Mangaladevi Temple
The
Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple at Bolara in the city of Mangalore in the
South Indian state of Karnataka, situated about three km southwest of the city
centre. The temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi.
The city of Mangalore is named after the presiding deity, Mangaladevi. The
temple is of significant antiquity and is believed to have been built during
the 9th century by Kundavarman, the most famous king of the Alupa dynasty
during the 9th century under the aegies of Matsyendranath. As per another
legend, the temple is believed to have been built by Parashurama, one of the
ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu and later expanded by Kundavarman.
The temple
is built in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the
South Indian state of Kerala and Western Ghats, with most of its structure made
of wood. The presiding deity, Mangaladevi in the central shrine is in a seated
posture. There are shrines around the sanctum for other deities.
As per another legend, the temple is believed to
have been built by Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu.
During the passage of time, the temple was covered by vegetation and was
restored by Kundavarma of Alupa dynasty during the 9th century.There are also
views that the temple was built by Ballal family of Attavar to commemorate a
Malabar Princess.
