Gokarnanatheshwara Temple
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shree Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. Shree Narayana Guru had visited Mangalore in 1912 and expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for themselves. It is located on the Kulur ferry Road which is now knH Koragapapa, who had who had invited the great social reformer, took the initiative and responsibility of building this temple which now stands out among the various temples of Dakshina Kannada for its sheer grandeur and a look at it will remind you of the temple towns of Tamilnadu. The land on which the temple is built was earlier used by Tipu Sultan to graze his war horses. Hence the name Kudre-vali, which over the years came to be known as Kudroli.
When Shree Narayana Guru first visited the place the land was unused and untamed. Amidst the ruins of the old temples of Dhoomavathi and Gautam there stood a lone Tulsi plant which the Guru chose as a suitable sight for the temple to be built. With his blessings the Shiva Linga was established in 1912. To the left of the Linga the idol of Annapoorneshwari was placed, to its left the Bhiarva idol, behind which the idol of Ganesh was placed. Shree Narayana Guru guided and provided various facilities to carry out daily pujas in the temple. It is said that Koragappa, who took up responsibility of building the temples, was cured of all his ailments. The renovation committee set up to work on beautification of the temple was under Soma Sunder, son of Sri Koragappa, who had built the original temple.
The renovation work transformed the temple to its present grandeur and put it on the tourist map of Mangalore. The renovation of the temple was estimated at around Rs 1 crore. A marble statue of Shree Narayan Guru stands out as one enters the temple. His devotees presented the temple with a crown studded with precious gems. The temple was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister late Sri. Rajiv Gandhi. The Kudroli temple speaks volumes for the vibrancy of the Billava community. Billavas, meaning bow man or hunter, are the largest community in the district of Dakshina Kannada. Their chief occupation being distillation, the Billavas today have expanded their horizons into other areas of businesses and have made a significant contribution towards the prosperity of the district.
Telefilm Kudroli Shri Gokarnatheshwara Temple - Part I
Telefilm Kudroli Shri Gokarnatheshwara Temple - Part II
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