Kolluru (Kannada :ಕೊಲ್ಲೂರು ) is a tiny hamlet situated about 40 km from Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the 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.

Myths and legends

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 Kodachadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to install the Devi idol in a place in Kerala to worship where he wanted. Devi agreed but put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back till he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara, Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her anklets when they reached Kollur whereupon Shankara turned and looked back because of doubt. Devi then asked Shankara to install her vigraha, just as he sees her, at that very location in Kollur.

Places of interest

• Shri Mookambika Devi 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 Waterfalls
  • A scenic waterfall inside the deep jungle only approachable by trekking. Due to the special effect of the sun's rays falling on the water droplets around the waterfall, it looks orange/yellow in colour and so the name is "Arishna" (Turmeric/Yellow).

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

• Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is aided by the World Wildlife Fund. This sanctuary is home to an endangered species called the Lion tailed monkey.
  • Spread along the Kundapur-Kollur-Shimoga road, this sanctuary is generally off the tourist map.

• Sigandur is famous for the 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.

How to reach Kollur

Kollur is around 37 km from Kundapur, the taluk headquarters. From Kundapur, one can take three different routes to reach Kollur.

• One route is via Tallur-Hattiangadi-Karkunje-Vandse
• The second route is via Hemmadi-Vandse
• The third route is via Baindur (Byndoor)
• However, the shortest route is through Hemmady. On the National Highway 17, after around 7 km from Kundapura, at Hemmady one has to take a right deviation to reach Kollur.
• The nearest railway station is at Kundapura (40 km) where a few long-distance trains halt. You can get taxis from the station to Kollur. The station has a waiting room for passengers.

Railway Station telehone number: +91-8254-237365.

Byndoor (Baindur) (26 km) is another railway station where a very few long-distance trains halt. It is situated between Kundapura and Bhatkal stations. Buses to Kollur, are available every 30 minutes from 6:00 am in the morning to 8:30 pm in the night. The bus stand is 3 km from the railway station.

The nearest Airport is Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe. There are pre-paid taxis to Kollur from the airport and it is a 3 hours drive or approximately 150 km.

Kollur is a 2 hour drive from Udupi, so a visit to Udupi can include Kollur. The drive is a very scenic one.

By road, Kollur can be reached via Shimoga or via Mangalore when coming from Bangalore. There are bus services available in these routes. Buses are also operated between Kollur and Chennai, Sringeri and Guruvayur.

SCENIC LOCATIONS ON THE WAY TO KOLLUR

1. On the way to Kollur, you will come across a railway crossing; from there you can take a left turn (i.e. if you are coming from Kundapura city via Hemmady route to Kollur) and travel for about 10 minutes whereupon you will have to cross a very beautiful river covered by coconut trees on both its banks. It is an excellent location and one should see it standing on the bridge.

2. Between Hemmady and Kundapura, there is a place known as Haladi Hole. The place is called Herikudru; the view of the sunset from here, is very beautiful.

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