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Embark on this blessed Navratri tour from Kateel to Kollur! Navratri is a grand event in Karnataka like in many parts of India. The residing deities at Kateel and Kollur are the very embodiments of Shakti - the power force worshipped specifically on the occassion of Navratri. It only takes 116 km drive for the wholesome experience of the divine feminine! You could plan for a day trip as it hardly takes two and a half hours to reach Kollur from Kateel. But we also have a plan B for you which will be a two day trip covering several must-see attractions on the way adding a mere 5 km to your relaxed tour. The itinerary is mesmerizing thanks to the beautiful beaches and wonderful Western Ghats that you'll pass by...
Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple is situated on a picturesque islet in the midst of River Nandhini in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It has intriguing legends attached to it. A perfect example of the triumph of good over evil - the moral core of Navratri celebrations! A demon called Aruna caused heavy droughts in this region. He had earned a boon from Lord Brahma in keeping with which he would not be killed by either two legged or four legged beings, nor should any weapon kill him. Accordingly, Goddess Durga manifested in the form of a stone from which a swarm of bees attacked the demon to death. Hence, Goddess Durga is called Bhramarambika in this sacred islet.
Kateel literally means, in the middle of the land. River Nandhini elegantly flows on all sides of the temple. The land and temple are now connected by a bridge. A lot of pilgrims swarm this area during the Navratri celebrations to offer prayers to the Shakti Devata - Goddess Durga!
From Kateel, enroute to the famous Kollur Mookambika temple are many must-visit places. Mulki is the first pass-through. Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Venkataramana and Sri Bindu Madhav are the residing deities of an ancient temple complex in Mulki. Your next temple stop will be at Padubidri. This small town in Udupi houses an ancient Maha Ganapathi temple. It is only 9 kms from Mulki on your way to Kollur. If you've kids with you who are waiting to break-free and have good fun, you should stop for a while at Kaup Beach which only takes a 2 km deviation to the left from your route.
Image Courtesy: Shiroor Mutt
It'd be ideal to halt for the night in Udupi. The late night and early morning puja at Udupi are out of the world. Seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and head straight to Kumbashi. A 31 km drive away from Udupi, Kumbashi or Anegudde has a beautiful Vinayaka temple. A few minutes of peace in the temple will recharge you to drive further. The next entry is to a beautiful coastal taluk of Kundapura. Known as the Town of the Sun, Sri Kundeshwara temple and the Kodi beach are the major attractions of the place. Only 38 km from Kundapura will take you to our final destination Kollur Mookambika temple. Thus completes our 122 km drive from Kateel to Kollur.
Placed perfectly at the base of Western Ghats, on the banks of Saurpanika river, in front of the Kodachadri mountain peak, is the Mookambika temple at Kollur. A house of fascinating legends, it is also one of the seven Parashurama Kshetras. Goddess Parvati is said to have killed a demon named Mookasura right here, hence the name Mookambika. The idol was placed by Adi Sankara behind the Jyotirlinga.
The jyortirlinga itself epitomizes the two binaries of Shiva and Shakti. A Swarnarekha (golden line) divides the jyotirlinga into two unequal halves. One half symbolizing the conscious power of the masculine and the other that of the creative force of the feminine. Special offerings are made to the Goddess power during Navratri. Hold back nothing, let yourself free and bow down to the course of life. Rise, be a part of this grand and meaningful event.
For one day tour details click here!
For two day tour details click here!
