Kollur Mookambika Temple

About Kollur Mookambika Temple

Perched in the valley of great Kodachadri Peak at the foot of the Western Ghats, Mookambika Temple is situated on the banks of ever running River Sauparnika. The temple is at a distance of 130 Km from Mangalore and is in a place called Kollur. Mookambika temple is among the seven most sacred temples in Karnataka called Seven Muktishala Pilgrim sites. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is an old Jyotirlinga which is kept in front of the image of Goddess Mookambika. It is said that the metal image of the goddess was installed here by the great Hindu religious leader Sri Adi Shankara. It is also believed that he performed penance here. The temple has gold plated crest and roofs covered with copper tiles. The temple is visited by pilgrims from all over the world.

History

Kola Maharshi found a swayambu linga (Shiva Linga, appeared on its own) and was offering ablutions and was worshipping it regularly. Kola Maharshi who was doing penance here, was disturbed by a demon, Kamasura.

Kamasura, learned from his guru sukracharya that his death is at the hands of a woman and performed rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva and get the boon of immortality. All gods learned that, Kamasura will become all powerful and no one can stop his misdeeds, if he gets this boon. All gods prays vagdevi not to grant his wish.

When Lord Shiva, appeared before Kamasura and asks him to name the boon that he wishes. Vagdevi, the Goddess of speech makes him dumb so that the boon could not be asked. Thus Kamasura became Mookasura (Mooka means dumb).

On the request of Kola Maharshi, the goddess creates a mystical power by bringing together the individual powers of all the gods who had assembled and wages a war on Mookasura.

Devi then killed Mookasura using her charka on the midnight of Jyesta Sukla Ashtami. The place where devi killed Mookasura is known as “Marana Katte”. Since that day, the Goddess has resided at this holy place Kollur by the name Mookambika, fulfilling the wishes of all her devotees. After killing Mookasura, Devi is believed to have merged into this swayambu linga in this temple.

The main deity in the temple is the Jyothirlinga (Shiva linga). This Jyotirlinga in front of the idol of the Goddess Mookambika. A golden line divides this linga into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the linga. The smaller right portion of this linga is said to represent Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva (as he conscious static principles) and larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi (as the creative energy principles)

Adi Shankaracharya, is said to have installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the Jyothirlinga. Godess Mookambika is in Padmasana posture holding Shanku and Chakra, and is showing Abhaya and Varada Mudras. On the either side of this are idols of Kali and Saraswathi. The roof of the temple is made of copper and is gold crested. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have composed his Soundharya Lahari when he was here.

Interesting things to Visit

The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been sanctified by great religious scholar Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. The temple has a gold plated crest and copper roofs.

Festivals at Kollur:
1. The main festival in the temple is the car festival, in the month of Phalguna (March-April).
2. Navarathri: Special Poojas are performed on all nine days. Vidyarambha (Starting education) to kids is done on Vijayadashami day.

Tips & Suggestions

Distances from Kollur:
1. Kundapur: 40 Kms
2. Udupi: 80 Kms
3. Murudeshwara: 55 Kms
4. Mangalore: 140 kms
5. Bangalore: 405 Kms (via Shimoga)
6. Sringeri: 115 Kms

Location info

• **Address:**The Executive Officer Sri Mookambika Temple, KOLLUR
  Kundapur Taluk, Udupi District.
  Pin Code: 576 220

• **District:**Udupi

• **Nearest City:**Kundapur

• Best time to visit: October to February

Climate & weather

Max 36°C, Min 26°C (summer); Max 32°C, Min 23°C (winter)

Things to do at Kollur Mookambika Temple

Sauparnika River at Kollur: It is a belied that Garuda (eagle) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika. It is also believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows, therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bathe in it.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Facilities to devotees:
1. Accommodation: Temple guest house is available.
2. Lunch and Dinner is provided free.
3. Medical Care Centers, Hospitals and Dispensaries opened in Kollur for devotees

Nearest visiting places

• St. Mary’s Island

Located 58 km north of Mangalore, the St. Mary’s Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks. This group of islands is accessible by ferry from Malpe which is a major fishing harbor

• Udupi Temples

Udupi, the Kokani city is the headquarters of the Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. When one hears the name “Udupi” either “Udupi Krishna” or “Udupi Masala Dosa” comes to the mind. Of course the famous, Krishna temple is located in this city. The temple is famous for a unique statue of Lord Krishna

• Kollur Forest

Kollur is a tiny hamlet situated 40km Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in Southern part of India. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center

• Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Udupi District, Karnataka, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 247 sq km and is thick with evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, and small patches of teak plantations. It is contiguous with the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

• Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Western Ghats, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi District of Karnataka. This 88 sq km sanctuary is consists of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Wildlife species include tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, gaur, wild pig, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque and common langur

• Karkala

Karkala is a town and also the headquarters of Karkala Taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka, India, and is located about 300 km from Bangalore. It lies near the Western Ghats. The first name of this town was Pandya Nagari during the Jain regime but afterwards it was changed to Karikallu because of black stones

• Koosalli Falls

The fabulous picnic spot, Koosalli waterfalls is located near Koosalli village in Kundapura. A series of six falls, one above the other, in splendid surroundings makes it one of the best waterfalls in the state. The combined height of all six falls is about 380 ft

• Gurupura or Phalguni River

Gurupura river flows through Gurupura, Mangalore, Tannirubhavi. It joins the Arabian sea near Tannir bhavi. is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara) district in southwestern Karnataka

• Kedaka River

The Kedaka River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. It joins with the Souparnika River, Varahi River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea

• Pangala River

Pangala is a village situated in Udupi taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. India’s National Highway number 17 (NH-17) road connecting Mangalore (Kudla or Mangaluru) to Mumbai (Bombay) passes through this village.The village is on the north banks of Pangala river

• Souparnika River

Souparnika River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India. It joins with the Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.Sauparnika is a sacred river which emerges from a verdant mountain near Maravanthe in Udupi District of Karnataka

• Udyavara River

Udyavara is a village on the outskirts of the town of Udupi, Karnataka, India. It is located to south of Udupi, and to the north of the Udyavara river. Udyavara was formerly called Udayapura. It was the capital of the Alupas

• Kaup Beach

Kaup Beach is located 12 km south of Udupi. It is situated on the coastal belt. The Kaup beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. Its placement is perfect. The beach with the 100 ft high lighthouse on the rocks is a photographer’s paradise

• Malpe Beach

About 6 kms from Udupi, in South Canara is Malpe, an ideal picnic spot with its virgin beach. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky and the gurgle of the sea all set a perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday here

• Trasi Beach

Trasi is a beautiful place on the west coast of India, 100 km from Mangalore, 900 km from Mumbai and 12 km north from Kundapur.Here you can see a unique scene where a National highway separates the Arabian sea from the Sauparnika river

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Kundapur

• **Nearest Hospital:**Kundapur

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Major festivals attract large crowds — visit on regular days for a more serene experience. Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for temple visits.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pooja timings vary — morning abhisheka is usually around 6:00-7:00 AM, evening aarti around 6:00-7:00 PM. Some temples have specific timings for darshan. Temple may close during midday hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free for all devotees. Special pooja tickets or darshan packages may cost ₹50-₹200. Camera fee: ₹20-₹50 for still cameras, ₹100-₹200 for video cameras. Parking is usually free or nominal (₹10-₹20).

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for darshan and exploring the temple premises. If the temple has historical significance or architectural interest, plan 1-2 hours.

Safety tips

Temple premises are generally safe. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Follow temple rules and dress code. Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Be aware of your surroundings during festivals when crowds are heavy.

Things to carry

Carry a shawl or scarf for covering shoulders if required. Small change for offerings and donations. Camera (check photography policy first). Water bottle. Footwear bag if you prefer to carry your shoes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by location — typically the district headquarters station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Local transport includes buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for visiting the temple? Modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated.

Is photography allowed inside the temple? Photography rules vary — check signage at the entrance. Flash photography and video recording are typically restricted inside the sanctum.

What are the main festivals celebrated here? Major Hindu festivals like Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, and annual temple festivals (brahmotsava) are celebrated with special poojas and cultural programmes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Kollur Mookambika Temple

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Kollur Mookambika Temple on popular travel photography sites and social media.