Mookambika Temple, Kollur - A Paradise for Spiritual Redemption

Adi Para Shakthi, the Goddess Kollur Mookambika Devi is our cosmic mother. She is regarded as the one who nourishes and nurtures of the world. So pilgrims, especially Hindus from all over the world visit Kollur Mookambika Temple. Devotees undertake Kollur pilgrimage to change their fortunes by worshipping the Goddess Kollur Mookambika. All kinds of people, whether they are rich or poor, young or old, sick or healthy visit the holy temple of Kollur Mookambika. She is an embodiment of all divine powers. Kollur Mookambika graces in a sitting form with discus and conch in hands representing Kali, Mahalakshmi and Sarasvathi.

Hindu mythology is full of manifestation of the ancient narratives and cases which originate from the old Hindu Vedas. Over the centuries, holy scriptures and books such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Upanishads etc. have time and again reminded Hindu natives of their origin and established the belief that there is one Supreme Being or God and all other deities are the reincarnations of the Supreme Being. Hence, Hinduism as a religion allows worshipping to multiple deities. It is believed that there are around 330 million Gods in the Hindu mythology. Although, Vedas state there are 33 deities and one can worship these deities as others are mere incarnations of these.

Across all the world's living religious traditions, it is only in Hinduism that an extensive worship of divinity is done in the female form. Female Goddesses are considered more powerful compared to their male counterparts. In fact, the word for Goddess in Hinduism is Shakti, which also means "power" or "energy". The major Hindu Goddesses – Lakshmi, Sarawathi, Parvathi, Kaali, Durga have been celebrated in poetic verses of praise for many centuries. All the old Vedas, clearly states as how the Devi Shakti has emerged stronger whenever the world needed to relinquish the misdeeds of a demons. The idea of feminine divinity was identified from the beginning, with force of life, erotic beauty, sexual fertility, motherliness and power. She is the mother, she is the supreme power, she is one who gives and one who takes, she is the source of life, the force behind running the world and restoring the balance.


One such Goddess Mookambika resides amidst the beautiful mountains, in the southern part of India. Sri Mookambika temple is one of the most legendary temples for worshipping Adi Shakti (Absolute Power) in India and is believed to be the embodiment of Devi Mahalakshmi, Parvati and Saraswathi. Udbhava Linga (self-manifested phallus) of Mookambika Temple represents both Purusha (male) and Shakthi (female). The temple is situated in Kollur region of Udupi district of Karnataka state in India. It is located on the banks of river Souparnika. This temple is most unique and a famous shrine in Kollur and is visited by thousands of devotes every year.
Kollur, a small temple-town is situated 135 km (84 miles) away from the famous city of Mangalore and 440 km (274 miles) from Karnataka State's capital Bangalore. Kollur lies on the slopes of western Ghats and Mookambika is the most famous temple here. Although it is visited by people across India but Mangalore's good connectivity and proximity to southern states, makes Mookambika a popular pilgrimage site for people from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are many other tourist sites in and around Kollur. All these factors make Kollur, a popular spiritual tourist destination for many devotees in and around southern India.

The heritage of Mookambika temple roots back to ancient times and is described vividly in many puranas. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that long time ago there was a demon named as Kamhasura, who with his special powers and demonic nature was continuously harassing Sannyasis and unleashed a plethora of misdeeds on them. Through Guru Shukracharya, he came to know about his imminent death by a lady. Being apprehensive of this, he thought of getting shielded from his fate and decided to worship Lord Shiva to ask for a vardaan (boon). He worshipped continuously for many years in spite of adverse conditions and other hardships. Seeing his dedication, Lord Shiva got pleased and appeared in front of Kamhasura to bless him with a vardaan (boon) and asked him what he wished for.

Terrified, apprehensive and foreseeing that this could lead to destruction of the world, all the saints, gurus, and rishis prayed to Devi Shakti to abate the boon to be granted to Kamhasura and protect the people of the realm. Devi pleased with the devotion shown by them, promised to take the demon off and thus she made Kamhasura speechless with her powers. The dumb Kamhasura couldn't ask for his wishes as he could not speak and tell lord Shiva about the boon that he desired, thereafter he came to be known as Mookasura ('Mook' means 'Dumb' and 'Asura' means demon). Enraged by the action of Devi, Kamhasura unleashed his wrath upon the people of Kollur. On adviceof Kola Maharishi, the goddess waged war on the mad Mookasura and brought justice by killing the demon and vanquishing him to ashes. Post this aftermath, the goddess is being as Mookambika. The place where Mookambika killed Mookasura is called Marana Katte. All the saints, rishis, devas thanked Devi for destroying the asura and enchanted "Mookambika Namo Namaha".

Later Mahishasura a nephew of Mookasura came to Kolapura and decided to make this place his capital. He got Maya, the architect of demons to construct a beautiful city here. Invincible as he was, Mahishasura conquered three worlds. Fearing his fury all Gods and sages went into hiding .Then they requested the trinity (thrimurthi) for help. Trinity invoked goddess Mookambika to destroy Mahishasura. All gods including trinity merged their divine potency in Mookambika. Thus Devi became an entity embodying all forms of divine powers known as Adiparashakthi. In the fierce battle that ensued Adiparashakthi killed Mahishasura. After the annihilation of Mahishasura, Kola Maharshi requested Adiparashakthi and the trinity to stay at the self-manifested phallus at Kolapura as the unified form of all divine powers. Mookambika later appeared as a Swayambu Linga (self-manifested phallus) with a golden rekha (a line) running through the Linga. A golden rekha splits this linga into two unequal portions and is visible only when the daylight falls upon the linga. The smaller portion of this linga is said to represent the Trimurti Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). The larger part of linga represents the Tridevi Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge) and Parvathi (goddess of power). This linga is placed in front of Goddess Mookambika's idol. Since then, this place has become the abode of Devi Mookamiba and is believed to fulfil the wishes of in numerous devotees who visit her year after year.

Marvelous Thapobhoomi of Kola Maharshi
The Legend of Mookambika was scripted by Vedavyasa in his epic "SKANDA PURANA". It is narrated as a story told by Lord Shiva to his son Skanda. Long ago in third "Manwanthara" during thereign of Uttama Manu this place was known as Maharanyapura. There existed nothing but dense forest. Once a sage named Kola Maharshi visited this place and saw a self manifested (swayambhu) lingam (phallus) here. Attracted by the beauty and serenity of the spot and also by the divinity of the phallus he decided to make Maharanyapura his place for penance. Worshipping the self manifestedphallus he did penance for a long time. Pleased at the devotion of Kola Maharshi, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked about his wishes to grant him boons. Kola Maharshi, who had attained supreme sage hood and denounced all material comforts, had no wishes to fulfill. He requested Shiva to make his place of worship a 'siddhi kshetra' (abode of mystic power) where people in distress could always look for solace. Lord Shiva granted his wishes and told Kola Maharshi that in 'thapasa manwanthara' Goddess Adiparashakthi would incarnate as Mookambika and make this place her abode and subsequently this place would become a hallowed sanctuary. Lord Shiva renamed this place as Kolapura in honor of Kola Maharshi. (Kollur is the contraction of Kolapura). Kola Maharshi and other renowned sages made this place their 'thapobhoomi' (place of sacred rituals and penance).

The holy idol in Mookambika temple is made up of Panchaloha i.e. a combination of five metals namely Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron and Lead and is believed to be placed by Shri Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to the holy state. Devi Mookambika is believed to have appeared before Adi Shankaracharya and agreed to travel with him towards his state, present Kerala. On the way, however, they came across the sacred Jyotirlinga, once worshipped by Kolha Maharishi. Being aware about the future, Devi told Adi Shankaracharya that it is required that she should merge into this Jyotirlinga. The Jyotirlinga from now would be having a golden line dividing it into two. The right side will be the abode of the Trimurthis and the larger left side will be the abode of Parvathi, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. With this, she disappeared into the Linga and a glowing golden line spread across it. Since then Goddess Mookambika is worshipped in the form of Jyothirlinga that incorporates both Shiva (Trimurthi) on the left side and Shakti (Tridevi) on right side demarcated by a golden rekha (line).
Shri Adi Shankaracharya then installed an idol of Mookambika above the Linga and worshipped them both. Eventually, this idol and the Jyotirlinga are the ones around which the present-day temple is built. The idol is one of the holiest and most pious among Hindus and hence is held in high sanctity.

The legend of Mookambika temple dates back to around 800 A.D. and it is situated on the bank of river Souparnika and rests against the backdrop of Kodachadri hills along the western coast of India. The main entrance at the eastern side leads to the gold-plated Dhwajasthambha and a Deepasthambha behind to it with a beautiful image of Ganapathy sculpture on the pillar, popularly named as Kambhada (pillar) Ganapathy. The devotees first offer their prayers here and enter the temple for darshan (sighting) of Devi Mookambika statue placed in front of the Jyothirlinga. The statue of Mookambika is depicting her with four arms. The upper two arms are hold Shankha and Chakra while the palms of the lower two arms portrayed as blessing to the devotees with the Abhaya and Varada Hastha position.

From time to time, Hindu kings of various dynasties have worshipped Devi Mookambika and offered prayers and valuable donations in this temple. The temple has a vast collection of gold and jewels, including a 500-gms gold sword presented by former Tamil Nadu CM M. G. Ramachandran, a golden mask of the goddess presented by the Vijayanagar kings and many more such precious gifts offered by devotees from time to time. Furthermore, there are two solid gold utsavar idols. It is believed that the second was given by Rani Chennamma when the first idol was stolen. However, the first was eventually recovered and hence there remain two utsavar idols in the shrine.

In fact, the temple shares a unique bonding with Tipu Sultan who was mesmerised with the saintly appearance of the Goddess Mookambika during one of his visits to the temple and surrendered his weapons before her. He offered his prayers to 'Devi' with a gesture of 'Salam' and started the tradition of famous 'Salamarathi'.

Kollur, the Holiest Siddhi Kshetra of the World
The establishment of the Mookambika Temple is attributed to the supreme, Lord Parameshwara, rather than to an individual person. As the legend goes after many more ages, the great sage Shankaracharya who was considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva visited Kollur Mookambika during his peregrination of Bharatha and finding this place very sacred, stayed here meditating near the Swayambhu Lingam. Goddess Mookambika appeared before him and blessed him to become the supreme scholar of his time. Sage Shankaracharya who was anguished at the illiteracy, ignorance, superstitions and other vices prevalent in the society at that time, requested Goddess Mookambika to give wisdom to his fellow citizens and make them virtuous. Mookambika assured him that all those who go to her and pray in devotion will become wise and excel in his chosen field. For the benefit of worship by ordinary mortals, Sage Shankaracharya installed the idol of Mookambika in the present form and ordained pooja procedures at the temple. It is said that Sri Shankaracharya scripted the hymns "Soundarya Lahari" at Mookambika Temple.

This temple has been patronized by many ancient kings who donated precious jewels and jewellery to Sri Kollur Mookambika and they are still adorned by her. Many other Kings have also donated moveable and immovable assets to this temple since Mookambika was considered to be the State deity then. It is said in Skanda purana that the Jyothirlingam of Sri Mookambika is the unification of Purusha and Prakruthi. A sojourn to Mookambika Temple is equivalent to praying at one thousand temples. Legend has it that Sri Krishna along with Rukmini and Satyabhama observed Sambavratham at Kollur Mookambika Temple. Indra, Suratha, Kashyapa, Bhargavarama, sage Shukracharya, sage Brahaspathi Pradyumna, Lokadithya Brahmana, Samadhi Vaishya were other prominent epic characters said to have performed penance at Mookambika Temple and attained divinity. The nine-night (Navaratra) festival of the great goddess attracts worshippers even from the Saiva and Vaishnava Sectarian traditions centered on the male deities of Siva and Vishnu respectively.

Resonant Reminiscence
Historically it is said that this place was inhabited by a sect of Shaakthas called Kaulas and that was how this place came to be called as Kolapura and then Kollur. Honneyakambali Kings of Hosangadi had been ruling Kollur and they were ardent devotees of Kollur Sri Mookambika. Venkanna Savantha of this dynasty built the stone structure of the temple in 11th century A.D. Chieftains of Barkur were also ardent devotees of Mookambika and they did umpteen endowments for Mookambika temple. During the reign of King Virupaksha at Vijayanagar, Pandarideva was his savantha at Barkur and during his time Mookambika Temple became very famous. Kollur Mookambika was the patron goddess of Keladi Kings. A poet named Linganna Kavi had written a book titled "Keladi Nrupa Vijaya" in 1750 A.D. and this book contains a lot of references to Kollur Mookambika Temple. An invaluable palm sized emerald was gifted to Mookambika by queen Chennammaji of Keladi dynasty and that is the most attractive ornament of the deity even today.

Keladi Venkatappa Nayak ordained special poojas and festivals at the Mookambika Temple and directed that his subjects from various regions (seeme) should visit Mookambika on important occasions. Keladi Veerabhadra Nayaka had named his wife as Kollurammaji. These kings donated vast tracts of land to Mookambika and made arrangements for various for festivals at the temple. Saint Vadiraja of Udupi had visited Kollur Sri Mookambika and written slokas in her praise.
The Maharajas of Mysore and Travancore were devotees of Mookambika and they had presented very precious gold ornaments to Mookambika temple. Jayachamarajendra Vodeyar of Mysore and Chithira Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore had visited Mookambika temple and performed special poojas. Tippu Sultan of Mysore had visited this temple and a special "Mangala Arthi (Deeparadhana)" was conducted at his behest. That pooja is being continued even today and it is called "Salam Mangalarthi" which follows the main pooja during the night session.

MAJOR RITUALS AND POOJAS

Salam Mangalarathi – This is a special kind of arathi performed at Mookambika temple everydaybetween 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. It is believed once while visiting the temple, Tipu Sultan was so mesmerized by the Goddess that he offered a Salam to her, hence it came to known as Salaam Managalarathi since then. During the onset of arathi, special devotional songs are recited on the drum beats with strong musical sound. The songs are customized in a way to praise the Goddess. It is believed that prior to Tipu's visit to the temple, the ritual performed in the evening was simply called 'Pradosha Pooje'.

Chandrika Homam – One of the most important rituals in the famous Mookambika temple is Chandika Homam. This homam is performed for Adi Shakti. During this homam, Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine forms with each having its own functions and purpose. This homam is considered to be extremely powerful and the best way to pray all the nine Devis simultaneously. Over the years, many people have got their wishes fulfilled through undertaking this homam specifically at Mookambika temple. It is performed by reciting Durga Saptashathi mantras by priests.

Vidyarambham – Vidya – 'education' and arambham –'start' is a Hindu tradition which involves special ritual to introduce young children to the process of learning. It is done for children when they are about to begin their education and believed to bless them with the lifelong wealth of true knowledge so that they can excel in their academics. Doing a Vidyarambham especially on the occasion of Vijayadashmi is considered to be of prime importance.At the Mookambika temple, performing a Vidyarambham is believed to bless a child with a good education in life. It is performed between 6 am and 12 noon throughout the year.

A question usually asked by people is "what are the attractions at Kollur (Mookambika)? And "Why does one need visit Mookambika?"

The obvious answer is "Mookambika". The radiant grace of the omnipotent Mother Goddess Mookambika is the prime attraction of Kollur that draws people in droves. It is not without reason that millions of people, including famous cine artists, playback singers, musicians, dancers, writers, prominent industrialists, businessmen, professionals and politicians from all over India visit Mookambika temple very frequently. Many have benefitted from their devotion to Mookambika. Paying obeisance to Mookambika is the main intent of visiting Kollur. But the appeal of Kollur does not stop at that.

Kollur is a place nestled in the evergreen forest of Western Ghats. While the grace of Mookambika soothes the soul, the enchanting beauty of the landscape rejuvenates the mind. Relating oneself to the nature that too at an acknowledged sacred place like Kollur Mookambika is the best way of invigorating the inner being. A well known Malayalam writer Dr Punathil Kunjabdulla had rightly said that Kollur is the only place where one could feel the vibrancy of Mother Earth.

Two coastal districts of Karnataka i.e. Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore) and Udupi (where Mookambika Temple is situated) have everything that a nature enthusiasts crave for. Unpolluted sea with vast stretches of pristine beaches, uncontaminated rivulets, cascading waterfalls, precipitous rocks, exquisite hillocks covered with an enticing expanse of grass and an extensive carpet of greenery invite nature lovers here. Those who want to blend pilgrimage with excursion this is an ideal place. Kodachadri Hills, Jog Falls, Arashina Gundi, Govinda Theertha, Hidlumane Falls, Jomlu Theertha, Maravanthe Beach, Ottinene etc are some ideal spots for Sightseeing and trekking.

Do stay at Kollur; offer your prayer to the Supreme Mother Mookambika. Get a vehicle to Nagodi. Trek through the grass carpeted breezy hills for about 10 kilometres and you are on top of the trekker's paradise "Kodachadri". The sight from the top of the Kodachadri hill is awesome. Look at the west and you see the blue sky fuse into the Arabian Sea at the horizon. Look at the north and you see the backwaters of Linganamakki like a gigantic lake spread over hundreds of square kilometres. Catch the clouds hovering around you. Listen to the symphony of nature. Breathe the fresh fragrance of the wildflowers. Walk around under the canopy of lofty tree branches, you will feel the exhilaration of being identified with nature.

If you are looking for an exclusive spot for trekking while on a pilgrimage to Kollur Mookambika Temple, Hidlumane Falls below Kodachadri Hill is an ideal location. Adventurous and enduring trekkers can climb to Kodachadri from Hidlumane Falls.If you want to enjoy the excitement of a trekking expedition in the deep forest, Arashina gundi is the perfect place for you. It is a small waterfall with a natural pool below it situated at about eight kilometres from Mookambika Temple. Govinda Theertha also known as Belkal Theertha gives you the thrill of bathing under a huge natural shower.

The advantages of choosing Kollur for forest expedition are many. The climate here is not extreme in any season. The vagaries of nature may inconvenience you but not imperil you. There are no dangerous wild animals. It is really an inexplicable phenomenon that no one had ever been attacked by wild animals in this forest. Faithful attribute this aspect to the grace of Mookambika. The jungle trails are not treacherous. It is highly improbable that one would get lost in the jungle. Hills are not unwieldy.

P.S:- Please, comply with legal formalities before venturing into Reserve Forest.

Kollur is an ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in the calmness of piety, the poise of spirituality and serenity of mother nature. Certainly, Kollur is not the place for those looking for star rated comforts. Being a remote location, surrounded by forests, Kollur has few constraints. There are no luxury hotels, resorts and classy restaurants at Kollur. Keep away your crave for luxury, comforts and cosiness before you embark on a pilgrimage to Mookambika.

We Realize All Inclusive Nature of the Divine in Kollur Mookambika
When we enter the hallowed sanctum of Mookambika Temple, the doors of the heart are opened. We try to tune ourselves to be receptive to the divine power that radiates from Goddess Mookambika to get the maximum benefit from the visit. We experience the power that guides and removes the obstacles on the path and that divine grace lifts us to higher levels of consciousness. The vibrant spiritual power in the goddess Mookambika gives us access to our own divine dimensions. The spiritual atmosphere in Mookambika temple helps us for communion with the Divine power. The renowned temple of Sri Mookambika, a great centre of spiritual power functions as a divine dynamo and helps activate the higher potential in us, bestowing peace and happiness. Here, we come in contact with the Reality within, and we gain strength to face misfortunes. We acquire a new energy and hope and experience miracles.

Experience New Yourselves in Spiritual Expansion at Kollur
Ancient saints have prescribed many rituals like japa, pooja, parayana, homa etc for the spiritual as well as well as physical well being of the mankind. Modern man is pestered with tension. Doubts, anxiety and fear assail him. He tends to consider himself as a meaningless product of destiny. He fails to recognize any sublime harmony between himself and the universe. From many of his clinical studies, Carl Jung the eminent psychologist was convinced that people who got relief easily from mental and physical afflictions were those who had turned to religion. Jung says "we moderns are faced with the necessity of rediscovering the life of the spirit. We must experience it a new ourselves. It is the only way in which we can break the spell that binds us to the cycle of biological events. When one prays in a place of worship, the conducive atmosphere facilitates communion with the inner fact, which is the supreme source. Sincere yearning for the spiritual expansion refines the mind, making one wiser, abler and happier". The message of the legend reveals that human mind, despite its inherent divine powers and faculties, tends to misuse its relative freedom of choice and assumes a demoniac character by developing self-oppressive pride, egoism and greed. The divine is the ultimate source of all power. But man's inflated ego tends to misuse the power he has. He becomes irrational, forgets the supreme source and deflects from the path of his natural evolution to a higher stature. This is the cause of evil. Kollur Mookambika Temple is the place where the human metamorphosis into divine

SIGHTSEEING IN AND AROUND MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE KOLLUR

The appeal of Kollur does not stop at just the temple deity and Goddess Mookambika. It is a place nestled in the evergreen forest of Western Ghats. While the grace of Mookambika soothes the soul, the enchanting beauty of the landscape rejuvenates the mind. Relating oneself to the nature that too at an acknowledged sacred place like Kollur Mookambika is the best way to treat yourself. You can easily stay in one of the hotels in Kollur Mookambika Temple.

Kodachadri Mountain
A popular spot for nature lovers, trekkers and rock climbers, a climb to Kodachadri peak offers mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea. It is marked as a heritage site by Government Karnataka. and it is 10th highest peak of Karnataka.natural above sea level. It is declared as kmsKodachadri Mountain provides a resplendent site for anyone who is looking for some solitude. These beautiful mountains range is located in the Western Ghats region and is somewhat around 1343 mts.

Souparnika
River Souparnika is one of the prominent rivers among the holy rivers of India. It flows through the Kundapur Taluk in the South Indian state of Karnataka. This river is mainly popular for the spiritual reasons where tourists come to take a holy dip. The proximity of Souparnika river from Moodambika temple (1 km) makes it a very attractive destination for tourists visiting the temple. It is one of the major attractions for people planning a trip to Kollur. This scenic river spot has a bridge and great forest trekking opportunities for travelling aficionados.

Arishna Gundi Waterfalls
This waterfall is located at a distance of 83 km from Udupi & 10 Kms from Kollur temple. Arisina Gundi Falls (also called as Arasina Makki Falls) is a famous waterfall located in the thick forest inside the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. One can expect to find these falls inside the dense forest which is close and amidst the Kodachadri hills and requires a small trek from the nearest approach road to reach. Entry permission to these waterfall needs to be obtained in advance and one can get it at the check post while entering into the forest. The location of the waterfall is such that when sun rays fall on its droplets, they depict a beautiful yellow-orange hue. It is due to this that the waterfall got its name as Arishna meaning Turmeric or yellow. The ideal mix and match of forest and falls, make it a perfect expedition for travel enthusiasts.

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Kundapur-Kollur-Shimoga road and considered an abode to two endangered species like Lion-Tailed Macaque and cane turtle. This sanctuary is aided by World Wildlife Fund.

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple
Anegudde Vinayaka temple is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region called "Parashurama Srishti" or the creation of Saint Parashurama. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and forms one of the most famous temples of Udupi. Located 10 km to the south of Kundpur Railway Station, this temple is situated on the hill and attracts a large number of pilgrims every year.

Murudeshwara
Murudeshwara is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwara" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's tallest Shiva statue, this beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple.

Udupi
Udupi is a city and the headquarters of the Udupi District in the Indian state of Karnataka. Udupi is notable for the Krishna Matt located here. It also lends its name to the Udupi cuisine.

Mangalore city which is 135 kms away from Kollur is the nearest city which is connected to all other states and cities in India by air, rail and road.

By Air
The nearest airport to the town is Bajpe Airport in Mangalore, which is nearly 110 kms away from Kollur Mookambika Temple and is connected to most of the major cities in India. Hubli airport is the second nearest airport located nearly 170 kilometres away from Kollur, but we highly recommend coming via new airport at Mangaluru.

By Bus
From Mangalore to Kollur there are many state level buses which one can use. The direct bus journey from Mangalore takes 3 hours to reach to Kollur. People travelling from south of India have to travel to Kollur via Mangalore. Most of the major cities in South India and in Kerala have direct buses operating to Kollur Mookambika temple.People travelling from northern and eastern part of the country can take a direct flight to Mangalore. From there, you can take a cab or bus to Kollur Temple.

By Train
There are many trains that run between Mangalore and Kollur. The nearest train stations are Kundapura Railway Station is 32 km and Byndoor Railway Station (also called as Mookambika Road Railway Station) is 28 km away from the Mookambika temple. Most of the trains coming from Kerala do have a stop at Mookambika Road Railway Station (Byndoor). We also recommend getting down at Kundapur Railway Station and take a cab from there to Kollur.

By Road
One can easily drive down from Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore and Udupi or any of the cities in Kerala. Even KSRTC run direct buses regularly to Kollur from these cities. The road connectivity to Kollur is excellent. Kollur Temple is situated 40 km off the Cochin-Panvel NH17 highway.