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.

The temple celebrates Navarathri in a grand scale with chandihoma on all nine days. 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.

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Photo Caption: 1. Roll D Neg. 33 or 31 : Image of Sri Durga Parameshwari.

2. Roll D Neg. 35: Image of Virabhadra. 3. Roll D Neg.30 : Naga Deepa Used in the temple

4. No negative- Photo given by temple - A 75 feet tall Gopura depicting legends on Devi.

Sri Cheluvanarayanaswami Temple, Melukote

Melukote means a fort situated at a higher level and the town justifies this name as it is built on the rocky hills overlooking the Cauvery valley. It lies at a distance of about 160 kilometers from Bangalore.

Melukote is one of the most sacred places of the state and the major temple here is dedicted to Cheluvanarayana , a manifestation of Vishnu. The place acquired prominence due to the great Srivaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya, who in the 12^th century sought abode in Mysore country, to escape persecution from a Chola king. He was successful in inspiring the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan to embrace Sri Vaishnavism and propagatic the sect in the land.

The town witnessed some attacks by the Muslims in the 14^th century and also in the 18^th century battle between the Marathas and Haidar Ali, when the massive wooden chariots

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 Last modified: January 01, 2006