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DK and Udupi temples steal the limelight

DK and Udupi temples, Karnataka, India steal the limelight:

Generally Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are referred to as districts of temples. But the statistics available on the website of Muzrai Department listing recognised temples show that the two do not figure in the top 10 districts. However, the fact remains that temples in the two districts are better known than those in other districts.

Temples such as Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple and Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Kshetra are very well known both within and without the district. The popularity of Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Udupi district, and the Udupi Krishna Math Temple transcends the State’s borders.

Chandrashekar Damle, a former Professor of Sociology at Nehru Memorial College, Sullia, said that temples in the district have been projected well and hence they take the limelight compared with those in other districts.

Mr. Damle said that many astrologers in Kannada television channels, which telecast religious programmes every morning, suggest devotees to visit either Kukke Subrahmanya and/or Dharmasthala Manjunatha temples to get rid of divine wrath. There is a queue of people who wish to perform “sarpa samskara” and “ashlesha bali” in Subrahmanya Temple. The Dharmasthala deity Lord Manjunatheswara is considered the God of Truth. In addition, Dharmasthala temple offers an out-of-the-court justice settlement system. The visit of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and many film stars to Kukke Subrahmanya and the media coverage on it has prompted many to throng to the temple. Some of those who come to these temples also go to other nearby temples like Kateel, Udupi Krisha Math and Kollur Mookambika Temple. The temple at Kollur also attracts large number of pilgrims, especially from Kerala. Carnatic vocalist K.J. Yesudas visits the temple regularly each year.


Mr. Damle said that temples had “rajashraya” during rulers. A Kannada book titled “Dakshina Kannada Jilleya Ithihasa Mattu Puratatava” published by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Mysore in 2007, quotes writer Keladi Venkatesh Jois in an article on Keladi rulers, who says that a Keladi dynasty ruler Venkatappa Nayaka “…extended Kollur Mookambika temple…” The same ruler built Jangama Maths in places like Karkala, Moodbidri, Gurupura, Bantwal, and Shankaranarayana. The Hindu

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