Kadri Manjunath Temple, located in Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, is a prominent and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple, believed to have been built in the 10th or 11th century, holds great religious significance and is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India.
The temple is perched on the Kadri Hill, offering a serene and peaceful environment. The main deity, Lord Manjunatha, is represented by a Shivalinga. The temple is famous for its bronze statues, including the unique seven-foot-tall statue of Lord Manjunatha, considered one of the finest bronze statues in India. Other important deities worshipped here include Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ayyappa.
A distinctive feature of the Kadri Manjunath Temple is its natural spring, known as Gomukha, from which water flows into nine sacred ponds within the temple complex. Devotees believe that a dip in these ponds before entering the sanctum can purify their minds and souls.
The temple is associated with many legends and is believed to have been a significant Buddhist center before it became a Hindu shrine. It is also linked to Parashurama, the warrior sage from Hindu mythology, who is said to have established the temple.
Kadri Manjunath Temple celebrates several festivals with great devotion, the most notable being Maha Shivaratri. It is also an important site for the “Karthika Masa” and “Kadiru Habba” festivals.
This temple, with its blend of historical, spiritual, and architectural beauty, is a popular destination for both devotees and tourists visiting Mangaluru.
