Mangla Devi Temple in Karnataka
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Mangla Devi Temple in Karnataka is situated at a distance of 3 kms from the main city of Mangalore. This temple is revered by a number of local people who believe that the city of Mangalore received its original name of Mangalur from this temple of goddess Durga. Associated with a number of legends, this temple is one of the important sights around Mangalore.
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 Mangla Devi temple is one of ancient temples of Mangalore which is dedicated to Goddess Mangladevi - an incarnation of goddess Durga. This temple is situated at a distance of 3kms from Mangalore. Built in the memory of Princess of Malabar Mangale, this temple can be dated back to 10th century. The temple worships the main deity of Goddess Mangala as Shakti. It follows all the rituals of Shakti worship in which it celebrates nine days of Navratri in a most attractive manner. The temple is very popular for the legends which travel in every generation.
Mangla Devi temple has been a centre of legends. According to the legend that prevails in the area, the temple was built by Kundaverma who was the famous king of Apheda dynasty. It is believed that two saints once visited the sacred place. When the king paid his visit he and obliged with his offerings, he was informed by the saints that his empire rests on the land which is already dedicated to goddess Mangla Devi and to appease the devi the king should built a temple which will bring prosperity to his kingdom. As the king followed the saints' instructions the grand shrine of Mangladevi was erected in the place that was suggested by the saints. The saints themselves supervised the construction of the temple. The temple soon attained special favour as it was believed that Goddess Mangladevi would fulfil all the dreams of her followers particularly the maidens who shall be blessed with suitable husbands. This shrine continued to maintain its connection with the Shakti temple of Kadri Hill. The hermits of Yogirajmutt visit the temple in the first day of Kadri temple festival and begin their celebration by offering prayers and silk cloth to Mangaladevi.
Mangala devi temple is one of the well known temples of south India which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It follows the rituals the shakt method of worshipping the deity. Among the local rituals the devotees, in particular the maidens who observe the Mangala parvati vrata are supposed to receive gods blessing for selecting the best husband for them. The temple has frequent bus services which connect the temple with the city of Mangalore.
Thus, Mangala Devi temple is one of the most well visited sites of Mangalore which carries the legend of the area.
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