Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupli, Oct 11: The renovation work of the 1,200-year-old Kadiyali Sri Mahishamardini temple in Udupi is in full swing. The Brahmakalashotsava is likely to be held in the month of April 2022. From the previous six months, the renovation activities had gained speed.
One among the renowned temples in Coastal area, Sri Mahishamardini Kadiyali located in temple town Udupi. Sri Mahishamardini or Durga, Goddess of the Universe, possesses different qualities and it is believed that she is the most powerful Goddess as per Hindu belief system.
This is a 12 century old holy Durga temple. According to the Tulunadu’s folklore, Rama Boja, King of Tulunadu, established four Durga temples around Sri Anantheshwara temple. Sri Mahishamardini temple of Kadiyali in Shivalli, 2 miles west of Udupi, is one of them, Sri Mahishasuramardini temple in Bailoor, Udupi, Sri Kannarpaadi Jaya Durga temple, in Kannarpady, Udupi and Sri Durga (in the form of a Linga) temple in Puttur, Udupi are the other temples.
The renovation work is being carried out under the guidance of temple architect Nagesh Hegde, a well-known engineer in the city and president of the renovation committee.
The renovation work includes Suthu Pauli, daivasthana gudi (shrine), walls, Kodimara (flagpost in front of temple). There is a plan to provide copper covering to the wall.
Most of the foundation work has been done with the help of villagers and the devotees. The construction work of shrines of Subrahmanya, Nandikeshwara, and other family deities has been completed.
Raghavendra Kini, general secretary, temple renovation committee, said that, according to a legend, late Dr P Gururaja Bhat, the temple is as ancient as Sri Anantheshwara temple. There is a holy relationship between Udupi Sri Krishna math and the Kadiyali temple. Now the roof work has started. The foundation work done by the villagers, the labour cost is at least Rs 16 lac. Many of the works are done through voluntary service. The temple roof will have three phases. The work of two more roofs (phase) are yet to start. Once completed, they will enhance the beauty of the temple.
Another special feature of the suthu pouli is that it is being built of laterite stones, and in the middle windows are made out of white stones. This is the uniqueness of this temple structure.
Wood design work is in full swing, and artisans skilled at wood carving work are busy doing designs day and night at the workshop near the temple.
According to a history of the temple, there is a close relation between Sri Krishna temple and the Mahishamardini temple. There is a legacy that can be seen during the Paryaya, that Swamiji, who is ascending the Paryaya peetha, visits the temple to get the blessings of Goddess Durga.
The renovation work is taking place at a cost Rs 7 crore. Hundreds of devotees come from various parts of the country to get the grace of the Goddess.
With these renovations, this temple looks even more beautiful and spacious. The temple committee has urged the devotees to join hands in this sacred work.