This is a placeholder article because when I visited the Mrutyunjaya Rudra Somanatha Temple at Bola on the Karkala – Udupi highway, the temple was closed. I spent some time waiting for the temple authorities to turn up, but had to get back after waiting a while. Someday I will get back and get inside the temple and collect more information. For now, all I have is some pictures taken outside the temple.

Bola temple

Temple entrance

Entrance

Katte

View from temple

Naga bana

Naga katte

Scenery around temple

Scenery

Pavanje is one of the most well known villages in Tulu Nadu. It has a rich history associated with its temples and village itself. It is also one of the few villages in Tulu Nadu which has three well known temples. Pavanje has a Durga Parameshwari Temple and a Subramanya Temple but the most famous amongst the temples is the Mahalingeshwara Temple. It is the latter temple that I am writing about here.

The main deity of this temple is of course Sri Mahalingeshwara. The temple also has a Mahaganapati temple but the Ganapati idol is located outside of the main temple complex, just to the right. Such a placement is very rare in Tulu Nadu temples. In most other temples, the Ganapati idol is found right next to the main Garbha Gudi.

The temple authorities did not allow me to click the photos of the idols. But a photo was available in the temple office. Am reproducing the same in this article.

Lord Mahalingeshwara

Ganapati Gudi

The village Pavanje and the temple have a recorded history of more than 600 years. There are several inscriptions and other archaeological evidences of the temple in and around Pavanje. The Kings of the Hoysala kingdom and later the Vijayanagara kings were great patrons of this region. Several grants have been made to this temple by them. The grants made in 1397 A.D and 1438 A.D have been recorded through inscriptions at the temple.

Archaeological evidence

Inscription

The temple itself is built on top of a hillock right next to the Pavanje river. This river merges with Shambhavi river a little further down in Mulky and merges into the Arabian Ocean. The temple is constructed in typical Tulu Nadu style and offers a panoramic view of Pavanje and surroundings.

Garbha Gudi

Teertha Mantapa

The main Bhuta of this temple is Jarandaaya. The Jarandaaya daiva sthana is located at nearby Haleangadi. Other Bhutas include Rakteshwari and Koddabbu.

There is a Naga Bana associated with the temple and also a “Brahma Sthana”. In fact, the Naga and Brahma worship of Pavanje is very well known in this region.

River Pavanje

Temple Pond

Name: Pavanje Sri Mahalingeshwara Sri Mahaganapati Temple

Location: Pavanje, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada

Dieties: Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati, Nagas

Bhutas: Jaarandaaya, Rakteshwari, Kaddabbu, others

Temple entrance

Naga Sthana

Address: Sri Pavanje Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapati Devasthana, Pavanje, Haleangadi Post, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada – 574 146.

Contact: Snail mail

Annual festival: For eight days every year starting on Maha Shivaratri. The Jaarandaaya Bhuta Kola is held on the 9th day.

Nearby temples: Pavanje Subramanya Devasthana, Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Devasthana

Unique structure at temple entrance

Temple Prangana

Specialities: During the annual festival, there is a custom that no other auspicious event should be conducted in the village. Though this is prevalent in many other villages, it is still very strictly adhered to in Pavanje.

Also, the villagers of Pavanje do not leave the village once the Jaatre starts. Even if they have to leave the village for emergency purposes, they make it a point to return before the temple flag is brought down on the last day.

More photos of the temple can be found here.

Visiting Nandalike was a very interesting experience. I had not planned to cover this temple in my trip this time. I traveled a long way to visit and cover a Shiva temple located close to Nandalike. After searching that temple for over an hour, I discovered that it was closed. There was no one nearby and so I could not enter the temple. I was hugely disappointed. After spending some time looking for the temple folks, I gave up and starting driving back. On the way, I saw a temple arch to my right. My watch showed that I had about 20-25 mins of time before it got completely dark which meant no photos. I instinctively turned right and continued to drive in spite of encountering a very bad stretch of road for about 2 kms. In the end, I reached this temple and to my utter surprise found that this was a Shiva temple as well. Truly, my joy knew no bounds!

Nandalike is located on the Padubidri – Karkala highway and has an ancient and beautiful Shiva (Mahalingeshwara Temple)

Sri Mahalingeshwara

Sri Mahaganapati

It was only after landing at this place that I realized the great history and tradition of this place. In terms of folklore, history and legend, perhaps there is no other place that is as rich as Nandalike. One of the first things I realized is that I would be able to cover only a miniscule amount of what is available here. I instantly promised myself that I would come back here and spend more time to cover all the other important places. This article therefore, is only limited to the Mahalingeshwara Temple.

The temple is built in typical Tulu Nadu style and has “Gudis” for Mahalingeshwara, Mahaganapati and the Daivas. The temple has been renovated and is very well maintained. The priests and administrative heads of the temple were very co-operative and encouraging.

Garbha Gudi

Theertha Mantapa

Nandalike has a huge number of Daivas. The speciality of this temple is that almost all the Daivas have their own separate abodes. In my next visit, I certainly plan to photograph those individual Gudis. The main Daivas are Uri-Brahma, Veerabhadra, Nandigona, Kumara, Abbaga-Daaraga, Khadgeshwari, Rakteshwari, Annappa, Kshetrapala, Bhutaraja and Gajamalla.

There is a lot of folklore and local legend associated with these Daivas. In fact, the legend has it that the Daivas came to Nandalike first and then they were followed by Sri Mahalingeshwara.

Prangana

Enclosure for the temple well

The main Mahalingeshwara Temple was established by the great Dvaita Saint Sri Vadiraja Swamy of the Sode Matha.

There is a Ashta Lakshmi temple nearby. The temple also has a Mahanagaraja Swamy Sannidhana right next to the Mahalingeshwara Temple.

Near the temple is the house of the local rulers, the Heggades and the Pergades. This is known as the “Chavadi Aramane”. The descendants of this family reside here even to this day and oversee the smooth functioning of the temple and festivals.

Chavadi Aramane

The temple is located amidst lush greenery. In fact, two sides of the temple are surrounded by a beautiful moat. The pond belonging to the temple is also extremely well maintained.

Temple pond

Moat around temple

Name: Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple

Location: Nandalike, Udupi, Karnataka

Dieties : Sri Mahalingeshwara, Ganapati

Main Bhootas : Uri Brahma, Rakteshwari, Abbaara – Daaraga, Veerabhadra, Annappa, others

Temple administrators

Address : Nandalike Sri Mahalingeshwara Devasthana, Naalku Sthana – Nandalike, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka – 576126

Contact : (08258) 316485, Palace: 268347, Temple : 248346

Annual festival: From Shukla Dvadashi in Meena Masa (around Feb-Mar) to Krishna Panchami. The last day is the grandest day during the Jaatre.

Nearby temples: Belmannu Durga Parameshwari, Nandikur Durga Parameshwari, Bola Mrutyunjaya Rudra Somanatha, Inna Mahalingeshwara, Mundkur Durga Parameshwari

Pilichamundi Daivasthana

Specialities: The chavadi (hall) in the nearby palace is a very revered place. During the annual festival, disputes between locals are settled here in the presence of the Pergade/Heggade family elders. People lying here are known to have encountered great mishaps in their lives.

The palace has a rich history of its own. The place is definitely worth a visit as a tourist destination, in addition to a spiritual center.

Another highlight about Nandalike is that the great 19th century Kannada poet Muddana was a native of this place.

More photos here.

]]> http://anandatirtha.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/belmannu-temples-of-tulu-nadu/ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:46:48 +0000 Hariprasad http://anandatirtha.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/belmannu-temples-of-tulu-nadu/

Within Tulu Nadu itself, one of the most fascinating regions, especially when it comes to Temples, is the Karkala taluk of Udupi district. Just along the Padubidri – Karkala stretch, there are tens of ancient and fascinating temples.  In my earlier visits to the region, I had covered a few like Palimaru, Mundkur, Inna and others. This time, I visited another of the beautiful temples in this stretch – the Belmannu Durga Parameshwari Temple.

Belmannu is a small village that lies almost exactly midway between Padubidri  and Karkala. It is about 12-15 kms from Padubidri after turning right on the Mangalore – Udupi highway at Padubidri. Belmannu has a Durga Parameshwari Temple.  The temple is located at the village Belmannu and one has to turn right at the village and travel a short distance to reach the temple. The most fascinating part of the temple is its location. When I was driving to the temple, I almost felt as if I was in the middle of a thick jungle. The amount of greenery surrounding the temple is unbelievable. As a matter of fact, the Durga Devi of Belmannu is known as “Vana Durga” or the “Durga of the Forest”!

Sri Durga Parameshwari

Sri Ganapati

Along with Sri Durga Parameshwari, the temple also has the idol of Sri Ganapati.  The temple has an amazing serenity about itself that is quite unique. The temple structure itself, looks to have been renovated a few years ago and looks very good. The Prangana is very huge and is fairly well maintained. The priests of the temple are always from the Bhargava Gotra.

Garbha Gudi

Tirtha Mantapa

Information about the temple and its history was not easy to accumulate, partly due to the absence of the temple administrators during my visit, but I hope to obtain the same some other time. The main Bhuta at the temple is Rakteshwari. In addition, there are also many other Rajan Daivas at the temple.

The Prakara

Another view of the Prakara

The annual festival happens around March-April and is held for 5 days. It starts on the day Sun enters Aries (Mesha Sankramana)

Name: Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple

Location: Belmann, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District

Main deities: Durga Parameshwari, Ganapati

Bhutas: Rakteshwari, many others

Temple entrance

Temple arch

Address: Belmannu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Belmannu Village, Padubidri Karkala Road, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District, Karnataka

Contact: Sri B M Krishna Bhat, Managing Trustee, Ph: 9241943581

Nearby Temples: Nandikur Durga Parameshwari Temple, Bola Mrutyunjaya Ruda Somanatha Temple, Nandalike Mahalingeshwara Temple

More photos here.

Greenery around temple

More greenery

Last week, Samata and I combined a personal visit to Mangalore (to attend a marriage) with some work on the “Temples of Tulunadu” project. I was able to visit Belmannu, Bola, Kandalike and Pavanje. In the coming weeks, I will publish small writeups, as usual, on the Anandatirtha website. Visiting these temples right in the middle of the monsoon was indeed a challenge but the effort left me immensely pleased. In addition, we also visited Nellitheertha, Palimaru, Kulai and a small Mukhyaprana temple in Hosabettu, near Suratkal. I have come back spiritually re-charged

I am closing in on twenty temples now as part of the project. My first milestone has been 50 temples. If I am able to complete this in around 2 years (started sometime September 2008), that will be a great beginning.

In another good development, the Vishnusahasranama portal is seeing some good traction. Madhusimha’s untiring efforts led to the completion of the pages for the 1000 names. We are now full time into developing individual pages for each of the names. Madhusimha has also kindly agreed to contribute to this. In addition, my (e-)friend   Gautham Shenoy has also joined us. I am very optimistic that the portal will now see rapid development.

Articles on

• Kathelsar Vishnumurthy Temple
• Athuru Bailu Ganapati Temple

I know I begin almost every article on a Temple by saying its an “extra-ordinary” or “unique” temple but trust me, that’s exactly what they are! As I continue my discovery of Tulu Nadu, my awe for this great great place only keeps increasing.

This time, I managed to cover Athuru Bailu, a tiny hamlet near Kinnigoli-Mulki. Athuru Bailu has an ancient Maha Ganapati temple. Believe it or not, this temple is actually just the God worshipped at the home of the Udupa family of Athuru Bailu! The sanctity of this place is so high that the nearby villages consider it as a temple. People who pass by the Udupa home, stop by, get into the ‘temple’, offer their prayers and only then do they move on.

Mahaganapati

Temple entrance

The temple, its idol and the Udupa family have a recorded history of more than 700 years! Two Udupa brothers came down south from Kandavara in search of a better place to reside. They came along with their diety – the Mahaganapati. Local legend has it that when the two brothers were walking near Athuru, a cloud was following them to protect them from the heat. Villagers saw this and reported it to the local chieftain. He requested them to stay back in his village and asked them to choose any place they liked. When they came to the place where the temple is currently located, they found a mongoose and snake co-existing. They instantly chose the place and the temple has existed ever since.

Udupa House 1

Udupa House 2

Out of the two brothers, one of them settled down in nearby Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple. In fact, the Udupas of Bailu played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Bappanadu temple. Even today, during the annual festival of Bappanadu, a customary felicitation of the Udupas is done as a mark of respect.

Along with the Mahaganapati, Bailu also has the Panjurli Bhoota. It is believed that Annappa Panjurli Bhoota came down to Bailu from Dharmasthala when one of the Udupas had gone there for a visit. Trust me, the Panjurli of Bailu is one of the most powerful Bhootas in Tulu Nadu. Even to this today, during the Bhoota Kola, there is a segment when Panjurli ‘demonstrates’ his power by throwing the Udupas up from their seats and knocking them unconscious. No one except Panjurli is able to wake them up! Watch this youtube video to see what I am talking about.

Panjurli Sthana

Temple

The Athuru Bailu Udupa family is one of the most well known families of Tulu Nadu. They are the official astrologers for even the Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple! The almanac they bring out is the most widely circulated almanac in the entire Tulu Nadu region, and has been published for over 100 years now.

Name: Sri Athuru Bailu Mahaganapati Devasthana

Dieties: Mahaganapati

Bhootas: Panjurli, 2 other smaller ones

Address: Athuru Maagane Mahaganapati Devasthana, Shibarooru Post, Kinnigoli, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada

Contact: Snail mail

How to get there: From Mangalore reach Mulki and turn right towards Kinnigoli. About 1km before Kinnigoli town, turn right towards Balavina Gudde. Athuru Bailu is about 5kms from this junction. Locals will accurately guide you to the temple once you take the turn.

More photos: Here

Specialities: “Appada Puje” is very famous in Bailu. Locals get this seve done very regularly. Appa is a special sweet dish, prepared for Ganapati in Tulu Nadu especially. In Appada Puje, a whole lot of ‘Appas’ are made and offered to Ganapati.

Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival celebrated in Bailu. The Panjurli Kola is held about 3-4 times a year on important ocassions.

The Nandini river flows very close to the Udupa home. Every day, the priest has to compulsorily take bath in the river and only then worship at the temple.

Kathelsar is a tiny tiny hamlet,  found on the stretch between Nellitheertha and Bajpe. There are probably, just a few tens of houses in this village. One can find a very ancient Vishnumurthy temple in this village. In addition to the main diety, there is also a Ganapati idol in the temple. The Ganapati idol is made of white stone and is significantly different from the idols found in other temples around here.

Sri Vishnumurthy

Ganapati

The temple is not really in a good shape at all. The priest’s family are doing their best to maintain the temple on a daily basis. But the temple could do with a lot of renovation and repair. It is sad to see such a serene place being neglected so badly, although this is not the only temple in Tulu Nadu which is facing such a situation.

Garbha Gudi - Theertha Mantapa

Prangana

The main bhoota worshipped here is Panjurli. Due to the lack of resources, the temple management conducts the annual festival for only one day – during the full moon day in the solar month of Vrushabha (around May-June).

Panjurli

Entrance

Name: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana

Location: Kathelsar, Dakshina Kannada

Dieties: Vishnu, Ganapati

Bhutas: Panjurli

Address: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana, Kathelsar Village, Bajpe Post, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Contact: Snail mail

How to get there: Reach Bajpe from Mangalore. Take the road to Nellitheertha (Kateel road). Kathelsar is mid-way on this stretch.

Annual festival: For one day – Purnima in the solar month of Vrushabha

More photos: here

You can read an article on Komapadavu Sri Vishnumurthy Temple over here.

Kompadavu is a small village in Mangalore Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. It is very close to Nellitheertha and Muchur. Kompadavu has a small and ancient Vishnu temple. The diety is actually called “Vishnu Murthy”. This temple has close links, in terms of its mythological origins to the Nellitheertha and Muchur temples.

Sri Vishnumurthy

Garbha Gudi

According to the legend of the place, when Sri Durga appeared in front of Sage Jabali at the Nellitheertha cave, she bestowed a boon on the region and said that Shiva, Vishnu and Durga would reside in that region. Consequently, the Muchur Durga Parameshwari temple, the Nellitheertha Somanatha temple and the Kompadavu Vishnumurthy temple came into existence. The place is also known as Kovalapura in ancient records.

Prangana

Theertha Mantapa

The temple is not in a very good condition. The worship, and rituals though, happens without fail. The archaka family which stays close by, is very dedicated to the functioning of the temple. The main Bhootas here are Vyaghra Chamundi and Rakteshwari.

Vyaghra Chamundi Bhoota

Bhoota Sthana

Name: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana

Location: Kompadavu village, Mangalore Taluk

Main dieties: Vishnu

Bhutas: Vyaghra Chamundi, Rakteshwari

Outer prangana

Temple entrance

Address: Sri Vishnumurthy Devasthana, Kompadavu Village, Manjana Katte stop, Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Contact: Through snail mail

How to get there: From Mangalore, take the Moodabidri road. Cross Gurupura, Kaikamba and Ganjimatha. 3kms from Ganjimatha, turn left towards Niddodi. 4kms on this road, turn left at Manjana Katte. Drive 2kms to reach the temple. 

Annual festival: For 4 days starting on Purnima (full moon day) in the solar month of Makara (around Jan-Feb every year)

Best time to visit: All through the year

More photos: here

Värske (03.03.2009) Riigikohtu lahend 3-3-1-93-08.

Lühikest uudist teema kohta saab lugeda siit.

Read my new article on the Moodappa Seve held at Nellitheertha over here.

This past weekend (Feb 28 and Mar 1), a very special and rare seve was offered to Lord Mahaganapati at the Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave Temple. The seve is called as “Moodappa Seve” or “Apoopa Seve”. Just like Laksharchane where thousands of flowers are offered, this seve consisted of offering thousands and thousands of “Appa”, a sweet dish popular in Dakshina Kannada. “Appa” is equivalent to the Modaka offered in other regions. 

Mahaganapati

Since Ganapati is believed to like Modakas a lot, the entire idol of Ganapati is covered (till the nose) with Appas and other dishes. Such a rare seve happens seldom. One famous temple where such a seve happens regularly is the Madhur Ganapati temple in Kasaragod.

In Nellitheertha, the entire ceremony was spread over two days. It started on Day 1 with a prarthana and Punyahavana for purification of the ingredients to be used in preparing the dishes.

Prarthana

Punyahavana

Subsequently, during the day, a grand Ganapati Homam and Kalashabhishekas (Panchavimshati – 25) were performed to both Lord Somanatha and Mahaganapati.

Kalashas

Start of Ganapati Homam

Meanwhile, the preparation of the “Appas” started. It was a overwhelming sight to see thousands and thousands of sweets being prepared. The entire team of cooks was taking extreme care and interest in preparing the dishes. Several baskets full of dishes were ready by evening.

Appa preparation

Modakas ready!

At the same time, the Ganapati Gudi was also getting decked up.

Preparation

In the evening, there was a Bharatanatyam dance program by Kum Megha Kakkillaya, offered as a service to the temple. It was an excellent program and Kum Megha’s performance was stunning.

Bharatanatya

Bharatanatya Pose

In preparation for the Moodappa Seve, a special “Ranga Puje” was held for both Mahaganapati and Lord Somanatha in the evening. The Ranga Puje is, once again, a unique offering prevalent in Dakshina Kannada region.

Ganapati Ranga Puje

Ranga Puje

Next, the idol of Mahaganapati was ‘readied’ for the Seve by cleaning, etc and the various dishes were brought in front of the Gudi. The whole ritual was conducted by Sri Baggamajalu Subramanya Tantri and his team.

Appas being brought

Just before the Seve commenced

After that the seve began. It took more than an hour for the team of Archakas to fill the entire Gudi of Mahaganapati with the Appas and other dishes. The offerings were poured in so as to cover the idol, except for the face! It was a beautiful sight to see. 

Seve in progress

Idol fully covered

It was getting close to midnight when the entire offerings were put in. The idol was then covered with silk clothes, dry fruits, flowers and other things. Mahaganapati was ‘resting’! and the entire temple was closed. Silence all around as Ganapati was in ‘Shayana’.

Shayana

The ceremony on day 2 started early – at around 6:45AM. It began with the Kavatodghatana (door opening ceremony). Rituals were conducted to ‘wake’ Mahaganapati up from the sleep and the various offerings were removed one by one.

Arati before opening

Opening ceremony

Modakas being removed

Finally, a Panchamruta Abhisheka was performed for Mahaganapati. In the afternoon, a Maha Puje was conducted followed by Mantrakshate ceremony signalling the successful end of the Moodappa Seve.

Panchamruta Abhisheka

Mahaganapati

It was a thrilling experience to be part of this seve. Truly, I had never seen anything like this before. More photos of this event can be seen here.

|| Om Sri Mahaganapataye Namaha Om ||

Just like any other part of India, music is a very integral part of the culture of Tulu Nadu. The music of Tulu Nadu has its own stamp. In fact, the music of the entire Parashurama Kshetra (Kerala + Dakshina Kannada + Udupi) is unique. The main focus of the music here is on instruments, which form a core component in the temples here. The music is more rhythm and beat based, which has naturally led to the importance being given to instruments over vocals. 

One can find a variety of musical instruments being used in Tulu Nadu. Be it temple festivals, Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Dakke Bali or Naga Mandala, the musical instruments play a vital role in the event. Chande, Maddale, Uduku, Vadya, Kolu and Dollu are some of the commonly used musical instruments found in Tulu Nadu.

Here is a collection of photos of some of the musical instruments of Tulu Nadu.

Kas teadsite, et 2009. aasta suvel kehtima hakkavas uues töölepingu seaduses on selline muudatus võrreldes praegusega, et riigisisese lähetuse (komandeeringu) eest ei peeta vajalikuks enam inimesele maksuvaba päevaraha maksta. Sotsiaalministeeriumi kinnitusel olla sellisele arusaamisele jõutud pärast konsultatsioone tööandjate esindajate ja ametiühingutega. Võttis mind päris sõnatuks. Hüvitamisele kuuluvad vaid lähetusülesande täitmisega seotud dokumentaalselt tõendatud kulutused.

Recently, the annual temple festival was conducted at Nellitheertha. The 5 day festival went off very well and thousands of devotees attended the festivities. One of the key highlights of this year’s festival was the felicitation held for Sri Subramanya Tantri, the “tantri” for our temple.

Tantris are a special class of Brahmins revered in Tulu Nadu. They are a small sect of Brahmins who hold the rights to perform/conduct Jaatres or annual festivals in temples. In addition, all the major religious events in the temple are conducted under their supervision. Tantris are extremely well versed in Agama Shastras and therefore know all the correct rituals and mantras in conducting temple worship. During the annual festival, the chief priest of the temple takes a backseat and works under the supervision/guidance of the Tantri.

Over hundreds of years, the families of Tantris has branched out and consequently, they take turns in every temple. Nellitheertha has always come under the supervision of the Tantris from “Yedapadavu” which is a small town about 10kms from the village. It is said that as soon as Lord Parashurama created the Western coast (Parashurama Kshetra), the Yedapadavu tantris were the first to hold the Kamandala!!

Sri Subramanya Tantri is one of the Tantris from the Yedapadavu clan and has been coming to our temple for over 30 years. Under his expert guidance, the temple has progressed immensely and is today considered one of the must-see places of Tulu Nadu. We decided to therefore hold a small ceremony to honor this great Guru!

Smt & Sri Subramanya Tantri (my mother standing beside)

Sanmana Sabha (my dad on extreme left)

The chief administrator of the Ambalpadi Janardana temple, Sri Vijay Ballal, presided over the function. Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayana Asranna, the chief priest of Sri Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple, Sri Bhuvanabhirama Udupa, Sri Bhujanga Shetty and other dignitaries were present at the ocassion.

Sri Baggamajalu Subramanya Tantri

Sri NVGK Bhat reading the certificate

Yours truly got to propose the vote of thanks in the end!

Vote of Thanks

Recently, the annual temple festival was conducted at Nellitheertha. The 5 day festival went off very well and thousands of devotees attended the festivities. One of the key highlights of this year’s festival was the felicitation held for Sri Subramanya Tantri, the “tantri” for our temple.

Tantris are a special class of Brahmins revered in Tulu Nadu. They are a small sect of Brahmins who hold the rights to perform/conduct Jaatres or annual festivals in temples. In addition, all the major religious events in the temple are conducted under their supervision. Tantris are extremely well versed in Agama Shastras and therefore know all the correct rituals and mantras in conducting temple worship. During the annual festival, the chief priest of the temple takes a backseat and works under the supervision/guidance of the Tantri.

Over hundreds of years, the families of Tantris has branched out and consequently, they take turns in every temple. Nellitheertha has always come under the supervision of the Tantris from “Yedapadavu” which is a small town about 10kms from the village. It is said that as soon as Lord Parashurama created the Western coast (Parashurama Kshetra), the Yedapadavu tantris were the first to hold the Kamandala!!

Sri Subramanya Tantri is one of the Tantris from the Yedapadavu clan and has been coming to our temple for over 30 years. Under his expert guidance, the temple has progressed immensely and is today considered one of the must-see places of Tulu Nadu. We decided to therefore hold a small ceremony to honor this great Guru!

Smt & Sri Subramanya Tantri (my mother standing beside)

Sanmana Sabha (my dad on extreme left)

The chief administrator of the Ambalpadi Janardana temple, Sri Vijay Ballal, presided over the function. Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayana Asranna, the chief priest of Sri Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple, Sri Bhuvanabhirama Udupa, Sri Bhujanga Shetty and other dignitaries were present at the ocassion.

Sri Baggamajalu Subramanya Tantri

Sri NVGK Bhat reading the certificate

Yours truly got to propose the vote of thanks in the end!

Vote of Thanks

Read the article here.

Along the river Shambhavi in Dakshina Kannada, an unbelievable number of ancient and beautiful temples exist. Most of these are thousands of years old and carry an amazing amount of historical significance. There are mainly a lot of Shiva and Durga temples along this line. Even after dedicating myself to just this stretch every time I visit Tulu Nadu, I have not yet managed to cover even half of them.

Sri Mundkur Durga Parameshwari Temple is another such wonderful temple. It is along the Shambhavi river coast and can be reached if one takes the Belmann-Moodabidri road from Udupi. Along with Inna-Muddanu, this temple also was established  by Sage Bharadwaja Bhargava. In fact, this temple along with Inna is the Kula Devata temple for many people in Tulu Nadu who have Bhargava  Gotra. On the day I visited this temple, a special alankara with Sandal paste was made to the main idol and Devi was looking resplendent in a golden hue.

Sri Durga Parameshwari

Sri Ganapathi

The Ganapathi idol in the temple is fully covered with silver and looks very auspicious. This temple has a history of more than 1200 years old. The priest of the temple took me to the well used to draw water for the rituals. The rings of the well have not been changed over the years and stand as archaeological proof for the age of the temple. There are deep grooves on all the rings which stand as testimony to the fact that this temple has been in existence for thousands of years.

Very old well

Theertha Mantapa

This temple, over the years, had been patronised by the rulers of Moodabidri. In fact, legend has it that the King and Queen of Moodabidri, when visiting the temple praying in front of the idol, the ear rings of the Queen dropped down. The Queen gave it as an offering to the idol. The ear rings are used to decorate the idol of Durga even today. Two wooden pillars were also carved on behalf of the King in memory of this event.

Wooden pillars

Garbha Gudi

From one of the books available at the temple, I managed to obtain a photo of the idol without any decoration. It is an amazing carving!

The annual festival in the temple starts from the 22nd day of Makara (Feb) and is held for 8 days. It is considered very auspicious to offer ‘Jaji’ and ‘Mallige’ flowers to Durga here. Hence, a lot of devotees visit this temple carrying these flowers.

Name: Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple

Location: Mundkur, Udupi District

Main deities: Durga, Ganapathi

Bhutas: Doomavathy, Varahi, Pili chamundi, Rakteshwari

Gopuram

Address: Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Mundkur, Karkala Taluk, Udupi district – 576121

Contact: by snail mail

How to get there: From Udupi, take the Karkala road via Padubidri. A few kilometres later, take the deviation to Belmann. Mundkur lies on this stretch.

Specialities: Mundkur is surrounded by the river Shambhavi on three sides (East, South and West). Around Mundkur, four Shiva temples are located – Posaral towards South-East, Inna-Muddanu towards North-East, Ulepadi towards South-West and Bola towards North-West.

More photos can be seen here.

Read the article here.

ರಾಣಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಅಥವಾ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಮಹಾದೇವಿ ತುಳುನಾಡನ್ನು ೧೬ನೆ ಶತಮಾನದ ಉತ್ತರಾರ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಳಿದ ವೀರ ಮಹಿಳೆ. ಇವಳ ರಾಜಧಾನಿ ಮೂಡುಬಿದಿರೆ. ರೇವುಪಟ್ಟಣ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳ ಉಪಾಂಗ ರಾಜಧಾನಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಸತತ ನಾಲ್ಕು ದಶಕಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳನ ಮತ್ತು ನೆರೆಯ ಪಟ್ಟಣಗಳನ್ನು ಕಬಳಿಸಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರಾದರೂ ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಜಯಿಸಲಾಗಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲಾ. ಕಾರಣ ಒಬ್ಬ ಮಹಿಳೆ – ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ.

ವೈರಿಯ ಪ್ರತಿ ದಾಳಿಯನ್ನು ವಿಫಲಗೊಳಿಸದ್ದಲ್ಲದೇ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಅವರು ನೆಲೆಸಿದ್ದ ಕೋಟೆ, ಯುದ್ಧ ನೌಕಾ ನೆಲೆಗಳ ಮೇಲೇ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಹಾರ ಮಾಡಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಕೆಚ್ಚೆದೆಯಿಂದ ಹೋರಾಡಿ ಜಯ ಸಾಧಿಸಿದ್ದವಳು ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ. ಇವಳ ಈ ಸಾಹಸದಿಂದಾಗಿಯೆ ಪೋರ್ಚಿಗೀಯರು ತಮ್ಮ ಅಧಿಕಾರವನ್ನು ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಭಾರತ ಕರಾವಳಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಭದ್ರವಾಗಿ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲಾಗಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲಾ. ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲೆ ಇಂಥ ವೀರ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಮತ್ತೊಬ್ಬ ಹೆಣ್ಣು ಕಾಣಸಿಗುವುದು ಅತಿ ವಿರಳ.

ಇವಳ ಸಾಧನೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪ್ರಾದೇಶಿಕ ಭಾಷಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿತ ಮೂಲಗಳಿಂದ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ತಿಳಿಯದಿದ್ದರು, ಈಕೆ ತನ್ನ ಜೀವಾವಧಿಯಲ್ಲೆ ಅಂತರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಿಯ ಪ್ರಸಿಧ್ಧಿಯನ್ನು ಗಳಿಸಿದ್ದಳೆಂಬುದು ತಿಳಿದು ಬರುತ್ತದೆ! ಅರಬ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಮೂಲಗಳು ಇವಳ ದಿಟ್ಟ ಪ್ರತಿರೋಧ ಹಾಗು ಇವಳ ಸರಳ ಆಚಾರ, ದೄಢ ವಿಚಾರ, ಸಜ್ಜನಿಕೆಯ ಗುರುತುಗಳಾಗಿ ಹಲವಾರು ಘಟನೆಗಳನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಿ ಈಕೆಯನ್ನು ಕೊಂಡಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಕಾಲ, ಜೀವನ, ಆಡಳಿತಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕ್ಲಿಷ್ಟತೆಗಳಿದ್ದರೂ ವಿದೇಶಿಯರ ಮೂಲಗಳಿಂದ (ಅವರ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಕೋನದಿಂದ ಲಿಖಿತ) ಹಾಗೂ ಕಥೆ, ಜಾನಪದಗಳಿಂದ (ಅತಿರಂಜಿತ) ಕೆಲವಷ್ಟು ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕೂಡಿಸಿ ಅವಳ ಜೀವನ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ನಿಖರವಾಗಿ ಅಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರು ವೈಚಾರಿಕತೆಯಿಂದ ವಿವರಿಸಬಹುದು.

ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಸಾಹಸ ಜೀವನ

ವಿಜಯನಗರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಪ್ರಾಬಲ್ಯ ಕ್ಷಿಣಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪಟ್ಟಣಗಳು (ಹೊನ್ನಾವರ, ಭಟ್ಕಳ, ಮಂಗ್ಳೂರು ಇ., ಅಂತರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಿಯ ರೇವುಪಟ್ಟಣಗಳು) ಕೆಳದಿಯ ನಾಯಕರ ಹಿಡಿತಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿತು. ಇದೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀ ಕಡಲಗಳ್ಳರು ಅರಬ್ಬೀ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಮಾರ್ಗವಾಗಿ ಹೊರಟ ಹಾಗೂ ಬರುವ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರಿ ನೌಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಳ್ಳೆ ಹೊಡೆಯಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿದ್ದರು. ಸ್ಪೇನ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪೋರ್ಚುಗಲ್ ಜೊತೆಗೂಡಿ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಭಾರತದ ನೌಕಾ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಹಿಡಿತದಲ್ಲಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದರು. ಸಮುದ್ರ ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ಬಳಸಲು ಅನಿಮಿತ ಕಪ್ಪಾ ವಸೂಲಿಯನ್ನು ನಿರ್ದಾಕ್ಷಿಣ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿದ್ದರು.(ಇವರೆಡು ದೇಶಗಳೊಗ್ಗೂಡಿ ಅಮೇರಿಕಾ ಖಂಡವನ್ನು ವಿವೇಚನೆಯಿಲ್ಲದ ಸುಲಿಗೆ ಕೊಲೆಗಳಿಂದ ಗೆದ್ದು ಧೀಮಂತರಾಗಿದ್ದರು.)

ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಈ ದಂಧೆಯ ಏಕಸಾಮತ್ಯದಿಂದ ಆಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಶೋಷಣೆ ತಿಳಿದು ತೀವ್ರ ವಿರೋಧ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದಳು. ಮುಂದೆ, ಕೆಳದಿ ನಾಯಕರ ನೆರವಿನಿಂದ ಅವಳು ಮಧ್ಯ-ಪ್ರಾಚ್ಯ ದೇಶಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರವನ್ನು ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಕಟ್-ನ ಬಂದರುಗಳಿಂದ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದಳು. ಆದರೆ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಇವಳ ನೌಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾರ್ಗ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲೆ ಸೆರೆ ಹಿಡಿದರು. ಇದರಿಂದ ಕುಪಿತಗೊಂಡ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಪೋರ್ರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಕೋಟೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿದಳು. ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಅವರ ಕರ್ಖಾನೆಯನ್ನು ಧ್ವಂಸಗೊಳಿಸಿದಳು. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳದ ಮೇಲೆ ದಾಳಿ ಎಸೆಗಳು ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಹೊಂಚು ಹಾಕಿದರು. ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಕಾಲಾವಕಾಶಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕಾದು ಕುಳಿತರು.

ಕೆಳದಿಯ ನಾಯಕ ಮಂಗಳೂರನ್ನು ವಶಪಡಿಸಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಸೈನ್ಯದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹೋದಾಗ, ಉಲ್ಲಾಳ ಹಾಗೂ ಅದರ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತಲಿನ ಪ್ರದೇಶವು ಅರಕ್ಷಿತವಾಗಿದೆಯೆಂದು ಭಾವಿಸಿ ಪೋರ್ರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ತಮ್ಮ ನೌಕಾ ಪಡೆಯನ್ನು ಉಲ್ಲಾಳ ಬಂದರನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತುಗಟ್ಟುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಮರುದಿನ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಿದ್ಧತೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆಂದು ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಎದುರಿಗಿರುವ ವಿಪತ್ತಿನ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿಯನ್ನು ಮನಗಾನುತ್ತಾಳೆ.

ಅಂದು ಅಮವಾಸ್ಯೆಯ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಾಳು ಅಂದೇ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಹಠಾತ್ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿ ತನ್ನ ಸೇನಾಪಡೆಯ ವೀರ ಮೊಗೇರ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮೋಪ್ಲಾರ್ (ಬೆಸ್ತರರು) ಸೈನಿಕರನ್ನು ನಿರ್ದೇಶಿಸಿ ಕಳುಹಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಇವರೆಲ್ಲಾ ಕೆಲವು ಕಿರುನೌಕೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತು ಪೋರ್ರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಯುದ್ಧ ನೌಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಂದೇಹ ಬರದಹಾಗೆ ಸಮೀಪಿಸಿ, ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಸೂಚನೆಯಂತೆ, ನೂರಾರು ಒಣ ತೆಂಗಿನ ನಾರು ಮತ್ತು ಗರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ ಹೊತ್ತಿಸಿ ವೈರಿ ನೌಕೆಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಒಂದೇ ಸಮನೆ ಎಸೆಯುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ನೌಕಾಪಟಗಳಿಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ ತಾಗಿ ಪೂರಾ ನೌಕೆಯನ್ನು ಬೆಂಕಿ ಆವರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಪ್ರಾಣ ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಸಮುದ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾರಿ ತೀರಕ್ಕೆ ಈಜು ಬಂದವರನ್ನು ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಸೈನ್ಯದಳವು ಕೊಚ್ಚಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಮೂಲಗಳ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಅಂದು ಇನ್ನೂರು ಸೈನಿಕರು ಸಾವಿಗೀಡಾಗಿ, ಎರಡು ಯುದ್ಧನೌಕೆಗಳು ಸುಟ್ಟು ತಳ ಸೇರಿದ್ದವು. ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಭಾರಿ ನಷ್ಟ ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದರು.

ಈ ಹೀನಾಯ ಸೋಲಿನಿಂದ ರೊಚ್ಚಿಗೆದ್ದ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಗೋವಾದಿಂದ (ರಾಜಧಾನಿ) ಇನ್ನೂ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಸೈನ್ಯಬಲದಿಂದ ಎರಡನೆ ಬಾರಿ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳನ್ನು ಆಕ್ರಮಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಸಲ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳದ ತಂಗು ಪ್ರದೇಶವನ್ನು ಲೂಟಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ, ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳು ತನ್ನ ಕುಶಲ ರಾಜತಂತ್ರದಿಂದ ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಕಟ್-ನ ಝಾಮೊರಿನ್, ಅರಬ್-ದ ಮೂರ್-ರು, ಮೊಪ್ಲಾ ಜನಾಂಗ ಮತ್ತು ಕೆಳದಿ ನಾಯಕರೆಲ್ಲರನ್ನು ಒಟ್ಟುಗೂಡಿಸಿ ವೈರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕ ವಿರೋಧವನ್ನು ಒಡ್ಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಯುದ್ಧತಂತ್ರವನ್ನು ಸ್ವತಃ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳೇ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಇವಳ ಚಾಕಚಕ್ಯತೆಯುಳ್ಳ ಸೇನಾ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣದಿಂದ ಈ ಬಾರಿಯೂ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಮುಖಭಂಗವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಇವಳ ನಿಪುಣ ರಾಜತಂತ್ರಿಕೆ, ಎದೆಗಾರಿಕೆಯ ಹೋರಾಟಗಳು ಜಾನಪದಗಳಾಗಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ತುಳುನಾಡಿನ ಜನರು ನೆನೆಯುತ್ತಾರೆ, ಪ್ರಭಾವ ಬೀರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಕೆಲ ಕಾಲಾನಂತರ, ಯುದ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೋತ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು, ಅವರನ್ನು ಹಾಗೂ ಅವರ ಭಾರಿ ನೌಕಾ ಶಕ್ತಿಯನ್ನೂ ಧಿಕ್ಕರಿಸಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಸಮುದ್ರ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ತೀವ್ರಗತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದುದನ್ನು ಕಂಡು ದಿಗಿಲುಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ~1568ರಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಅವಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಯುದ್ಧ ಸಾರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳ ನಗರವನ್ನು ಅತಿಕ್ರಮಿಸಿ ಅರಮನೆಯನ್ನೇ ನುಗ್ಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಕೋಟೆಯಿಂದ ನುಣುಚಿಕೊಂಡು ಒಂದು ಮಸೀದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆಶ್ರಯ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಅದೇ ರಾತ್ರಿ, ಅವಳು ಸುಮಾರು ಇನ್ನೂರು ಸೈನಿಕರನ್ನು ಒಟ್ಟುಗೂಡಿಸಿ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಮೇಲೆ ಎಗುರುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಈ ಕಾಳಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ವೈರಿಯ ಸೇನಾಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನು (General Peixoto) ಕೊಲ್ಲಲು ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಹಾಗೆ ಕೋಟೆಯೊಳಗಿದ್ದ ಸೈನ್ಯವನ್ನು ವೀರಾವೇಶದಿಂದ ಹೋರಾಡಿ, ಬಡಿದೋಡಿಸಿ, ಅಲ್ಲೇ ನೆಲೆಸಿದ್ದ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀ ನೌಕಾ ಸೇನೆಯ ಉನ್ನತ್ತಾಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನೂ (Admiral Mascarenhas) ಕೊಲ್ಲುತ್ತಾಳೆ.

ಇವಳ ಧೈರ್ಯದ ಎದುರು ನಿಬ್ಬೆರಗಾಗಿ ಹೋದ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಅವಳನ್ನು ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟಲು ೧೫೬೯ರಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಖಾಮುಖಿ ಯುದ್ಧ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಕಪಟತನ ವಂಚನೆಯಿಂದ ಸದೆ ಬಡಿಯಲು ಮುಂದಾಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆಕೆಯ ಗಂಡನನ್ನು (ಲಕ್ಷಮಪ್ಪಾ ಅರಸ, ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಬಂಗ ರಾಜ) ಅವಳಿಂದ ದೂರ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅವನ ರಾಜ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮೋಸದಿಂದ ಕಬಳಿಸಲು ಆತನ ಸೋದರ ಅಳಿಯನಿಗೆ ಗುಪ್ತವಾಗಿ ನೆರೆವು ನೀಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಕುಂದಾಪುರವನ್ನು ಲಪಟಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇವರೆಡು ಸೈನ್ಯದ ನೆರವಿನಿಂದ ಮತ್ತೆ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳನ್ನು ಮುತ್ತಿಗೆ ಹಾಕುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಈ ಬಾರಿಯೂ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಧೈರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಕಾದಾಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಆದರೆ ಯುದ್ಧವು ಯಾರ ಪರವಾಗಿಯೂ ನಿರ್ಣಯವಾಗದಾದಾಗ ಶಾಂತಿಯ ಒಡಂಬಡಿಕೆಗೆ ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮವಾಗಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳು ಇಂತಿಷ್ಟು ದೇಣಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರಿಗೆ ಕೊಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಇದನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲಾ. ಬದಲಾಗಿ ಆಕೆಯು ಅವರ ಮೇಲೆ ಇದರ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ದಂಡೆತ್ತಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ೧೫೭೦ರಲ್ಲಿ ಆಕೆ ವಿಜಾಪುರದ ಸುಲ್ತಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಕಟ್-ನ ಝಾಮೊರಿನ್-ರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಜೊತೆಗೂಡಿ ಮಂಗ್ಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಕಟ್ಟಿದ ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರ ಕೋಟೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಅದನ್ನು ನಾಶ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯರು ಇದರಿಂದ ತಲ್ಲಣಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ದಿಗ್ಭ್ರಾಂತರಾಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅವಳ ಸತತ ಭೀತಿ ಅವರ ಗುಂಡಿಗೆಯನ್ನೇ ಛಿದ್ರಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಆದರೆ ದುರ್ದೈವಶಾತ್ ಮಂಗ್ಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೋಟೆಯನ್ನು ನಾಶ ಮಾಡಿ ಬರುವಾಗ ದಾರಿ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಕಟ್-ನಿಂದ ಬಂದ ಸೇನಾದಳದ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಪೋರ್ಚುಗೀಯ ಸೈನಿಕರು ಕೊಲ್ಲುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಮತ್ತು ಇನ್ನೊಂದಡೆ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಗಂಡನನ್ನು ಸೆರೆಯಾಳಗಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅವಳಿಗೆ ನೆರೆರಾಜ್ಯದ ಬೆಂಬಲ ಸಿಗದಂತೆ ಚಾಲೂಗಿರಿಯಿಂದ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಸೋಲಿಸುವ ತಂತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹೂಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.

೧೫೮೧ರ ಒಂದು ಮುಂಜಾವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗೋವಾದ ವೈಸ್ರಾಯಿ Anthony D’Noronha ತನ್ನ ೩೦೦೦ ಜನ ಸೇನಾ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಹಾಗೂ ಅನೇಕ ಯುದ್ಧ ನೌಕೆಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಉಲ್ಲಾಳ ಬಂದರು ಮೇಲೆ ಅಪ್ಪಳಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಯೆ ಮಾಡದ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕ ಅಂದು ತನ್ನ ಮನೆದೇವರಾದ ಸೋಮನಾಥೇಶ್ವರನ ಗುಡಿಯಿಂದ ಮರಳಿ ಬರುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಆದರೂ ಆಕ್ರಮಣದ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದೊಡನೆಯೇ ಯುದ್ಧ ಉಡಪನ್ನು ಧರಿಸಿ, ಕುದುರೆ ಏರಿ, ವೈರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒದ್ದೊಡಿಸಳು ಮುಂದಾಗುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಈ ಸಲವೂ ಘೋರ ವಿರೋಧವನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. “ತಾಯ್ನಾಡನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಿ, ವೈರಿಗಳನ್ನು ನೆಲದ ಮೇಲಾಗಲಿ ಸಮುದ್ರದಲ್ಲಾಗಲಿ ಹೋರಾಡಿ ನಮ್ಮ ದಡದಿಂದಾಚೆ ಓಡಿಸಿ” ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾ, ಸೈನ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹುರಿದುಂಬಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಶತ್ರುಪಡೆಯನ್ನು ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ.

ದುರಾದೄಷ್ಟಕರವೆಂದರೆ ಈ ಯುದ್ಧವೆ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಕಡೆಯ ಕದನವಾಯಿತು. ಈ ಯುದ್ಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಬ್ಬಕ್ಕಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಗುಂಡಿನ ಮಳೆಯನ್ನೇ ಹಾರಿಸಿದರು. ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡು ಬಿದ್ದ ಇವಳನ್ನು ರಣರಂಗದಿಂದ ದೂರ ತರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಕೊನೆಯ ಉಸಿರೆಲೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ ತನ್ನ ಸೈನಿಕರಿಗೆ ನಾಡಿನ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಾಣಭಯವನ್ನೂ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಹೋರಾಡಿ ಎಂದು ಘರ್ಜಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಉತ್ತೇಜಿಸುತ್ತಾನೇ ವೀರಮರಣ ಹೊಂದಿದಳು.

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ಮೂಲಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಮನ್ನಣೆ:

ಚಿತ್ರ ೧ ಮತ್ತು ೩: http://www.mea.gov.in/indiaperspective/2004/102004.pdf
ಚಿತ್ರ ೨: http://www.ignca.gov.in/nl001903.htm
http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/abbakka.htm (ನಾಟಕೀಯ ನಿರೂಪಣೆ)
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2008/jayamala-rani-abbakka-080808.html (ಮೂವಿ-ಜಯಮಾಲಾ-ಮನಿ ರತ್ನಮ್)

Inna Muddanu is another beautiful Shiva temple on the banks of River Shambhavi in Tulu Nadu. I was told by the priest of Posaral temple that there are 11 Shiva temples just on the banks of the river itself. Inna is one of them. The main deity of this temple is Sri Mahalingeshwara. As found in almost every other temple in Tulu Nadu, there is also a Ganapathi idol here towards the South West corner of the temple.

Sri Mahalingeshwara

Ganapathi

According to the legend of the place, the great sage Bhargava performed penance of Lord Shiva at a nearby hill. Pleased with the penance, Lord Shiva blessed Bhargava and granted a boon that he would come down and stay in the form of a Linga nearby. That is how the Inna temple came into being. Even today, Inna Mahalingeshwara (along with Sri Durga Parameshwari of nearby Mundkur, also established by Sage Bhargava) is the Kula Devata for a majority of families from the Bhargava Gotra in Tulu Nadu.

Prangana

Ganapathi Gudi

The garbha gudi and theertha mantapa are also built in typical Dakshina Kannada temple style. The main Bhuta worshipped in the temple is Varahi (Panjurli).

Garbha Gudi

Theertha mantapa

The mantapa also has beautiful carvings on the pillars. The Nandi idol in the mantapa is also very beautiful.

Statue

Statue 2

Name: Sri Mahalingeshwara Devasthana.

Location: Inna Muddanu, Udupi District.

Main deities: Mahalingeshwara, Ganapati

Bhutas: Panjurli

Entrance

Address: Inna Muddanu Sri Mahalingeshwara Devasthana, Karkala Taluk, Udupi District – 576 146

Telephone: 08258 – 268108

How to get there: On the Udupi Mangalore highway, turn right at Padubidri towards Karkala. After about 8 kilometres, you will reach Adve. Turn right here and travel about 3kms. You will find a board for Inna. Turn left here and travel a further 3kms to reach Inna.

More photos can be found here.

Specialities: The temple was recently renovated in 2006 and is in excellent condition. There are lots of facilities to take care of travelers here. This place has a recorded history of more than 1300 years. It is certainly worth a visit the next time you are around Udupi.