Mangaladevi brings prosperity and happiness is the firm belief of her ardent devotees. Mangalore earlier known as Mangalapura owes its origin to this temple.
Location
Situated in Bolar about 3 kms from Hampankatta ( the heart of Mangalore city).
Legend
The temple dates back to the ninth century. In Tulunadu, Kundavarma, the most famous king of Ahepa dynasty was ruling. At that time there two holy saints of the Nath cult, Machendranatha and Gorakanatha who arrived from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura, crossing the river Nethravathi. The place were they crossed the river came to be known as ‘Gorakdandi’. They chose a place near the bank of Netravathi which was once the center of activities of sage Kapila. He had his hermitage there and it was a great center of education.
Hearing about the arrival of the two saints the king came to meet them. Introducing himself as the king of Tulunadu he paid his respects and offered them patronage. Pleased with the humility and virtues of the king they brought to his knowledge that his kingdom needed to be sanctified. They requested him to grant them land so that they could build a hermitage and make it a center if their religous activities under his protection and patronage.
The hoary history surprised the king. He then came to know that his land was dedicated to mother Mangaladevi. The two saints took the king to the sites where all these historical events had taken place. They asked the king to dig the place and relieve the linga and the Dharapatra symbolising Mangaladevi and install them in a shrine along with Nagaraja for the protection.
Kundavarma carried out the advice of the two sages. A grand shrine of Sri Mangaladevi stood on the hallowed place. The two sages themselves guided and supervised the execution of the work. The temple attained special significance as Mother Mangaladevi granted special favours, especially on maidens, pious maidens who worship the goddess observing Mangaladharavrata (Swayamvara Parvathi) will have their wishes fulfilled. They get husbands most suited for them.
Even today the two temples Mangaladevi and Kadri have maintained their connection. The hermits of Kadri Yogirajmutt visit Mangaladevi temple on the first days of Kadri temple festival and offer prayer and silk clothes.
Important days
Friday is the most auspicious day for the devi temple.
Festivals
Navarathri (dussera) is the time for special pujas performed on all nine days. On the seventh day, Godess Mangaladevi is worshipped as Sharadamba and on the eight day the goddess is worshipped as Maarikamba. On this day Aayuda 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 also known as Mahanavmi, a large number of devotees participate in the Rathothsava.
Address :
Shree Mangaladevi Temple
Bolar
Mangalore.
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