History of Kudla -Series I

This Blog Article is heavyly borrowed from various websites and other sources, basically i wanted to depict history of my native. Manglaore also populary called as Kudla,South Canara,Kodial,Mycala etc. is a wonderful city with highly devleoped society strucute. The Concept of Tulunadu can be found in its culturer and heritage. The people of South canara/Mangalore are highly successful pioneer in various fields such as Banking, Hotel Industry, Science and Technology etc. I have tried to just compile from various source to present a short version of the regions history and background. I dont claim these details are my original work, but tried to present it in a better way ( or i think so), I shall try do similar activity. as and when i get sufficient time and feed back/idea which come to my thoughts.....Please gothrough this and send me some feedback. Here you go...

Namma Kudla, South Canara, Mycala, Kodiala ....

Mangalore/(un-divided south canara) district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches,lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores.

Mangalore,the district headquarters, has a long history of maritime trade. Though developed as a business and commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old world charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish,sea food served in spicy coconut curries.

The name of South Kanara (Dakshina Kannada) is derived from a wrong designation given to this region by the Portuguese in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They found the people speaking Kannada and therefore called the region Canara. The region then included what today is Uttar Kannada. The English who took over the area after the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799 continued this nomenclature.

Until 1860, Canara - South and North were under a single Administration. In that year, the British split the area into South Canara and North Canara, the former being retained in Madras, while the later was made a part of Bombay Province in 1862. Coondapur taluk was earlier included in North Canara, but was re-included in South Canara later. Kasargod taluk was transferred to Cannanore District when the States were reorganized in 1956.

The Mangalore City is said to have been named after the famous Mangaladevi Temple. This temple was built by the Ballal family of Attavar in memory of a princess of Kerala.The Goddess Mangale is worshiped as Shakti. The festival is celebrated during 9 days of Navaratri (October).
Story About Mangala Devi:Veerabahu was the king of Tulunadu. When he became old he handed over his kingdom to Bangaraja with the approval of his master sage Bharadharaja. Veerabahu had no children and after relieving himself of the responsibilities of the king became a recluse.

Bangaraja proved a worthy successor to Veerabahu. He ruled his kingdom well and brought more glory and fame to his kingdom. On a certain night while he was sleeping Goddess Mangaladevi appeared in his dream and revealed to him that at the spot where Netravathi and Phalguni rivers converge there is a mound under which lay the remains of a shrine. Mother Goddess bade him to relieve from the remains the Shivashakthi Linga and the Dharapatra and install them in a shrine newly built. Then, she further said arrangements be made for the regular worship in the temple. She promised him that these services would bring him glory and happiness.

The king, not being able to decide as to what he should do consults sage Bharadhwaja. Bharadhwaja saint was very much pleased with the king and encouraged him to fulfill the wishes of the Mother goddess. He wanted him to know the past events, which had made the place a hallowed and blessed one. Listening to the story of Vikhasini, Andasura and also sage Parasurama, Bhangaraja decided to execute the responsibility entrusted to him by Goddess Mangaladevi herself.

Thus a beautiful shrine was built and the Linga Symbolizing Shiva and Shakti, along with Dharapatra were installed. Once again the splendor of the shrine began to attract the pious people.

At the later stage, Kundavarma once again renovated the temple where it was in a dilapidated condition under the guidance of Matsyendranath and Goraknath, holy saints of the Natha cult. In Tulunadu, Kundavarma, the most famous king of Alupa Dynasty was ruling. At that time, there came two sages named Matsyendranath and Goraknatha from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura (today's Mangalore), crossing the river Netravathi. The place where they crossed the river came to be known as 'Gorakdandi'. They chose a place near the bank of Netravathi, which was once the centre of activities of sage Kapila. He had his hermitage there and it was a great centre of education.

Hearing about the arrival of two saints the king came to meet them. Introducing himself as the king of Tulunadu he paid them his respects and offered them help and patronage. Pleased with the humility and virtues of the king they brought to his knowledge that his kingdom was a hallowed place and it was sanctified by the activities of holy saints and sages in the past. They requested him to grant them land so that they could build their hermitage and make it a centre of their religious activities under his protection and patronage.

For Kundavarma it was really a surprise to know that his land had such a hoary history. It was from these saints he came to know that once upon a time there exists a temple in his land dedicated to mother Mangaladevi. From their own mother he heard the story of Vikasini and Andasura, Parasurama and the temple built by him. The two saints took the king to places where all these historical events had taken place. They asked the king to dig the place and relieve the Linga and the Dharapatra symbolizing Mangaladevi and install them in a shrine along with Nagaraja for the protection.

Kundavarma carried out the advice of the two sages. A grand shrine of Shri Mangaladevi stood on the hallowed place. The two sages themselves guided and supervised the execution of the work. The temple attained special significance, as Mother Mangaladevi granted special favors, especially on Maidens, Pious Maidens who worship the goddess observing Mangaladharavrata (Swayamvara Parvathi) will have their wishes fulfilled. They get husbands most suited for them.

Even today the two temples, Mangaladevi and Kadri have maintained their connection. The hermits of Kadri Yogirajmutt visit Mangaladevi temple on the first days of Kadri temple festival and offer prayer and silk cloth.

The place name Mangalapura owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. The pious people even today believe that worship of Mangaladevi brings them prosperity and happiness. The temple has a special significance for the maidens. Maidens who observe Mangala Parvati Vrata will have their wish of having a suitable match, fulfilled. Those who celebrate their wedding in this holy place will have a happy married life.

About The City:City Sights 357 Kms west of Bangalore is the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial Center. Mangalore could be your entry point to Beach Country- with its virgin and unexplored beaches. While in Mangalore try and see a Yakshagana performance- an elaborate dance from unique to Karnataka.

The Kambala (buffalo race) is another exciting event. A trip to Mangalore would be incomplete without a visit to the 10th century Kadri Manjunatha Temple, St.Aloysius chapel, Mangala devi Temple, Tippu’s Battery and the Jumma Masjid. The Ullal beach with casuarinas groves is another attraction that draws tourists all through the year.

The District Head Quarter, which is also called as The Gateway of Karnataka with its Harbour where import and export of Crude Oil, Iron Ore, Wood, Spices, Food grains takes place. Mangalore is also well known for its Educational Institutions with many schools, colleges and Professional Institutions. The first Prime Minister of India called Mangalore city as the green city for its Palm and Coconut trees. Mangalore city has an area of 111.18 KM.

Places to see in Mangalore:

Pilikula Nisarga Dhama: Nearly 10Km away from Mangalore highway road at Moodushedde the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is situated. This offers a panoramic view for the nature lovers. It is a very significant place with Botanical gardens, Horticultural gardens, Musical fountains, deer park, swimming-lake with boating facilities, tiger safari and children train. It extends to an area of 350 acres land along the tropical jungle on the bank of the Gurpur river.

Gokarnanatheshwara Temple of Kudroli:Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shri Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. Shree Narayana Guru had visited Mangalore in 1912 and expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for themselves. Read On
Shri Venkataramana Temple, Car Street, MangaloreIt was believed that temple was founded during 17th century A.D. (1735). The present idol erected in main sanctum of Lord Sri Venkataramana of temple is said to be original symbolic idol of the Lord Sri Venkataramana. It is also said, Sri Mahla Pai from a noble family of Mangalore belonging to Gowda Saraswatha Brahmin Community of Kaushika lineage erected bronze idols of Lord Sri Veera Vittala and Lord Sri Gopalakrishna. Inside the main sanctum of the temple, there established idols of deities - Goddess Sri Devi and Goddess Bhoodevi along with main deity Lord Sri Veera Venkatesha, festive idol of Lord Srinivasa, Shri Mula Venkaaramana, Garuda Vahana Shri Gopalakrishna and Shri Veera Vittala.

Church of Our Lady of miracles:
Bishop Thomas de Castro, a Theatine priest of Salesette, built the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, better known as Milagres Church of Mangalore, in 1680. It is thus more than 320 years old. This Church is situated in Hampankatta of Mangalore city and it is famous for its architectural construction.

The Kadri Manjunatha Temple:

The other old temple of aging 1068 A.D. is Kadri Manjunatha Temple. It is said that the incarnation of Shri Vishnu, Shri Parashuram had installed the Shivalinga and named it as Manjunatha at Kadali Kshetra (Kadri).

The speciality of the temple is that spring water flows out as a stream through an outlet known as Gomukha below the seat of idol of Lord Ganesh. This water is conveyed to the 9 Tanks by the side of the temple. The tanks are situated at a higher level and Manjunatha Temple at a lower level approximately 100 ft. There is a mutt belonging to Nath Cult. Next to the Mutt is a cave called Pancha Pandava's Cave.

Over the Kadri hills a park is situated called "Kadri Park", which is a home to a few wild animals. It is also known as "Deer park". Also in the same area a children's park is provided with a children's train. This place also hosts a Flower show organized by the Horticulture Department every year.

Rosario Cathedral: The Church of the most Holy Rosary, MangaloreRev. Fr. Urban Stein S.J. a German (1845-1888) was the first Parish priest of the Cathedral. He introduced the order of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the Cathedral in the year 1888. Mother Nymppa Paullina Fernandez daughter of John Francis Fernandez, deputy Collector, South Kanara was the first superior. During this time it was decided that those who would contribute Rs.200/- to Rs.500/- and superintend the work of the Cathedral for one year should be granted the honour of Principals or Founders. Read On

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathy Temple:, MangaloreSituated on the heart of the city Hampankatta, it is one of the famous ancient temples of South Kanara District. The origin and importance of the temple is narrated in skanda purana. Sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the principal deities in the temple. The chief God Sharabheshwara situated in front of the temple but the popular Mahaganapaty attracts devotees is situated to the south of the temple. Vinayaka Chathurthy August-September Simha Maasa is most important festival for Mahaganapathy. But the utsavas starting from Chandramana Ugadi continues for 9 days in the main annual festival for Sharabheshwara.

Kudroli, Mangalore Sri Narayana Guru (A social reformer and a saint) constructed this temple in 1912. This temple is situated at Kudroli, which is about 3 Km away from the main city area of Hampankatta. The original temple structure was in Kerala style, which was replaced, by Chola style during recent renovation in 1991. The main deity of the temple is Lord Sri Gokarnanatha (another form of Lord Shiva). Navarathri Utsava (Dasara festival) is very famous and is one of the main tourist events in this temple. A grand procession of Goddess Durga takes place during this festival, which attracts many tourists and devotees from distance corners of the state and is very popular like Mysore Dasara. Read On

Mahatobhara Shree MangalaDevi Temple:, MangaloreSituated 3 Km Southwest of Mangalore City, this temple has influence on the name and importance of Mangalore. The word Mangalore is derived from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. The temple built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. The Goddess Mangala is worshiped as Shakti. The festival is celebrated during 9 days of Navaratri (October). Read On
Sultans Battery: For preventing the entrance of warships into the Gurpur river 6 Kms away from the city at Boloor on the banks of the river Gurpur, Tipu Sultan had built a miniature fortress making provision for mounting cannons all round. From the top of the Battery one can enjoy the sunset also.

St. Aloysius College and St. Aloysius Chapel:

On the top of the lighthouse hill 2 km from Mangalore is the Light House an 18-century-old monument inside the Tagore Park standing, adjacent to the Idgha- a place where the Muslims offer pooja during their festivals. An ancient chapel called St. Aloysius College Chapel is situated by the side of the Lighthouse. The walls and roof of the chapel are decorated with paintings depicting Bibilical stories. An Italian Jesuist Fr. Mocheni did the paintings. Next to the chapel stands an 18-century-old St. Aloysius College, which is a reputed educational institution.

Ullal:

On the bank of the river Nethravathi 12 Km from Mangalore Ullal is situated, Many Seafood and canned food factories are situated in this area. It has a beach resort at chota Mangalore of Ullal on the bank of the Arabian Sea called Summer Sands beach resort. Well famed saint Syed Mohammed Madani Darga and college imparting Arabic education, is also located here. About three Km from Ullal a place Called Kotekar, on the top of a Huge rock a temple named Somanatheshwar stands with its grandeur of sculpture of ancient times. The ruins of the Fort of queen Abbakka Devi of Ullal can be seen around the temple. The alluring beach is also named as Someshwar beach.

Panambur Beach:

13Km from Mangalore on the north of the National Highway is the Panambur beach. On the 11th of Jan 1975, as the 9th Major port of the country the new Mangalore port was opened near Panambur. For visitors a pass is to be obtained from the Secretary Mangalore Harbour Port Administrative Office. In the vicinity of the Port lies the Mangalore chemical and Fertilizers Factory and the Kudremukh Iron Ore Factory. The iron ore from Kudremukh and other accessories are transported from this port.

LOCAL FESTIVALS / EVENTS: The "KARAVALI FESTIVAL" is held in February every year. Organized by the Government of Karnataka, this festival celebrates the rich culture of the coast. It also observes quaint rituals like the "BHUTA" (DEMON WORSHIP, do not think of local Bootha's), NAGAMANDALA and DEMON DANCE. Sports like the KAMBALA-the BUFFALO RACE and KORI KATTA or the COCK FIGHT are played with much enthusiasm

Mangalore - The land of templesThe District Head Quarter, which is also called as The Gateway of Karnataka with its Harbour where import and export of Crude Oil, Iron Ore, Wood, Spices, Food grains takes place. Mangalore is also well known for its Educational Institutions with many schools, colleges and Professional Institutions. Read On

INDUSTRIES AT MANGALORE:1. The Mangalore Refineries and Chemicals Ltd.2. The Mangalore Chemical Fertilizers Ltd.3. Kudremukh Iron Ore Industries4. The Mangalore Power Company5. The Canara Springs Ltd.6. Lamina Suspensions Ltd. Other various industries are situated near Bykampady and the Yeyyadi Industrial area.

Air Port: Mangalore airport is situated at a distance of 19 km from Mangalore at Bajpe. There are different flight services available from here to Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai etc.

Around MangaloreMoodabidri and Karkala - the towns of Jain basadis!

Moodabidri: It is a Jain Shrine pilgrimage called "Jain Kashi". Pilgrims from different places and countries come here to worship the Thirthankara in different basadis. It is 35 km from Mangalore. 5 centuries ago a Basadi called "Saavira Sthamba Basadi" was built here. It still appears very magnificent.

Service / express busses takes approximately one hour (if you enjoy roller coster ride then you'll simply love these bus drivers) best from the service bus stand at Nehru maidan in Mangalore. Costs about Rs. 15-20 depending on the route taken by the bus. Around 35 kilometers from Mangalore to Moodabidri, taxis too will take you there. By taxi it cost about 300 - 350 Rs. for a round trip. Karkala on the other hand is about 50 kilometers from Mangalore and the charges by taxi are about 500-750. Read On

Karkala: or karla It is 52 kms northeast. The 452 ft tall monolithic statue of Bahubali and the St. Lawrence Church are the main attractions here.
VarangaNearby, is an important Jain pilgrim Center 16 kms from Karkala.

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple-Kateel: is located about 5 kilometers from the Bajpe Bus stand. As such going to Bajpe, using the Kavoor- Marakada Route is the most convenient as the road is well maintained since it is also the access route to the Mangalore Airport. Further the winding roads amidst green hills and valleys make it a very pleasant and memorable experience. Once in Bajpe town, take the straight road leading north to go to kateel.

Jamalabad: It is 40 kms east. The fort here was built by Tippu Sultan and named after his mother Jamalbee.

Udupi:The birth place of Udupi hotes is 60 kms north, this town has the famous Krishna Temple with the Golden Chariot. It is here that the saint Madhwacharya lived and preached 700 years ago. The famous Masala Dosa has its origin here. Now, it is the district head quarters of the newly formed Udupi District.

Polali: About 34 Km from Mangalore an ancient Temple dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeshwari is situated, with an image of 12ft height, worshiped with the idols of Badra Kali, Shanmuga with Ganapathi, on either side. Every year a car festival lasting for a month is held and it is called as polali chendu. During the period of polali chendu, a football tournament is held as an important event of the festival.

Mulki Temples: In the north direction of Mangalore on the N.H 17 highway road at a distance of 28 Km, on the riverbank of Shambavi is situated a famous temple of Shri Venkatramana. The temple belongs to 1277 A.D. In the temple the images of Venkatramana, Bindu Madhava, Vittala and Ugra Narasimha are worshiped. The history of the place indicates that Shri Vijayendra Yathi of Kashimutt installed the image of Ugra Narasimha belonging to Vijayanagar here in 1565.

Mulki was earlier known as Mulikapur. In course of time Mulikapur changed to Mulki. Samantha kings who had donated "Inams" to this temple ruled this place. Now one can see the palace and the old ruins of the fort of Samantha Kings. The Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple and twin temple of Somanath and Narayana are the other shrines of the Mulki. A buffalo race called "Arasu Kambala" also annually held here.

Dharmasthala: On the bank of the River Nethravathi at about 74 km from Mangalore and at a distance of 3 km from the bank, the Holy Place Dharmasthala is situated. With green vegetation and the hills environment with the river flow creates a calm serenity to the visitors. It is a pilgrimage to Hindus where the charity is the most predominant. The speciality of the temple is that the Lord Shiva is worshipped by Shivites called deity called "Manjunatha" and the priests are Madhwa Vaishnavas. A Jain family called the Heggade according manages the place. Food is served free here to the visitors. The management also extends the lodging facility to the visitors as service.

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is the present Dharmadhikari, who is responsible for the installation of a Monolithic statue of Gommata sculptured at Karkala by Renjal Shenoy, a great sculpture, on a near by hill near to the temple. The name Dharmasthala was given by a Yathi Shri Vadiraja Swami of Udupi Sodemutt. A museum, Car Museum, Lalithodyana, an Aquarium park, yakshagana training center are the main attractions here.

Subramanya: A well-famed temple, inside the dense forest bordering the Western Ghats, is situated and is called Subramanya. The original name was Kukke as "Kukke" or basket by the priest of the temple had covered the Kukkelinga. Now this linga is inside the inner courtyard of the Subramanya Temple. The temple cart is nearly 150 years old. On the bank of river Kumaradhara a small shrine of Subramanya called "Mooladevaru" is also situated. It is a sacred pilgrimage to Hindus.

Venur: 45 km from Mangalore a monolithic statue of Gommata 38 ft. height is situated. The place is called Venur. Veera Thimmappa Ajila 4 installed this Gommata in 1064 A.D. There are also a few Jain basadis.

Malpe Beach:It is 66 kms north of Mangalore. The pristine beauty complemented by peaceful surroundings, make this beach a favorite holiday spot. The St. Mary’s Island, another delightful holiday hangout, is just a boat ride away.

Maravanthe:It is 110 kms north of Mangalore and has a scenic beach.
BaindurIs a hamlet, 45 kms from Maravanthe. It has a beautiful beach nearby. Ottanane near Baindur is famous for its glorious sunset.

Kollur:Is 140 kms north. The famous Mookambika Temple here attracts thousands of devotees.

Languages Tulu, Konkani(both Catholic and GSB versions), Kannada (In most purest form that you'll start loving kannada instantly), Malayalam, Coorgi,Tamil and hey Telugu too (Thanks to IT companies)

Best Time to Visit: September to February

STD Code 0824 .

many more informations coming soon in next series of Kudla. until then....Daye mande bisi!.