Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur, Mangalore. Kollur is an important place for pilgrimage in Karnataka. It is believed that this temple had been built by Parashurama. The goddess is in the form of Jyotir Linga incorporating both Lord Shiva and Shakti. The image of the goddess is made of five element mixed metal or Panchaloha. This idol is placed on the Shree Chakra and it is believed that the idol has been consecrated by Adi Shankaarcharya. This idol has been placed in a copper roofed and gold crested temple. Another figure of Panchamukha Ganesha is also to be found here. The chief deity, Goddess Mookambika, is also of great value.
Mookambika Temple in Karnataka dates back to mythological era. According to the legend the Divine Power assembled the powers of the God and fought against Kaumasura and killed him. The demon king was robbed of his ability to speak by the goddess so that he is unable to ask for a boon from Lord Shiva. From then onwards he was also called Mookasura. The demon is slain by the Devi. This is how Shakti acquired the name Mookambika. She is seen as a protector who fights evil powers so that the innocent may live in peace. The Swayambhulinga is of great importance, as it is believed that both the divine powers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ambika reside in this linga. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi have merged in the left side and the Lord Parameshwara, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma on the right side.
There are two schools of worshipping the goddess-Vathula and Vijaya Yagama Shastra. The first one comprise of sacrifice. There are 5 different pujas that take place daily--Dantadavana, morning, afternoon, pradhosha (evening) and night. Muslims also visit this temple on a special day. There are two main festivals that are celebrated here "Sharannavarathri" held in October and "Brahma Rathotsava" held March. Several people consecrate to the Goddess for realizing their wishes.
Another feature of Mookambika Temple are the unique collection of ornaments of the goddess. Many of them have been received as gifts from devotees. Of these the most talked about is an emerald jewel. Emeralds according to Hindu traditions represent knowledge. Besides, a sword and a gold facemask are also exclusive pieces of jewelries.
To reach Mookambika Temple cars are available from Mangalore and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is that of Baindur. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats Mookambika Temple is famous both nationally and internationally.
