Narahari Sadashiva Temple is situated on the top of Narahari Hill near Melkar which is 30+ Kms from Mangalore city and 4 Kms from BC Road, Bantwal. It is on the National Highway connecting Mangalore & Bangalore. Narahari Sadashiva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and popularly known as “Kailasa of the Earth”. It is located at a height of about 1000 Feet above the sea level and one needs to climb 333 steps to reach this temple at the top of the hill.
Recently roads have been constructed for those who cannot climb the steps. Temple remains open from 7 am till 7 pm with poojas at 8:30 am, 12:30 noon and 6:30 pm.
The panoramic views from the top are a mesmerizing treat for the eyes. The mountains of Sulliamale, Ballamale are on the eastern side and Kadenjamale on the southern side. The National highway to Bangalore is on one side and Mangalore Hassan railway line on the other. The sight of the graceful Nethravathi River makes the view really exquisite & makes for memorable photography.
Many Tuluvas make it a point to visit this temple during Aati Amavasya and Sona Amavasya for Teerthasnana (dip in the ponds). Taking a dip in the ponds on these days are considered to be sacred. Apart from Shivaratri, Nagarapanchami and Ganesh Chaturthi are the other festivals grandly celebrated in this temple. The last Monday of the Karthika month is also considered to be an auspicious and vibrant day with many programs conducted at this temple.
Devotees believe that they can overcome their fears by performing ‘Baliwadu Seva’ at this temple. By performing ‘Pasharpane’, it is believed that one can get relief from breathing problems. Those who wish to be blessed with children perform ‘Thotilu Magu Seva,’ and with Tender Coconut Abhisheka all the worldly desires will be fulfilled.
Mythology behind Narahari Sadashiva Temple
Mythology states that Lord Krishna (Lord Hari) along with Arjuna (Nara) offered penance here to free themselves from the sins committed during Kurukshetra war in Mahabharatha. Lord Hari sculpted Shanka (Conch), Chakra (Wheel), Gadha (Heavy Weapon) and Padma (Lotus) giving rise to the four ‘Teerthakoopas’ (Holy Ponds) which are present even today. Arjuna purified himself by bathing in these holy ponds and installed the Shivalinga for worship. That is how the hill gets its unique name ‘Narahari Sadashiva’.
Devotees looking to visit another hill temple around the same area can also visit Karinjeshwara temple which is 20 kms away.
You can get there using this map
Recent Comments