JOIN USMangalore, one of the most important ports of Karnataka, has an interesting history preceding it. Its location and architecture are uniquely legendary, lying directly east of Alive Bagilu, the confluence of two sacred rivers flowing around greater Mangalore – Netravathi and Gurupura.
The area hugging the banks of the rivers are loaded with mythology and history. The land around the Mangaladevi Temple has always been known as hotspots of local history.
Revelation
Legend has it that Bangaraja, a prominent local ruler of the kingdom of Tulu Nadu, dreamt that Goddess Mangaladevi revealed to him that a celestial shrine lay under a mound at the confluence of the two rivers.
The goddess supposedly bade him dig the spot, obtain the relics and install the Shivashakthi Linga and the Dharapatra in the shrine.
She also indicated that arrangements be made for regular worship in the Temple. She promised him that these services would bring him and his kingdom glory and happiness.
The worship of Goddess Mangaladevi at this spot was established even before the 9th Century, when Kundavarman was ruling Tulu Nadu.
A place was chosen near the banks of Netravathi which was once the sacred centre of the sage Kapila. King Kundavarman paid his respects and offered patronage to the saints who arrived at the banks of the river.
Pleased with the king’s humility, they requested him to grant them land so that they could build a hermitage and make it a centre for advanced study of the Vedas under his patronage.
Kundavarman followed and carried out the advice of the sages.
impressive shrine to Goddess Mangaladevi was built in the hallowed place, under the guidance and supervision of the sages.
Navaratri (Dussera) is a time for special pujas here. On the seventh day, Goddess Mangaladevi is worshipped as Sharadamba and on the eighth day as Maarikamba.
It is on this day that Ayudha puja is performed. All the weapons and tools are worshipped as the day marks the slaying of the cruel demons by the goddess Durga.
On the ninth day, on Mahanavami, a large number of devotees participate in the rathothsava.
The decorated goddess is mounted on a grand chariot and carried out in a procession to Marnamikatte (the cradle of Pili Vesha tiger dance) where the goddess is worshipped.
Local people believe that worship of Goddess Mangaladevi brings them prosperity and happiness. Ganeshotsav is also celebrated with grandeur in this Temple.
A huge idol of Lord Ganesha is erected before Ganesh Chathurthi.
The statue is taken out in a procession on the third day and immersed near the confluence at Uppinakote near Hoige Bazaar.
As picturesque the sights along the river are, the area has received no care and attention, giving room to some sore spots. History does not thrive in dust.
Such neglected treasures must be preserved for posterity.