Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore

Visitor Information

  • Famous For: Pilgrimage, Goddess Shakti, Indian Mythology, Religious History
  • Entry Fees: Visit to the temple is completely free of cost.
  • Visiting Time: The timing to visit the temple is divided throughout the day, which is as follows: Morning- 6:00am to 10:00am, Noon- 12:00pm to 1:00pm and Evening- 4:00pm to 8:00pm, Fridays- up till 9:00pm, Everyday. Pooja timings are: Morning- 6:00am, Afternoon- 1:00pm, Evening- 8:30pm, Fridays- 9:00pm
  • Visiting Duration: It typically takes less than an hour to visit the temple space, on a normal day. However, during festivals like Navaratri, the temple may be crowded and it may take longer, depending upon the crowd.

Situated in Bolara, Mangalore derived its name from the Goddess Mangaladevi, also known as the Deity Shakti. The temple has a beautiful history from the 9th century. Yes, your read that right. The shrine is that old and connects the ancient religious norms to the current rituals. The architecture of the temple is based on the typical Kerala style temples. It is ideal to visit the temple and witness the Navaratri festival celebrations. It is terrific!

Managaladevi Temple
Image Source 

Traveller Tips

  • Plan your visit to the temple during Aarti timings, the devotional offering is worth attending to peace your mind and soul.
  • The temple has a huge rush during festivals.
  • Take care of your belongings while you are at the temple during high crowd.
  • Photography is allowed inside the temple space, so catch those holy moments in your camera and enjoy them later.
  • There are a few vegetarian restaurants near the temple, so no need to worry about the hunger that you may feel during the day.
  • Parking is available outside the temple.
  • General facilities like bathrooms are available.

Things to Do

  • Attend the special Pooja during Navratri or Dussera.
  • Visit different idols of the Goddess inside the temple at different locations.
  • Know about the history of the temple from the locals or the Purohits, as the temple brings a vast history from the 9th Century.
  • Admire the art-effects from the ancient Hindu history, engraved on the walls of the temple.
  • Shop at the stalls and shops available near the shrine.
  • Take a walk to the space made for marriage ceremonies.

Availability of Guides

The guides may not be available to walk you through the monument, but the locals and temple priests will be able to help you out with anything that you may need or enquire about.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Mangaladevi temple, Mangalore, is during the festive season of Navaratri, which falls in the months of October and March. October is slightly cold, but with the kind of rush that arrives and the festivity at the temple, you won’t feel a bit of it.  The minimum temperature may fall down to 20 degrees.

The weather in March is generally hot, with the highest temperature to be 39 degrees. So, it is advisable not to plan your trip during summers.

The same goes with the monsoon season, i.e. between June to September, as the rains are pretty heavy in Mangalore. The climate is cold, but not ideal for tourists.

How to Reach

Mangalore is pretty well linked with all travel modes. The city contains well maintained airport, Railway station and bus stands.

Once you are in the city, you may hire a taxi or an auto or may go for the local buses. City buses no. 27, 27A and 29A take you directly to the temple. The travel is made easy in Mangalore with its very well connected routes.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Managaladevi Temple

  • The temple was built in 9th Century AD, by the King Kundavarman.
  • The city got its name from the Goddess Managaladevi, so did the temple.
  • The temple is placed between thick woods.
  • A marriage conducted at the temple is considered to be very significant according to the Hindu mythology.
  • During the Navaratri festival, on the last day, the Goddess is placed on a beautifully decorated chariot, hauled by thick ropes. The event is known as Rath Yatra of the Goddess.
Managaladevi Temple Mangalore
Image Source

Nearby Attractions

  • Kadri Manjunath Temple
  • Tannirbhavi Beach
  • Tiger dance
  • Mahatma Gandhi Museum
  • Sultan Battery
  • Rosario Cathedral
  • Panambur Beach
  • Central market
  • Infant jesus Shrine
  • Pilikula Nisargadhama
  • Bharath Mall
  • Someshwara Temple and Beach

Nearby Restaurants

  • Girimanja’s
  • Kobe Sizzlers
  • New Shridevi Restaurant
  • Bombay Lucky
  • Mainland China
  • Palkhi Restaurat
  • Ramabhavan
  • Kabab Studio Restaurant
  • Maya Restaurant
  • Fish-Thali Restaurant

For your love for spirituality, for the sake of peace of mind and purification of body, going for a sacred trip is the best. Mangaladevi temple at Mangalore justifies that spirit and brings out the significance of Hindu belief system. With the stories from thousands of years ago, it is sure to connect you with the divine feel. Not only the location around the shrine is magnificent but the temple and the locals too, attract a huge crowd to the reliquary.

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

Leave a Comment