Mandarthi
Overview
Mandarthi is hindu holy place in Udupi District of Karnataka State.Here resides famous Godess Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple[1].
Name
Mandarthi, the name comes from Manda-Aarathi from Kannada word it means the holy light (diya).
History
Shree Durga holds a prominent place within the higher echelons of the Hindu pantheon but the worship of Sri Durga Paramesvari at Mandarthi a hamlet to the north of Udupi offors many fascinating contrasts. A Dhvajasthamba has been set up in front of the temple but no Dhvajarohana takes place. Mari pooja is observed in the temple along with agamic worship of devi including chandi homa and Navarathri. Folk traditions like walking on fire, animal sacrifice near the midst of a forest with a snake pit, which later acquired the form of a wooden image. Durga Paramesvari is now a stone image with all her conventional attributes but at the same time is poetically praised as a Sarpa Sundari. In short, this harmony of indigenous and Brahma cultures has crealed a deep solidarity amongst the various hierarchical groups of the Hindu society
The Sthala Purana has woven these religious perceptions and notions into a legend according to which live naga kanyas (serpent maidens)by name Devarathi, Nagarathi,Charurathi,Mandarathi and Neelarathi are cursed by Nandi to remain unmarried and to suffer in a forest fire. Subsequently a rash behaviour on their nart subjects them to anether ourse by a sage called Vyagrapada that they would be entangled ina bamboo grove. Their prayers to siva nad Parvati to overcome these curses are answered in the form of a saviour called Devavarma the king of Avanthi who rescues the serpents form a blazing fire using a bamboo basket. He later teleases these maidens into the places of their choice and while the first three serpents crawl back into their pits, Mandarthi is deified acquiring fame day by day. Devavarma marries Jalajakshi who is coveted by Mahisa, born of Malini a Kirata girl and Vyagarapada Risi. The demon chases Jalajakshi to the palace; a battle ensues between him and the king in which huge snake pits swallow all the an of Mahisa. At the behest of Risis, the king prays to Devi and she ultimately kills the demon with the help of virabhadra, Hayguli, Kalkuda and Bobbarya. In doing so, she also calls upon Chamundi to kill all the Rakshasas and Vyag to kill glants hidden in animal boing. This legend accounts for the shrines of hayguli, Kalkuda, Bobbarya and Chamundi around the sanctum of Durga Parameshwari as her Parivara Devathas.
Festivals
The temple celebrates Navarathri in a grand scale with chandihoma on all nine days[2]. A five day mathothsava in Makara Masa and Jatra in the month of Kumba are annual and important events while Darshan of Virabhadra and Kalkuda every Friday draws devotees like a magnet. Kenda seve (walking on fire) in front of hayguli and huli devaru is considered to safrguard Mangalya Bhagya (longevity of husband) of the married woman. The various cultural and religious activities and in particular the Yakshagana conducted in the premises of Mandarthi temple reflect the dedication and devotion of the people in continuing the rich traditions of the region.
How To Reach
Mandarthi is located 40 km north to Udupi, you can reach mandarthi through Brahmavara, Kundapura or from Hebri. You will get local Buses in every 10-15 minutes from Udupi Bus-Stand or from Brahmavara or from Kundapura or from hebri Bus-Stands.
Distances from Famous Places
- Bangalore - 450 km
- Mumbai - 970 km
- Mangalore - 85 km
- Udupi - 45 km
- Dharmasthala - 135 km
Nearest Railway Station
- The Railway Stations which are near to temple are
- Barkur - 8 km ( Limited Train Stop )
- Udupi - 28 km
- Kundpura - 35 km
Nearest Airport
Mangalore (Bajpe) Airport is located at a distance of 75 km from the temple
Volume of Devotees As per Occasions
- Daily - About 2,000
- Friday, Tuesday and Holidays- About 5,,000
- Navarathri Uthsav Days - About 12,000
- Shashti and Sankramana days - About 15,000
- Simha Masa Days - About 25,000
- Jathra Days - About 3 Lakhs
See also
References
Nearest Temples
- Bhandara Temple (Lord MahaGanapathi)
- Kallu Devasthana (Lord Mahalingeswara)
- Batte Vinayaka Temple Barkur (Lord MahaGanapathi)
Climate
Climate chart for Mandarthi J F M A M J J A S O N D
0 3121 0 3122 0 3224 3 3225 15 3226 94 2824 98 2723 59 2723 26 2823 20 3023 7 3123 1 3122
temperatures in °C precipitation totals in mm source: Weatherbase[2] Imperial conversion[show]
J F M A M J J A S O N D 0 8870 0 8872 0 9075 0.1 9077 0.6 9079 3.7 8275 3.9 8173 2.3 8173 1 8273 0.8 8673 0.3 8873 0 8872
temperatures in °F precipitation totals in inches
The climate in Mandarthi is hot in summers and pretty good in winter. In Summers(from march to May) temperature goes up to 40°C and in winters (from December to February) 32°C to 20°C.
Monsoon period During June to September rainfall is average with Heavy winds.
Language
Kundapura Kannada is the most widely spoken languages in Mandarthi.
