As we traverse the Karnataka coastal region, there are multiple ancient temples dedicated to various deities. One such temple is the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple situated in Bappanadu village. The temple is constructed on the banks of River Sambhavi.
A Muslim merchant known as Bappa Beary built this temple. Bappa Beary found the Linga and heard a divine voice asking him to build a temple. Accordingly, he built the temple and installed the Linga, which is a symbolic statue of goddess Durgaparameshwari. Devotees from the Muslim community are also allowed to visit the temple and accept the divine food (prasada).
From the inscriptions it is known that the sanctum sanctorum was built in the 14th century. Another inscription dates the temple back to the 11th century.
Legend:
Darigasura the demon ruled Shonitapura. Lord Brahma had given the demon the boon that he could defeat Lord Vishnu and the other gods/devatas. He defeated Lord Vishnu and got hold of his ammunitions. Darigasura asked his wife to keep the ammunitions safe.
Goddess DurgaParameshwari appeared in the form of seven goddesses (Sapta Durgas) and promised Lord Vishnu that she would bring an end to the demon. The Sapta Durgas then went to Shonitpura accompanied by a deity named Guliga.
Bhagawati devi the Sapta Durga disguised as an old woman requested Darigasura for food. Darigasura in turn asked her to request his wife for a meal and inform him if she didn’t get the meal. Bhagawati devi asked for Vishnu’s ammunitions instead of food to which the wife refused. Bhagawati complained to Darigasura of the denial and the irritated Darigasura asked his wife to give Bhagawati devi whatever she asks for. Accordingly, Darigasura’s wife gave away the ammunitions to Bhagawati devi.
Darigasura was infuriated and waged a war against the Sapta Durgas. Deity Guliga was defeated, but in seven days, the demon was defeated, and he took shelter in the underworld. But Bhagawati devi took the form of Bhadra Kali and found the demon and killed him. Sapta Durgas and Guliga requested Lord Vishnu to create a sandalwood boat to travel from Vaikunta (heaven) to Bhooloka (earth).
The boat reached Bhooloka and travelled to Kasaragod, Kumble, Uppala, Pattattur, Manjeshwara, Udyavara, Ullala and Kudroli along the southern coast of Karnataka. When the boat reached Sasihithlu near Mulki, the Sapta Durgas decided to reside at this place. A symbolic form of the Devi known as Durgaparameshwari appeared at the confluence of Rivers Nandini and Sambhavi at Mulki border.
The annual festival (Brahma Rathotsava) of the temple falls in the month of April. Bappanadu Dolu (musical drum), a large drum is kept inside the temple to be used during the festivities.
Place statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Hindu temple
Situated: Bappanadu village of Mulki town, Dakshina Kanna
Distance: 29 kilometers from Mangaluru
Transport: Well connected by road, air, and rail
Facilities: Many staying options available in Mangaluru
Address:
Executive Officer,
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple,
Bappanadu MULKI – 574154 (D.K.)
Karnataka – INDIA
Ph: 91-824-290585
Pooja Timings:
Morning: 8-00 A.M.
Afternoon: 12-30 P.M.
Night: 8-00 P.M.
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