Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple
A roughly 800-year-old Durga temple on the Shambhavi River at Mulki, famed for its founding legend involving a Muslim merchant, Bappa Beary, and its continuing tradition of communal harmony.
Photos of Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple
History & Significance
History & Origin
According to local legend, the merchant Bappa Beary's boat ran aground on submerged Durga lingas in the Shambhavi river; guided by a dream, he used his wealth - with the support of the local Jain chieftain of Mulki - to build the temple, which takes the name Bappanadu ('Bappa's village') from him.
Religious & Cultural Significance
The temple is unusual in Tuluva Hindu tradition for the honour it accords its Muslim founder, and Muslim visitors are to this day permitted to receive prasada, making it a widely cited symbol of religious harmony on the Karnataka coast.
Architecture
The sanctum enshrines five lingas - Moola Durga, Agni Durga, Jala Durga, Vana Durga and Agra Durga - set on a single pedestal (panipeeta) in front of the Durga image, worshipped locally as 'Ulladi'.
Traditions
The temple's Brahma Rathotsava (car festival) is held annually in April and is among the significant temple festivals of the Mulki area.
Festivals & Events
- Brahma Rathotsava (April car festival)
Location
- Address
- Bappanadu, Mulki, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
- Area
- Bappanadu
- City
- Mulki
- Taluk
- Mangaluru
- District
- Dakshina Kannada
- State
- Karnataka