Kadri, about 5 kms. from the Mangalore city bus stand, is an ancient religious spot in Mangalore. Among the places of interest in Mangalore, the temple at Kadri stands foremost. This temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, dating back to about 1068 A.D., and nestling at the foot of the Kadri hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors. Some of the images and idols found here are indeed priceless for beauty and antiquity.
Kadri temple has a perennial source of fresh water springing from a cavern which is supposed to be the Holy Ganga itself. To the north of the shrine and on a level higher than the temple are the nine sacred tanks. On the Kadri hill, by the side of the Manjunatha temple, is Sri Yogeshwar Math of the Nath tradition, founded by Yogi Matsyendranath. Near Sri Yogeshwar Math is the Panch Pandava Cave where, it is believed that the Pandava brothers, during their exile, spent a few days to avoid detection by the Kauravas.
It was in this cave Swami Ramdas (1884-1963), the founder of Anandashram, Kanhangad, Kerala stayed for three months, on completion of his year-long itinerant life all over India in 1924, doing intense sadhana, and it was here, he had the experience of nirvikalpa samadhi. His famous travelogue In Quest of God was written during his sojourn in this cave. For the pilgrims, boarding and lodging facilities are available in Mangalore; they can visit Kadri by city bus or auto-rikshaw pray lord Manjunatha.
History of Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple
The history of the Kadri Temple is fascinating, long back to the 10th or 11th century A.D. In its early days, the place was known as ‘Kadarika Vihara’, suggesting it was an important centre of Buddhism. Over time, it became associated with the Natha culture (Jogis) and eventually transformed into a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Legend of Parashurama: According to Hindu mythology in the Bharadwaja Samhita, Lord Parashurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) prayed to Lord Shiva at this very spot for a place to reside. Lord Shiva appeared and instructed him to construct a temple, promising to incarnate there as Manjunatha for the good of mankind.
Buddhist Influence: The temple complex still houses a stunning 1.6-meter tall bronze idol of Lokeshwara (a Bodhisattva), dating back to 968 A.D. This makes it one of the oldest bronze idols in South India and beautifully highlights the temple’s unique connection between Buddhist and Shaivite traditions. The nearby ‘Pandava Caves’ (laterite caves) are also believed to have been used by Buddhist monks or the Nath Yogis for meditation.
The main Idol of the temple is Sri Manjunatha Swamy, also known as Lord Shiva. The main idol is a unique bronze image of Lord Manjunatha in a seated posture.
One of the temple’s most holistic features is the ‘Gomukha Theertha’ (Sacred Water Spring) located on the hill behind the temple. It is a natural spring whose water flows out through a stone-carved spout shaped like a cow’s face (Gomukha). This water is believed to be holy, originating from the River Bhageerathi in Kashi, and feeds into a series of seven ponds (Sapta Theerthas) within the complex. Devotees take a ritual dip here before entering the main shrine.
Festivals and Celebrations at Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple
The Kadri Manjunatha Temple celebrates all major Hindu festivals with great pomp and devotion.
Annual Jatra (Temple Fair) / Car Festival (Rathotsava): This is the grandest festival, held during Makara Sankranthi (mid-January). A large wooden chariot is beautifully decorated, and the idol of the Lord is taken out in a majestic procession.
Lakshadeepotsava: Celebrated during Karthika Masa (usually November-December), the temple complex is illuminated with thousands of traditional oil lamps, creating a breathtaking, divine spectacle.
Maha Shivaratri: This is another important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with night-long prayers and rituals.
Kadri Kambala: The temple also hosts the famous Kambala (traditional buffalo race) in a field nearby, which is a popular event in coastal Karnataka.
How to Reach Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, Mangalore
The temple is centrally located in Mangalore city and is easily accessible:
By Air: The nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), about 12 km away. You can easily hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there.
By Rail: Mangalore Central Railway Station (MAQ) is just about 4 km away. Taxis, city buses, and auto-rickshaws are readily available.
By Road: Kadri is well-connected by local city buses and is a short distance from Mangalore’s main bus stands.
Address of Shree Manjunatha Temple
Shree Manjunatha Temple
Kadri, Mangaluru Taluk, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka – 575002.
Phone: +91 91108 39608, 0824-2214176
