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

Nanjangud

 Nanjangud Sri Srikanteshwara Temple 

(Dakshina Kashi – Varanasi of the South)

Nanjangud is home to the ancient Sri Srikanteshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nanjundeshwara, the divine healer who removes poison and cures diseases.

Temple Highlights

Legend says the Lingam was installed by Sage Gautama. The temple complex houses shrines of Ganapathi, Subramanya, Goddess Parvathi, Chandikeshwara, and Lord Vishnu. This sacred place is also known as Parashurama Kshetra.

Mythological Significance

During Samudra Manthana, Lord Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison to save the universe. Goddess Parvathi held his throat, turning it blue—earning him the name Srikanta / Vishakanta. Since he digested (Nanju) the poison, he is worshipped here as Nanjundeshwara.

Historical Glory

Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were ardent devotees. Tipu Sultan called the Lord “Hakim Nanjunda” after his elephant’s eye ailment was cured by the temple Theertha. As gratitude, he donated a sacred Maragatha (Emerald) Lingam.

Rathotsava

Celebrated twice a year, where beautifully adorned chariots of the deities are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees—an unforgettable divine spectacle.

Temple Timings

Weekdays: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Distance

Mysuru – 27 km | Bengaluru – 163 km

sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple Mathikere

Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple, Mathikere – Bangalore

Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple is located in HMT Layout, Mathikere, Bengaluru. It is a renowned Hindu temple where Goddess Sri Chowdeshwari Devi is believed to communicate directly with devotees by writing answers on a slate, guiding them in resolving their problems and difficulties.

Thousands of devotees visit the temple seeking the blessings of the Divine Mother for relief from illness, financial issues, personal problems, and other challenges.

History of the Temple

According to temple history, centuries ago a local ruler (Palegara) named Dashavantharaya sought the protection of Goddess Chowdeshwari. He promised her a permanent place in his territory. The Goddess agreed and chose the location, which later came to be known as Mathikere.

One of the many miracles associated with the temple is that it was constructed in less than five months, which devotees consider a divine marvel. It is believed that all temple activities and management decisions are carried out strictly according to the guidance of the Goddess herself.

Temple priests state that the Goddess refers to herself as “Sevakara Sevaki”, emphasizing selfless service. Following her divine instructions, the temple does not charge any fee for poojas or sevas offered by devotees.

Devotees from various parts of India and across the world visit this sacred temple, experiencing her boundless grace and compassion.

Special Alankara Sevas

Devotees can offer special Alankara Sevas to the Goddess, including:

Arishina Kumkuma Alankara

Villedele Alankara

Benne (Butter) Alankara

Ardhanareeshwara Alankara

Muttina (Pearl) Alankara

Hatthi (Elephant) Alankara

The temple does not charge any fee for these Alankara sevas. However, devotees must bring the items suggested by the priest and offer a ₹500 kanike to the priest.

Temple Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location

Gokula 1st Stage,

HMT Layout, Mathikere,

Bangalore – 560054

Devarayana Durga

Devarayana Durga – A Sacred Narasimha Kshetra 

Devarayana Durga is located on Karigiri Kshetra in Tumkur district of Karnataka.

This holy hill is home to two powerful forms of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swami.

Bhoga Narasimha Swami at the foothill

Yoga Narasimha Swami at the hilltop

Unique Form of the Hill:

The hill itself is believed to take divine forms when viewed from different directions:

• From the East – Elephant

• From the South – Lion 

• From the West – Snake

• From the North – Garuda

Sacred Legends:

According to legend, during Dwapara Yuga, Lord Brahma performed penance here for nearly 2000 years.

Lord Narasimha appeared before him along with Goddess Lakshmi and granted darshan.

The Narasimha vigraha is believed to float in air, not touching the ground.

A demon named Pundarika was slayed here by Lord Narasimha.

The devas showered flowers from the heavens, filling the hill with blossoms.

Hence, this kshetra is also known as Kusumadri (Hill of Flowers).

Nine Sacred Theerthas:

Narasimha, Brahma, Sri Pada, Agasthya, Kasi,

Vrushabha, Chakra, Dhanus, and Vayu Theertha.

Among them, Sri Pada Theertha is believed to cure severe and chronic skin diseases.

Temple Pond – Pushkarni:

Sage Durvasa Muni performed intense tapas here.When he wished to take a holy dip in the Ganga while travelling to Kashi,

Mother Ganga appeared here itself, forming the sacred Pushkarni.

It is also believed that even today,

the Saptha Rishis worship Lord Narasimha Swami during Dhanur Masa, in the early hours of Brahma Muhurtha.

Directions:

•From Bangalore – approx 84 km, via Tumkur

•From Tumkur – about 17 km

Temple Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Kukke Subramanya

Kukke Subramanya is a renowned Hindu temple located in Subramanya village of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Nestled in the Western Ghats, the temple is set on the banks of the sacred Kumaradhara River.

According to legend, the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents took refuge under Lord Subramanya when they were threatened by Garuda. Kukke Subramanya is believed to be one of the seven sacred sites established by Parashurama. It is said that after annihilating the Kshatriyas, Parashurama bathed in the Kumaradhara River here to absolve himself of the sin of killing his mother.

Mythology also tells that Lord Subramanya and his brother Lord Ganapathi defeated the demon rulers Tharaka and Shura Padmasura at the nearby Kumaradhara Parvatha. Lord Subramanya later married Devasena, the daughter of Lord Indra, in a grand celestial wedding attended by major deities, blessing the place with divine energy.

In the sanctum sanctorum, the idols of Lord Subramanya and Vasuki are worshipped, with the idol of Sesha placed slightly below. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Uma Maheshwara, Surya, Ambika, and Lord Vishnu. Nearby stands the Kapaleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Within the temple premises is the Samputa Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, installed by Sri Madhwacharya. About 100 meters away is the Adi Subramanya Temple, which features a massive anthill in the garbha griha. It is believed that Lord Subramanya resides here in the form of Sesha (Cobra).

Kukke Subramanya is especially famous for powerful rituals like Ashlesha Bali Pooja and Sarpa Dosha Parihara, performed to remove curses related to serpent deities.

Temple Timings

Morning: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Evening: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Annadanam

12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Distance from Bangalore: ~290 km

Bangaru Tirupati

Bangaru Tirupati is located in Guttahalli village, in Kolar district of Karnataka. The main temple here is the renowned Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Temple, built in close resemblance to the famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

Legend and Significance

According to legend, Sage Bhrigu performed intense austerities at this sacred place after offending Lord Vishnu. It is believed that in anger, Sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on His chest. Lord Vishnu tolerated the insult calmly, which deeply displeased Goddess Lakshmi, who then left Vaikuntha.

As a result, Lord Vishnu is worshipped here in the form of Ekantha Srinivasa—the Lord who resides alone, without Goddess Lakshmi. The presiding deity at Bangaru Tirupati reflects this divine form.

Temple Architecture and Darshan

The temple is built on a hilltop, featuring:

A majestic Gopuram

A sacred Pushkarani (temple pond)

Around 120 steps leading to the main shrine

Devotees have Netra Darshana, viewing the deity through a unique six-holed window, which is a distinctive feature of this temple.

It is widely believed that darshan at Bangaru Tirupati is equivalent to darshan at Tirumala, especially for those unable to visit Tirupati. Devotees also believe that worship here helps in attaining Moksha (liberation).

Associated Shrines and Festivals

A separate shrine for Goddess Padmavathi is located on an adjacent hillock.

The grand Brahmotsavam is celebrated for nine days during Magha Masam (January–February), starting from Pournami (Full Moon Day) every year.

Temple Timings

7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Distance and Location

From Bangalore: 102 km

From Kolar: 36 km

From Mulbagal: 18 km

Kotilingeshwara Kolar

Kotilingeshwara Temple, 

Located at Kammasandra, Kolar district, of Karnataka 

Kotilingeshwara Temple is a renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, envisioned and constructed by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy.

The temple is famous for its magnificent 108-feet tall Shivalinga and 35-feet tall Nandi idol,  surrounded by lakhs of Shiva lingas spread across 10–15 acres, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere.

The temple complex also houses shrines of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Lord Venkataramana Swamy, Lord Panduranga, Panchamukhi Ganapathi, Lord Anjaneya, and goddesses Annapoorneshwari, Karumaari Amma, and Kannikaparameshwari. Special belief: Two sacred Nagalinga trees are worshipped by unmarried women by tying a yellow thread and praying for a happy married life.

Annadanam is served every afternoon to all devotees.  

Timings: 

6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 

Camera  Fee: ₹100

Distance:

70 km from Bengaluru  35 km from Kolar 

14 km from Bangarpet