Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Legends of the place : Mythology says that Mundkur is the place where Goddess Durga killed Mundasura, a fierce demon. Later, sage Bhargava who knew about the sanctity of the place established the temple of Goddess Durga Parameshwari with the idol of the Devi facing west. In recent centuries the territory came under Jain rulers. As it happened the administration fell into the power of a wicked ruler called Veeravarma. He was being badly advised by a cunning villain minister called Manjappa Ajiri. They had the support of two hooligans called Shivappa Mungli and Siddhappa Mungli. The state saw unprecedented anarchy with injustice, malpractice and daylight robberies becoming the rule of the day. During same time, legendary warrior twins “Kanthabare and Boodabare” were living in a nearby hamlet called Ulepadi. They were great devotees of Goddess Durgaparameshwari of Mundkur and visiting the temple daily, crossing river Shambhavi. The wicked ruler was apprehensive of these great warriors who were known to be the protectors of the down trodden. Once he ordered the ferrymen not to ferry Kanthabare – Boodabare brothers across the river in to his area. The brothers came near the river as usual, only to be refused of ferry service. They prayed Goddess Durgaparameshwari fervently and the river split in the middle and allowed the brothers to walk across. This wicked ruler went as far as diminishing the sanctity of Goddess Durga Parameshwari with the help of Black – magicians from Kerala. They eclipsed the powers of temple Guardian Daivas i.e. Dhoomavathi and Raktheshwari and turned the face of the idol to the east. By doing so, he wanted to sideline the brave warriors and to plunder the jewelry and assets of the temple. Then he called the brothers to his court and challenged them saying that they should cut a bundle of sugarcanes with one stroke of sword. If they win they would be awarded with a fertile property called “Obban Thota”(coconut Garden). The show was fixed for the next day. As the brothers were coming to the temple, before going to the court, Goddess Mahishamardhini Durgaparameshwari appeared before them on their way in a place called Kallakanda, and gave them a divine sword.

The brothers went to the court and cut the bundle of sugarcanes into two. They were enraged to find that the bundle had an iron rod hidden in the middle. To add fuel to their fury, Veeravarma refused to give Obban thota to them. Instead he ordered his wicked followers to arrest the brothers. Kanthabare and Boodabare relentlessly cut the heads of Veeravarma, Manjappa Ajiri, Shivappa Mungli and Siddappa Mungli one after another with the same sword that the Goddess had given them. They look possession of Obban Thota and ordered that its produce be used for the oil for the Nandadeepa of the temple. Thus the anarchy was over. They dug a well by their own in the said plot and drunk the water, which can be seen even today.

The brave brothers then called the Chowta rulers of Mudbidri and asked them to look after Mundkur region (magane) consisting Mundkur, Mulladka, Inna villages as well. They readily agreed and systematized the administration of Mundkur. Ashtakula (Eight Clans of) Brahmins of Bhargava Gothra, Eight Gutthu Houses and Four Balike Houses were entrusted with the affairs of the temple and of the region headed by the land Lord Madmannaya.This is what the local legends tell us about the history of the temple. There are many clues in and around Mundkur which tell us that Kanthabare and Boodabare really existed. Mundkur Sri Durgaparameshwari is the kuladevi for the Bhargava Gothra Devotees.