A treat to the eyes, retreat for the soul

The temple with calm surroundings has been attracting devotees from all over since its construction.

Kodyadka has the distinction of being the only temple dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari in Dakshina Kannada district. The idol of Goddess Annapoorneshwari is about 62 inches tall and is made of Panchaloha. The annual car festival of the temple is held on May 1 every year. The theerthamantapa, the sanctum sanctorum, Navagraha mandir and other structures are unique in style.

Pooja is offered thrice a day to the deity. Special poojas are offered every Tuesday, Friday and all days of Navarathri. ‘Deepothsava’ is held during Karthika month Navami. Similarly, Hanuma Jayanthi, Nagara Panchami and Shravana are celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety at the temple.

The temple was conceptualised by Jayaram Heggade in 1992. It is said that after he along with his family had visited Annapoorneshwari temple in Horanadu, he decided to construct a temple dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari. The idols were consecrated with a Brahmakalasha on May 3, 1996. Since then the temple has been attracting visitors.

Designed in South Indian style, the temple has idols of Devi Annapoorneshwari, Prasanna Ganapathi, Shree Naga Sannidhi, Anjaneya (Hanuman) and the Navagraha. The mantapam which houses the presiding deity can accommodate over 400 devotees at a time. The temple’s main dining hall ‘Annapoorna’ spreads across more than 6,000 square feet with a capacity to accommodate 900 devotees at a time.

The temple has a cultural hall, guest house, auditorium along with 71 foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman near the main gate.

There is a painting depicting Lord Hanuman carryng a mountain with the sanjeevini herb to save the life of Lakshmana, near the Hanuman statue. The Hanuman statue is a feast to the eyes.

Goddess Annapoorneshwari is seen blessing the devotes with four arms, holding shankha (conch), chakra (disc), Annapathre (vessel containing food – in vardha hastha) and spoon (in abhaya hastha).

The ‘Brindavan’ outside the temple has a fountain and the statue of Lord Krishna and Radha. The Brindavan attracts devotees with its serene surroundings and greenery.
Another unique feature of Kodyadka temple is that it houses a zoo which has a variety of animals and birds, including peacock, turkey, deer, rabbit, monkey, stag, elephant, bull and horse. It is rare to find animals in temples other than  elephants. The pond - Anekere - has been renovated.

How to reach?

Kodyadka is well connected by road. It is situated about 35 km from Mangalore. One has to take a turn towards kodyadka at Alangar on Moodbidri-Karkala highway. Private buses regularly ply between Kodyadka and Moodbidri via Alangar.