#mookambika

O Mukambi Devi! O Goddess of learning. Beauty’s Grace Shines in Thy face. Dwell always in my tongue. Give me Tushti, Pushti, Vidya. Thou art the only refuge, The only object of adoration. Thou art Brahma Sakti. Adorations unto Thee OM Aim Saraswatyai Namah.

GODDESS MOOKAMBIKA

Goddess Mookambika is a symbolic representation of the Mother of the Universe representing Adi Parashakti.

Shakti refers to the cosmic energy that permeates in everything.

’Sak’ means is to perform, to act upon.

Shakti manifests in many avatars such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Mookambika, Radha, Kali, Chamundi, Uma, Kamakshi, Amba and in countless other forms.

Mother Shakti’s presides over creation, preservation and destruction. The 'Devi Sukta' in Rig Veda, refers to Shakti as something that has no beginning and no end, something that is constant and forever.

Mookambika temple is an ancient temple located at Kollur in Karnataka. Kollur is a tiny hamlet in southern Karnataka lying on the banks of Sowparnika. It is here, in the lap of the Kudajadri hills that Mookambika/Moogambika, the goddess of vidya, resides. The Great trinity and the Parasakti together create the unified energy field of this temple.

RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE :

The Mookambika Devi Temple of Kollur, dedicated to Mookambika Devi, is one of the most prominent shrines for people in the state of Karnataka and Kerala, India.  the picturesque surroundings presented by the banks of the river Sauparnika and the lush green Kodachadri hill, the temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple holds immense relevance for the devotees as it is associated with revered Hindu saint and Vedic scholar Adi Shankaracharya. It is believed that Adi Shankara perceived the idea of having a Mookambika Devi temple at Kollur and himself installed the idol of deity in the temple some 1200 years ago. 

MOOKAMBIKA/MOOGAMBIKA  DEVI is regarded as a manifestation of Shakti, Saraswathi and Mahalakshmi and is the primary deity of worship in this temple. In fact the Temple of Mookambika Devi is one of the 'Seven Muktisthala' pilgrimage sites in Karnataka which are Kollur, Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbashi, Koteshwara, Shankaranarayana and Gokarna. The Mookambika Devi Temple stands at the bottom of the Kodachadri peak. The deity is in the form of Jyotir-Linga incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The Panchaloha image (five element mixed metal) of the Goddess on Shree Chakra is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. It is believed that the original place of the goddess is on top of Kodachadri Peak (3880') and as it was very difficult for ordinary people to trek all the way to Kodachadri, Shankaracharya reestablished the temple at Kollur.

(above ~ scenic location of kodachadri peak enroute to the temple)

History Of Kollur Mookambika Temple, Karnataka

The history of Kollur Mookambika temple states that there lived a demon named Kaumasura who was unleashing a reign of terror upon all the gods with his special power given by Lord Shiva. 

When all the gods were trying their best to stay away from his vicinity, Guru Shukracharya brings good news to the gods that this demon would face death by a woman, that is Parvathi Devi. Knowing this Kaumasura undertakes severe penance .Lord Shiva pleased with his penance asked this demon to ask for the boon.Sensing grave danger if he his offered the boon, this goddess of speech makes this demon dumb.

Hence this  demon Kaumasura came to be known as Mookasura (mooka means to be dumb). Thereafter the  Devi mobilised all the powers of the gods and then this demon was killed by Kollur Devi Parvathi. She was hence forth called Mookambikai. This place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.

The Kollur Devi thereafter became the deity of this place offering her blessings to all who sought her. She poses with all her radiance along with the shank and chakra in both her hands sitting in the padmahasana posture.

This temple has been patronized by many ancient kings who donated many precious jewels to Sri Kollur Devi and they are still adorned by her. Many other hindu kings have also donated to this temple since it was believed to be the state temple in those days.The temple is said to be one of the richest and most ancient temples in India.Some of the most famous rituals performed here are -  child naming ceremony and Aakshara byasam (initiation of education of the child ) is done here