Kadri Manjunath Temple
Kadri Manjunath Temple is a historic temple in Mangaluru that dates back to the 10th century and is culturally linked to Dharmasthala. It is widely believed that the Shiva Linga currently worshipped in Dharmasthala was originally brought from this very temple by the deity Annappa Swamy. Located on the Kadri Hills, this temple was initially a center of Vajrayana Buddhism before evolving into a prominent Shaivite center under the Natha Pantha tradition. The temple houses a magnificent bronze statue of Lokeshwara (Lord Manjunatha), which is considered one of the finest bronze idols in India. The hill is also home to the Pandava Caves, which are ancient laterite caves where monks used to meditate. The surrounding garden, known as Kadri Park, adds to the serenity of the location. The temple complex features seven holy ponds fed by a natural spring called Gomukha, where devotees perform ritual purifications. It remains a focal point for the Jogi community and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the spiritual history of the Tulunadu region and its deep connections with the Alupa kings.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage and Ancient CaveEntry Fees:
Free Entry: Entry to the temple and the Pandava Caves is free for all visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy the heritage and spirituality.
Parking Fees: A nominal parking fee of 20 to 50 rupees is charged for private vehicles at the designat...Free Entry: Entry to the temple and the Pandava Caves is free for all visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy the heritage and spirituality.
Parking Fees: A nominal parking fee of 20 to 50 rupees is charged for private vehicles at the designated parking slots near the gate.Timing:
Temple Hours: Open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily for darshan and various sevas.
Ideal Visit: The best time is at 6:30 AM for the morning pooja or during the sunset to enjoy the evening breeze on the hill. ...Temple Hours: Open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily for darshan and various sevas.
Ideal Visit: The best time is at 6:30 AM for the morning pooja or during the sunset to enjoy the evening breeze on the hill.Special Events:
Annual Car Festival: Held during the month of January on Makara Sankranti, featuring a grand chariot pulling ceremony and cultural fairs.
Lakshadeepa: Similar to Dharmasthala, the temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps during the m...Annual Car Festival: Held during the month of January on Makara Sankranti, featuring a grand chariot pulling ceremony and cultural fairs.
Lakshadeepa: Similar to Dharmasthala, the temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps during the month of Kartika (October-November).Best Photo Spots:
Gomukha Spring: The stone-carved cow's mouth with water flowing into the pond provides a classic spiritual photograph for visitors.
Temple Entrance: The traditional "Rajagopuram" style entrance against the backdrop of the lush Kadri Hills i...Gomukha Spring: The stone-carved cow's mouth with water flowing into the pond provides a classic spiritual photograph for visitors.
Temple Entrance: The traditional "Rajagopuram" style entrance against the backdrop of the lush Kadri Hills is ideal for wide-angle shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Seek Blessings: Offer prayers to Lord Manjunatha in the sanctum and witness the unique Arati performed in the traditional coastal style.
Explore the Caves: Trek slightly up the hill to enter the Pandava Caves and feel the cool, spiritual vibration of these ancient meditation cells.
Visit the Holy Ponds: Sprinkle water from the seven ponds (Saptamrita) on your head, which is considered a purifying ritual before entering the shrine.
Stroll in Kadri Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk in the largest park in Mangaluru, located right next to the temple, featuring a musical fountain.
View the Bronze Idol: Take time to admire the intricate details of the Lokeshwara statue, noting the Buddhist influence in its artistic design.Seek Blessings: Offer prayers to Lord Manjunatha in the sanctum and witness the unique Arati performed in the traditional coastal style.
Explore the Caves: Trek slightly up the hill to enter the Pandava Caves and feel the cool, spiritual vibration of these ancient meditation cells.
Visit the Holy Ponds: Sprinkle water from the seven ponds (Saptamrita) on your head, which is considered a purifying ritual before entering the shrine.
Stroll in Kadri Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk in the largest park in Mangaluru, located right next to the temple, featuring a musical fountain.
View the Bronze Idol: Take time to admire the intricate details of the Lokeshwara statue, noting the Buddhist influence in its artistic design.
Attend Kadri Kambala: If visiting during the season, watch the traditional buffalo race held in the fields near the temple, a major local cultural event.
Photography: Capture the beautiful stone architecture and the panoramic view of Mangaluru city from the top of the Kadri hillocks.
Information
-
Why Famous:
Buddhist Roots: Famous for its history as a Buddhist monastery before it was converted into a Shiva temple, showing a rare religious transition.
Bronze Masterpiece: Renowned for the Lokeshwara idol, which is a National Heritage treasure and...Buddhist Roots: Famous for its history as a Buddhist monastery before it was converted into a Shiva temple, showing a rare religious transition.
Bronze Masterpiece: Renowned for the Lokeshwara idol, which is a National Heritage treasure and a masterpiece of medieval Indian metallurgy. -
Architecture:
Early Vijayanagara Style: The temple displays the evolution of architecture from Buddhist viharas to typical Hindu stone structures with ornate carvings.
Dimensions and Statues: The main statue of Lord Manjunatha is about 5 feet tall, made ...Early Vijayanagara Style: The temple displays the evolution of architecture from Buddhist viharas to typical Hindu stone structures with ornate carvings.
Dimensions and Statues: The main statue of Lord Manjunatha is about 5 feet tall, made of Panchaloha (five metals), and is seated in a meditative posture. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mangalore International Airport is just 12 KMS from the temple, with easy access via taxi or airport shuttle buses.
By Train: The Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction stations are within 5 KMS, making it very convenient for rail...By Air: Mangalore International Airport is just 12 KMS from the temple, with easy access via taxi or airport shuttle buses.
By Train: The Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction stations are within 5 KMS, making it very convenient for rail travelers.
By Road: Located in the heart of Mangaluru city, it is well-connected by city buses and is a 1. 5-hour drive from Dharmasthala.
By Local Transport: Highly accessible via yellow-top auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs like Uber or Ola from any part of the city. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Months: November to February is perfect as the humidity of the coastal city is at its lowest, making hill climbing comfortable.
Evening Hours: Visiting between 5 PM and 7 PM is recommended to catch the temple lights and the pleasant ...Winter Months: November to February is perfect as the humidity of the coastal city is at its lowest, making hill climbing comfortable.
Evening Hours: Visiting between 5 PM and 7 PM is recommended to catch the temple lights and the pleasant weather of the Kadri park. -
Near Tourist Places:
St. Aloysius Chapel (3 KM), Mangaladevi Temple (6 KM), Panambur Beach (12 KM), Tannirbhavi Beach (10 KM), Pilikula (12 KM), Sultan Bathery (5 KM), Ullal Beach (15 KM), Dharmasthala (75 KM), Kudroli Temple (4 KM), Bejai Museum (2 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Footwear Storage: Footwear should be left at the free counter near the entrance; avoid carrying leather items inside the main shrine.
Stay Hydrated: Mangaluru can be humid even in winter, so carry a water bottle while exploring the caves a...Footwear Storage: Footwear should be left at the free counter near the entrance; avoid carrying leather items inside the main shrine.
Stay Hydrated: Mangaluru can be humid even in winter, so carry a water bottle while exploring the caves and the park area.
Connectivity: Excellent 4G/5G coverage is available throughout the temple area, and there are several ATMs within a 1 KM radius.
Local Food: Don't miss the local "Mangalorean" breakfast at nearby eateries like Hotel Janatha Deluxe or other traditional Tuluva restaurants.
Reviews
FAQs
Dharmasthala Itineray And Cost:-
Kadri Manjunath Temple Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Karnataka Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Ballalarayana Durga Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bandaje Arbi Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhagwan Bahubali Statue
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Charmadi Ghat View Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dharmasthala Annappa Betta
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dharmasthala Ugrana
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kadri Manjunath Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Karkala Bahubali Monolith
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities