Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple:

This place is situated in the city of Mangalore, this beautiful temple is the abode of Lord Gokarnatha, another name for Lord Shiva. Compared to the other temples in and around Mangalore this temple was built pretty recently.

This temple was built by a devotee called H. Koragappa in the year 1912. Shri Narayana Guru, the great saint and philosopher who had visited Mangalore in the year 1912, expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for Lord Shiva in the city. Accordingly Koragappa who belonged to the Billava family built the temple at a place which was believed to be the graze land for the horses during the rule of Tipu Sultan. Hence the name Kudre (horse) vali which transformed into kudroli over time.

The temple was later renovated in the year 1990 under the guidance of Soma Sunder, son of H. Koragappa. Sthapadi K. Dakshinamoorthy was the architect who designed and built the present temple in the Chola style of architecture. This transformed the temple into it's present grand and modern looks. The temple was reestablished in the year 1991. The new gopuram is 60 feet in height and very beautiful. A marble statue of Sri Narayana Guru was erected in the entrance of the temple and a crown studded with precious gems was given by the devotees. It's estimated the renovation cost Rs. 1 crore.

The other deities worshipped here are Goddess Annapoorneshwari (another name for Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Shiva), Lord Bhairava and Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvathi.

Daily poojas are held with great respect and honor. People in and around Mangalore visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. During Navarathri the shobhayathra of the navadurgas is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Access to this temple is very easy. It's located at about 3 kms from Hampanakatte, the center of Mangalore city. Although many city buses stop near the temple, the quickest mode of transportation is by auto rickshaws or taxis.

It is situated 3 Km. away from main Nehru Maidan Bus StandTo get there take the City Bus No. 7, 7A, 13, 13A, 16, 16A.

Photo Gallery:




Lord Shiva

Goddess Annapoorneshwari


Lord Ganesha

Lord Bhairava







Photos: Amritraj Nayak-Mangalore & Wikipedia
Information Courtesy: Wikipedia