Tuesday, April 14, 2026

The Mangalore Diaries - Mangala Devi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, Pandava Caves

After dropping A at the airport I had time before checking out so decided to drop in at the 9th century Mangala Devi temple after whom Mangalore is named. Other names for the city include Kudla (Tulu), Kodial (Konkani), Maikala (Byaari) and 'Mangalapuram' (Malayalam). It was a small temple but very popular as many visitors kept walking in. Mangala Devi is a form of Shakti.

Mangala Devi Temple

One tale is that it was originally built by Parashurama and that later Kings developed in it. 
The Railway Station, Mangalore 

I was going to Kadri Manjunatha temple when I spotted the old lighthouse on top of the hill and couldn't resist taking a picture of it. It's a pretty ancient lighthouse now in disuse and in a park.
Old Lighthouse

The Kadri Manjunatha temple was constructed in 1068 AD and is considered to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. 
Kadri Manjunatha temple entrance

The temple premises are surrounded by hilly areas so we climb up to these seven tanks in which devotees bathe, another temple higher up, and then a long climb up to the Parashurama ashram, the Kadri Jogishwara Mutton and way beyond, the Pandava Caves.
Seven tanks

It was a beautiful experience, with trees, quiet, clean and well maintained. There was this person meditating by himself and he opened his eyes enough to guide me to the Pandava Caves. At the Pandava Caves, where the Pandavas reportedly stayed, a sudden influx of barking dogs told me that I had outstayed my welcome. I made soothing noises and slid past them (five of them).
Hanuman

On the way down stopped at the Manjunatha temple which also houses some of the most beautiful bronze statues of the 10th century period.
Pandava Caves

Interior of the caves - through the gates

Also witnessed a beautiful kacheri sung by a group of beautifully dressed old ladies and I just loved how they went about singing with great devotion. 
Kacheri by ladies

Another interesting day in Mangalore. Didn't expect to visit these places but it just happened.

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