Kollur & Kollur Forest

About:

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
The Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, dedicated to Mookambika Devi, is one of the most prominent shrines for people in the state of Karnataka and Kerala, India. Located at a distance of 147 km from Mangalore in the picturesque surroundings presented by the banks of the river Sauparnika and the lush green Kodachadri hill, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple holds immense relevance for the devotees as it is associated with revered Hindu saint and Vedic scholar Adi Shankara. It is believed that Adi Shankara perceived the idea of having a Mookambika Devi temple at Kollur and himself installed the idol of deity in the temple some 1200 years ago. People have high faith in Mookambika Devi Temple as Goddess Mookambika is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi.
In fact Temple of Mookambika Devi is one of the 'Seven Muktistala' pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are Kollur, Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna.
Kollur is one of the seven pilgrimages which were created by Parashurama.

It is is situated at the banks of the never drying river Sauparnika. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.
It is a belief that an eagle (Garuda) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika.
It is a pleasant experience to take a dip in the holy river and then head for the darshan of the goddess
The main statue in the temple is the Shiva linga called the Jyothirlingam. This Jyotirlingam in front of the image of the Goddess Mookambika is of great antiquity. A golden line divides this lingam into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - as the conscious static principles and the larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi - the creative energy principles. It is a belief that the three goddess Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Parvathi and the three lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara emerged out of it.
Adi Sankara the great religious leader is said to have installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam. Adi Sankara is said to have spontaneously composed the classic work Soundarya Lahiri here. The idol that was installed by Adi Shankara is confined in a copper roofed and gold crested temples.
The Mookambika Devi Temple stands on a spur of the Kodachadri peak. The deity is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakti. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. There is an exquisite sculpture of Panchamukha Ganesha here.
Sowparnika River
The two rivers Agnithirtha & Sowparnika which flow in the sanctuary of mookambika descend from Kodachadri hills. The wee spring of cool water situated in between the temples of Kalabhairava and Umamaheshwara is the source of river Sowparnika. Legend says that Suparna (Garuda) did a penance on the banks of this river praying to the Goddess for the abatement of his mother Vinutha's sorrows. When the Goddess appeared before him, he prayed that the river be henceforth known after him, Suparna, and therefore came to be called as Sowparnika. At the location where he is said to have sat in penance, there is a small cave even today which is known as "Garuda's Cave".
This holy river takes birth at the Kodachadri and flows up to the edge of Anthargami (now oluru) region where two more streams called Bhrungisha and Pippalada join it. Then it flows westward, surrounding Kollur in the name of "Sampara", and proceeds to join the sea near the temple of "Maharajaswamy" (Varahaswamy) at Maravanthe. It is 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. Hence a bath in this river assumes significance and is considered sacred.
Kodachadri hill

Need to Visit: Sowparnika River, Kodachadri hill, Garuda's Cave, rivers Agnithirtha, river Sowparnika, Anthargami,

There are couple of places worth visiting in the vicinity of the temple. One of them is Arasina Makki, a famous waterfall. The Kutachadri range is a beautiful place and attracts a large number of mountaineers and trekkers. Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi.
Sauparnika River at Kollur:
It is belived that Garuda (Eagle) called 'Suparna' performed penance on the banks of the river and reached the salvation hence the name 'Sauparnika'. It also appears that the rivers absorbs elements of 64 different herbs and roots as it flows so it cures all diseases of those who bathe in it.

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History:

Kollur is an important seat of Shakti worship. The temple is rich in puranic lore.

Legend goes that a Maharishi (monk) Kolan was enchanted with nature's beauty and decided to perform a penance on a rock near the Agnitheertham. Lord Shiva, delighted with Kolan, appeared before him and blessed him. The Maharishi wished for the welfare of mankind and nothing else. The Lord, happy with Kolan, granted him his wish. He assured that a swayambu (autogenetic) Lingam would appear for his daily worship. However, Kolan wanted to worship Devi also. So, a swarna rekha (gold line) appeared on the Lingam, signifying Shakti. Thus, Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together in the Lingam. Besides this, a unique feature is that the other Gods and Goddess of the Hindu pantheon also believed to reside in aroopa (non-form) in the Lingam. It is thus believed to be an abode of the entire celestial congregation.

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and installed the deity here.The legend goes, that Adi Shankara mediated at Kudajadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to incorporate Devi to a place in Kerala to worship where he wanted.Devi agreed and put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back until he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her ornamets when they reached Kollur, and Shankara turned back because of doubt. Devi then asked Shankara to install her vigraha as he sees her.

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

497 Kms. From Bangalore / 140 Kms. From Mangalore.

Kollur is around 36 km from Kundapur, the taluk head quarters. From Kundapur, one can take three different routes to reach Kollur.

One route is via Tallur-Hattiangadi-Karkunje-Vandse.
Second route via Hemmadi-Vandse and third one is via Byndoor.
However, the shortest route is through Hemmady. On the National Highway 17, after around 7 km from Kundapur, at Hemmady one has to take right deviation to reach Kollur.
The nearest railway station is Kundapura (40 km) where a few long-distance trains halt. You can get taxis from the station. The station has a waiting room for the passengers. Railway Station Phone no: +91-8254-237365.

The nearest Airport is Mangalore International Airport ( Bajpe )flights are operated by Air India Express. There are pre-paid taxi to kollur from Airport and it is a 3 hours drive or approximately 150 kilometre.
Kollur is a 2 hour drive from Udupi, so a visit to Udupi can include Kollur. The drive is a very scenic one.

Before going to Kollur, you will get a railway from that you take a left turn (if you are coming from Kundapura city via Hemmady route to Kollur) and travel for about an about 10 minutes and you will get a very beautiful river covered by coconut tree on its both banks. It is an excellent location and should see it on standing on bridge.

In between Hemmady and Kundapura you will get a haladi hole. The place is called herikudru the view of the sunset is very beautiful and excellent.

Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi.

Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore and Mysore. Regular buses ply from Udupi.
1. From Bangalore to Kollur (Route-1) via Arsikere, Kadur, Bhadravathi, Shimoga, Hosanagar, Nagar and Nagodi.
2. From Bangalore to Kollur (Route-2) via Kunigal, Channarayapattana, Hassan, Sakaleshpur, Mangalore, Udupi, and Kundapur.
3. From Sringeri to Kollur via Kammaradi, Kalmara, Agumbe, Someshwara, Haladi, Shankaranarayana, Ampar, Nelakatte, Wandse and Halkal
Kollur is a 2 hour drive from Udupi. On the National High 17, after around 7 Km from Kundapur, at Hemmady one has to take right deviation to reach Kollur. The nearest railhead is at Udupi.
Kollur, Kundapur Taluk, Karnataka State, India.
About 135 Kms from Mangalore, one of the major city in Karanata State. The nearest railhead is Udupi.
Kollur is well connected to Mangalore, Bangalore (Capital of Karnataka State) and Mysore. Regular buses are there from Udupi. Also Kollur is well connected with tourist centers such as Mangalore and Shimoga in Karnataka and Kannanur in Kerala.

Nearest Visiting places:

Mookambika Temple
Devotees from all over South India visit this temple. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centres created by Parashurama, a Hindu mythological figure. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Parvathi, wife of Shiva. While the other pilgrimages created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.

Arishna Gundi Water falls
Scenic waterfall inside the deep jungle only approachable by trekking and due to the special effect of sunrays falling on the water droplets around the waterfall looks orange/yellow the name is Arishna (Turmeric/yellow).

Kodachadri Mountain on Western Ghats
Adi Sri Shakthi Mookambika Temple is on the top of mountain believed to be the real abode of Devi from where Adi Shankara re-established it at foothills at Kollur.

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is world Wildlife Fund Aided. This sanctuary is home for endangered species animal called Lion tailed monkey.

Spread along the Kundapur-Kollur- Shimoga road, this sanctuary is generally off the tourist map.

Sigandur is famous for temple of Goddess Chaudeshwari. It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Kollur where a diversion from Kollur-Shimoga Road has to be taken at Nagodi.

Places to visit in and around Kollur:

1. Mookambika Temple
2. Sauparnika River
3. Arasina Makki, a famous waterfall.
4. The Kodachadri range is a beautiful place and attracts a large number of trekkers.
5. Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread along the Kundapur-Kollur road.

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Kollur & Kollur Forest Nearest Attraction

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