Kamalashile is located 35 kms from Kundapura in Udupi district. It is 397 kms from Bangalore. The presiding deity here is Sri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari , and it's very ancient temple.
The name Kamalashile is derived after the stone Linga, Goddess Brahmi Durgaparameshwari is worshipped in the form of lingam which is said to be union of Goddess Mahakali, Maha Saraswathi and Maha Lakshmi.
According to sthala purana it is said that a beautiful lady Pingala, a dancer performed her excellent dancing skills in front of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvathi in Kailash mountain.
Later another fine day Goddess Parvathi asks her to perform again to which Pingala refuses and Goddess Parvathi gets angry and curses her that she lose all her beauty and become an ugly woman, Kubja in Bhuloka (earth). In course of time Pingala realises her mistake and pleads Goddess Parvathi for mercy.
Parvathi disclosed to her about her Avatar that would take place on earth to end evil deeds of khararatasura and she will be in the form of Lingam in front of Sage Raikwa Ashram in Sahyadri forest and the Linga will be in the form of kamalashile , asks Kubja to near Suparshwa cave and do penance till Goddess gives her moksha. Later pleased with Kubja she appeared in form of kamalashile Linga at the confluence of River Kubja and Nagatheertha in front of Raikwa Rishi Ashram. Later Kubja was ordered to go to Mathura and wait for Lord Krishna as her curse would get released by the touch of lord Krishna. It is also said that Goddess Durgaparameshwari Linga appeared at the same time when yuga was created.
Initially it was worshipped as Brahmalingeshwara and later people got to know it was actually Brahmi Durgaparameshwari.
Suparshwa cave :
In krutha yuga king Suparshwa was searching suitable place to do penance and get moksha. He comes across this cave and finds it suitable hence cave is named after him. He prays to lord Shiva to bless him perform his penance without any hurdles for which lord Shiva appoints his Gana Bhairava to stay permanently at the entrance of the cave and provide protection for king Suparshwa.
It is also said that many sages, avadhootas had come to this place to do penance. Sri Sridhar Swamiji of Varadapura is one among them. Hundreds of Bats are seen at Naga Sannidhi.
Fearing death from Garuda Adisesha comes to Goddess Durgaparameshwari and seeks Mukti from a curse. Goddess advises him only way to avoid death for him was to become a bed to Lord Vishnu, and asks all other Nagas to hide in Suparshwa cave so that she can save them from Garuda.
A Tiger comes near Suparshwa cave to rest and it is a custom to light up fire in front of cave for Tiger to keep itself warm.
To visit this cave assistance from temple staff is needed and do not forget to carry torch without fail.
Annadanam is arranged in temple.
Contact Address
Sri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple
Sri Kshetra Kamalashile Post
Kamalashile - 576229
Kundapura Taluk
Udupi District
Phone :- 91 8259- 277221
Mobile 9591560809
