The Mangala Devi Temple is a Hindu temple, which is located in Bolar that is a region to southwest of Mangalore and is only 3kms away from Mangalore. The temple was established in the past 10th century, where goddess Mangala is the main deity. It was built in fond memories of the famous Rajmata of Malabar. It is said that she accompanied Yogi Matsyendranath, a celebrated guru from the Nath tradition.

This temple holds great significance as it is one after whom Mangalore got its name. Traditionally, the region was named as Mangalapur after name of this temple, but later it was changed as Mangalore. The devotees of the region strongly believe that worship of goddess Mangala Devi brings delight and riches. Goddess Mangala Devi is worshipped as a ‘Shakti’ here. This temple also holds unique significance for the maidens. It is also believed that those who will conduct their marriage here will end up with lifetime riches and happiness.

Ganesh Chaturthi and Dusshera are important festivals celebrated in the temple. There is also special pooja conducted within the temple premises during Navratri. This long nine days puja is enjoyed with great joy and specially prepared ‘Prasadam’.

History

The Mangala Devi temple holds great historical significance and rich heritage. Veerabahu, King of Tulunadu, was without childless and with advice of Sage Bharadraja, he presented his entire kingdom to Bangaraja. Bangaraja was an able ruler and brought great glory and fame to his kingdom.

Once he got a dream that the Goddess Mangala Devi has revealed to him the scared remains of the holy place. With the guidance of sage Bharadraja, Bangraja built the shrine of the Goddess Mangala Devi. He also installed the Linga along with Dharpatra at the place.

After passing of many years, the Kundavarma, a ruler of the Tulunadu from Alupa Dynasty met two holy saints named Goraknatha and Machendranatha of Natha cult from Nepal. These saints reached to a place known as Mangalapura after crossing the famous river, ‘Gorakdandi’. The saints decided to do the holy works for the ruler. After getting knowledge about the shrine of Mangala Devi temple from his mother and the two saints, the kind Kundavaram decided to renovate it.

Finally, he reconstructed the entire temple with shrine of Mangala Devi, Dharpatra and the Linga in it. Since then, the temple is worshipped and believed to deliver riches and happiness to the devotees from blessings of the goddess Mangala Devi.

Architecture

The architectural beauty of the Mangala Devie Temple is unsurpassed. There are beautiful sculptures of the Mangala Devi placed at various places in the temple, which was crafted in the South Kanra district. There was reconstruction of the temple done in 986 A.D. The hard work and intelligence of the architects can be clearly witnessed from the temple. There are different kinds of paintings and images crafted on the walls of the temple, which makes it look beautiful and different from other religious places in India.
The statue of Goddess Mangala Devi is the oldest and large number of people visit here ever year just to see and have blessings of the statue. There are also plenty of big and small shops near the temple to interest local and foreign tourists.

Poojas or Religious Events

Number of poojas and religious rituals are performed within the premises of the temple by Vedic Brahmins every day. Besides regular poojas, there are also special poojas done during important festivals. One such imperative festival celebrated and worshipped in the region is Navratri. A daily pooja is done until six days and on the seventh day, the goddess is worshipped in form of another Devi, Sharadamba. On the eight day, the goddess is prayed in form of Mata Marrikamba. During this day, there is also an Aayudha puja performed by professional Brahmins.

A pooja is done for all weapons and tools of the goddess with a belief of goddess killing all cruel demons during this day. The ninth and final day of the Navaratri is celebrated as Mahanavmi where the goddess is decorated and beautified with different kinds of jewels, flowers and colors. The goddess is also placed on a decorated Chariot, which is pulled by thick ropes. This is also called as Rathyatra of the Devi.

Other than this, festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Dusshera are also celebrated in the temple with great joy and happiness. An oversized and beautiful shrine of Lord Ganesha is erected on the Ganesh Chaturthi day, which is taken on a parade and then immersed at Uppinakote near Hoige Bazar on the final day.

Best Time to Visit

For those who want to enjoy the festive mood of the temple, then the best to visit is during the Navratri celebration. This is the biggest festival celebrated in the Temple. It comes in month of October and March. Even the climate during these months is pleasing. Other than this, one can visit the temple at anytime of month according to convenience. It is better to avoid going in summers in month of May to July as the temperature in Mangalore is too heated up during these months.

Entrance Fee

There is no entry fee charged to visit the temple, but there is great rush during the festive time. It is better to visit the temple during morning time or during the evening ‘aarti’ or prayer to spend some relaxing and pleasing time in the temple.

How to Reach

By Train

The Mangalore railway station is the nearest to the temple. You can land there and then hire a local taxi or cab in order to reach the temple.

By Road

There is an excellent transport service available to reach the temple. Auto rickshaws, buses, taxis or cabs are easily available for 24x 7 that can make you reach the temple with ease. One can even get into bus number 27, 27A and 29A to reach the Mangala Devi Temple.

By Airport

After getting down to the Mangalore International Airport, you can go for services of taxi in order to reach the temple in short time.