sacred tradition continues to this day among the Kota Brahmins, who worship Lord Narasimha as their eternal Guru.
Unique Features of the Deity
The idol is two-handed, west-facing, and made entirely of sacred Saligrama stone
The Lord is seated on a Mahaganapati Yantra, making this temple extremely rare
A visible crack on the top of the idol is believed to be a scar from an incident where an angry Brahmin struck the idol with a plough to stop its intense Ugra (fierce) gaze, which was believed to scorch nearby crops
To further pacify the Lord’s energy, an idol of Anjaneya Swami (Hanuman) was installed opposite the temple
Sacred Theerthas and Their Benefits
The temple is blessed with two sacred water bodies:
Chakra Theertha – A holy dip here is believed to cure diseases and remove fear of enemies
Shankha Theertha – Bathing here cleanses devotees of sins
Devotees who take a dip in both Theerthas and worship Lord Narasimha are believed to attain health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Sevas and Devotee Beliefs
The temple performs numerous Sevas for:
Fulfillment of desires
Removal of obstacles and problems
Marriage and job prospects
Relief from illness and good health
Overall prosperity and peace
Devotees strongly believe in the grace of Sri Guru Narasimha, who acts as both protector and spiritual guide.
Temple Timings.
Morning: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location & Distance
From Bangalore: 420 km
From Udupi: 25 km
From Kundapura: 15 km

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a historic village in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, located about 120–125 km from Bengaluru. It is renowned for its rich history, mythology, and magnificent Vijayanagara-style architecture, most notably the Veerabhadra Temple.
Mythological Significance
According to legend, when Ravana abducted Sita and was carrying her to Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana, the bird Jatayu, hearing Sita’s cries, fought bravely with Ravana in an attempt to rescue her. Overpowered, Jatayu fell wounded at this spot. Later, Lord Rama, while searching for Sita, came across the injured bird and commanded him to rise — “Le Pakshi” (Rise, Bird). From this divine command, the place came to be known as Lepakshi.
Veerabhadra Temple 
Built in the 16th century, the Veerabhadra Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture. It is situated on Kurmasaila Hill, shaped like a tortoise. The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to Veerabhadra, Vinayaka, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Each intricately carved pillar narrates stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata
The temple is famous for its Hanging Pillar, which does not touch the ground — a cloth or paper can be passed beneath it
A massive Shiva Lingam is sheltered by a seven-headed serpent hood
The courtyard features an unfinished mandapa with exquisitely carved pillars
The ceiling displays stunning fresco paintings depicting scenes from the epics
Other Attractions
A giant footprint on a rock near the temple is believed to belong to Mata Sita or Lord Hanuman, with a constant trickle of water emerging from it
A majestic monolithic Nandi, carved from a single granite stone, sits in a beautifully maintained garden
The temple houses a rare Maragatha (Emerald) Lingam, holding immense religious significance
Culture & Festivals
The annual Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated with great devotion and features the traditional Unmaththa dance, reflecting the vibrant local culture.
Intricate motifs such as peacocks, swans, and elephants, inspired by Lepakshi carvings, are also seen in Kanchivaram silk sarees, showcasing timeless craftsmanship.
Visitor Information
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Distance:
Anantapur to Lepakshi: ~125 km
Bengaluru to Lepakshi: ~125 km

Sri Harake Hanuma Temple

Sri Harake Hanuma temple is located in the ITI Layout near Vidhyapeeta, Bangalore. The temple opened with a small Hanuman diety over 42 years ago, and by the anugraha of the Lord has grown multifold. Along with ‘Moola’ Hanuma, the temple is home to ‘Dodda’ Hanuma, Vinayaka and Sri Rama Parivara.
Here Anjaneya grants every devotee wishes come true whoever makes harike (Vow) to him in a procedure after the completion of vow they offer their harike in form of different sevas to him like vade hara, sindoora alankara, villedele hara, kadaliphala alankara, benne alankara.
Harake Procedure 
We should offer Rs.147/- in the Hundi placed in the Temple in our name with any wish.
Archak will help us in the sankalpa for 5 or 7 or 9 or 11 weeks darshan of Sri Hanuman at the same temple. We need to visit the temple for such an number of weeks as per our interest.
We should select any two days of the week namely Tuesday or Saturday.
Once we select any day, we are supposed to visit the temple on the same day of every week.
As per archak’s words, so many people have witnessed good growth in their career and as well as personal and professional life after completing their Harake.
For more details contact 
Address
NO.10/27, I.T.I Layout, Temple Street, Kathriguppa Main Road, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560085
Phone: 080 26917652
Temple Timings
Morning 6:30am to 10:30am Evening 6:00pm to 8:30pm