The Shri Mahishamardini Temple, located on the banks of the Seetha River in Neelavara, Udupi district, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region. It dates back to the 10th century and is a powerful Shakti Peetha. The temple is situated about 21 km from Udupi and 6 km from Brahmavar. Over time, with continuous development and restoration efforts, it has reached great heights and become a popular spiritual center.
Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
Entrance Tower Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
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📖 Legend of the Temple
The story behind the temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It begins with the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who resided on the majestic Himalayas. During this time, Shankachuda, an officer in the Nagaloka (Kingdom of Snakes), performed intense penance to Lord Shiva, hoping to be blessed with children. After years of devotion, his wish was fulfilled, and Shiva blessed him with five daughters: Devrati, Nagarati, Charurati, Mandarati, and Neelarati.
Shankachuda wanted these daughters to marry Lord Subrahmanya, the son of Shiva, but before they could reach maturity, Shankachuda passed away. The daughters performed his last rites, and the eldest, Devrati, became the ruler of the land. As they grew older, the daughters went to Kailasa to seek Subrahmanya’s hand in marriage.
However, Nandi, the doorkeeper of Shiva, stopped them from entering, saying it was too early. In anger, the daughters cursed Nandi, and he, too, retaliated by cursing them to be born as serpents on Earth. The daughters were reborn as serpents in different parts of the world. Shiva and Parvati intervened, declaring that while the daughters would not marry Subrahmanya directly, they would have separate lives as serpents on Earth. Parvati promised Nandi would eventually be liberated from his curse.
The daughters then fell to the Sahyadri Mountain range and underwent further hardships. At this point, the sage Vāghrapāda was performing penance in the forest and was disturbed by the serpents’ movements. Through his spiritual insight, he learned of their story and prayed for their salvation. King Devavarma, traveling through the forest, heard the cries of the serpents and saved them from a forest fire. The eldest, Devrati, was carried in a cloth by him and later became known as Arsamman (a revered deity). The other daughters settled at different locations: Nagarati at Nagarthi, Charurati at Chooradi, Mandarati at Mandrati, and Neelarati at the banks of the Seetha River in Neelavara.
King Devavarma later saved a princess, Jalajakshi, from a life-threatening situation, which helped him regain his kingdom.
Meanwhile, Nandi was reborn as the demon Mahisha, who was eventually slain by Goddess Mahishamardini using various divine weapons.
🌿 Significance of Neelavara
Neelavara, where Neelarati (the serpent daughter) took her rebirth, became a sacred place. The sage Galava performed penance at Neelavara and consecrated the idol of Mahishamardini.
On the banks of the Seetha River, you can find Panchmikana, a site where large huts have been built, signifying the place where Neelarati lived. Pilgrims visit this site first to offer their prayers before proceeding to the temple.
Panchamikana Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
Panchamikana Abhisheka Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
🕉️ Deity of the Temple
The goddess Mahishamardini is depicted with four arms:
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Right hand: Holding a discus (chakra)
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Left hand: Holding a conch
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Other left hand: Lifting the demon Mahishasura by his neck
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Right leg: Crushing Mahishasura with her foot while holding a trishul (trident) to pierce him.
The goddess is known for her immense power and mercy, granting the wishes of her devotees.
🏰 Temple Premises
The temple houses several other deities, including:
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Veerabhadra: The protector of fields
Veerabhadra Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
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Kallukuttiga: Guardian against theft
Entrance Tower Shri Veera Kalkuda Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
Shri Veera Kalkuda Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
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Vinayaka: Lord Ganesha
- Vyaghrachamundi – fierce guardian deity
The temple is also home to other shrines such as the Vinayaka temple and the Vyaghrachamundi shrine.
💧 Gaalava Tirtha
The temple is known for Annadana (feeding service) to devotees. The Seetha River flows next to the temple, and there are shrines to Veerabhadra and Vyaghrachamundi along the circumambulatory path.
Gaalava Tirtha Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
📜 History of Neelavara
Neelavara has a rich and ancient history. The temple is mentioned in several inscriptions, including those from the Alupa dynasty (1258 CE), and later, during the Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. These inscriptions detail donations made to the temple and its significance during various rulers’ reigns.
🎉 Festivals and Celebrations
The temple celebrates various festivals with grandeur, including the Rathotsava (chariot festival), where the idol of the deity is taken out in procession.
Festival Chariot Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
Utsava Murti Shri Mahishamardini Temple Neelavara
🛣️ Directions to the Temple
To reach the temple:
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Travel through the Brahmavar-Hebri road.
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After approximately 4 km, you will see the welcoming arch of the temple.
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The temple is located on the banks of the Seetha River.
⏰ Temple Timings
The temple is open every day from Monday to Sunday:
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Morning: 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM
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Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
