The ancient Mangaladevi temple is in Bolar, 3 kms. from Mangalore city bus stand. According to the legend, the name “Mangalore”, originated from the Goddess Mangaladevi who is enshrined in this temple, built in the tenth century in memory of a Rajmata of Malabar of the same name, who is said to have accompanied Yogi Matsyendranath, a prominent Guru of the Nath tradition. While he was on tour in Malabar for propagating his message, the Rajmata became his follower, renounced her worldly life and being initiated in the Nath tradition, and settled down at Bolar. At first there was a small building for her residence. Later a temple was constructed in her memory and an image of the Divine Mother was enshrined in it. This was the origin of the Mangaladevi temple which was re-built by the erstwhile ruler of Mangalore in 968 AD Thereafter the place came to be known asMangalapura, which, in course of time, was changed to Mangalore. The sculpture of Goddess Mangaladevi is perhaps the earliest Durga sculpture in the South Kanara District
History and Legend: Giving a City its Name
The history of this temple is intertwined with ancient dynasties and powerful sages, dating back to the 9th century AD.
The King and the Sages
The temple is widely believed to have been established during the reign of King Kundavarman, the most celebrated ruler of the Alupa Dynasty in Tulu Nadu (the region encompassing Udupi and Mangalore).
The legend states that two great saints of the Nath Cult (an ascetic tradition), Machhendranath and Gorakhnath, travelled from Nepal and reached Mangalore, crossing the Netravathi River. Pleased by the humility and virtues of King Kundavarman, they revealed to him the sanctity of the land.
They informed the king that a powerful temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati had existed there, originally built by Lord Parashurama himself, but had since been covered by vegetation and earth. The saints guided the king to the exact spot and asked him to excavate the area to retrieve the sacred relics.
The Divine Relics
Following the saints’ advice, King Kundavarman unearthed the divine symbols: a Linga and a Dharapatra, which symbolised Goddess Mangaladevi (a manifestation of Shakti). He then constructed a magnificent shrine to house these relics, with the guidance and supervision of the Nath sages.
The city, previously known as ‘Mangalapura’ or the ‘City of Mangala,’ was formally named after this powerful presiding deity, ensuring the temple’s fame for centuries to come.
The Nath Connection
The link with the Nath tradition is still evident today. The heads of the Kadri Yogiraj Mutt (also a famous Nath tradition center in Mangalore) traditionally visit the Mangaladevi Temple on the first day of their own annual festival to offer prayers and silk clothes to the Goddess.
Visitor Information and Temple Timings
Pooja Timings: Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM (On Fridays, the evening timing is extended till 9:00 PM)
Note: Temple doors are closed during the afternoon for a break. Please check the official temple notice for exact timings as they may change during special festivals.
Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire is advised for entering the sanctum.
Address: Mangaladevi Road, Bolar, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575001
How to Reach Sri Mangaladevi Temple
The temple is very easy to access from all parts of Mangalore city.
From Mangalore City Centre (Hampankatta) Distance is Approximately 3-4 km.
Transport: Auto-rickshaws and city buses are frequently available. The location is well-known, simply ask for “Mangaladevi Temple, Bolar.”
From Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
Distance: Approximately 18 km.
Transport: Taxis (cabs) are the most convenient option for a direct journey.
From Mangalore Railway Station (MAQ / MAJN)
Distance: Approximately 3 km.
Transport: Auto-rickshaws or taxis will get you to the temple in less than 15 minutes.
Travelling from Bangalore to Mangaladevi Temple
The distance between Bangalore and Mangaladevi Temple (Mangalore) is about 360 to 380 km.
KSRTC and Private busses (Durgamba, Sugama) travel from Bangalore to Mangalore daily with comfortable journey.
Travelling from Udupi to Mangaladevi Temple
The distance between Udupi and Mangaladevi Temple (Mangalore) is about 55 to 60 km.
By Road (Bus/Car): A comfortable drive of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes via NH-66. KSRTC and private buses (like those of Durgamba and APM) travel in the route frequently.
By Train: Regular train services connect Udupi Railway Station (UD) and Mangaluru Junction (MAJN) or Mangaluru Central (MAQ). The train journey typically takes just over one hour and is a very cost-effective way to travel.
