It has been speculated that the Kadri Manjunatha Temple dates back to approximately 1068 AD. This particular temple is constructed in the shape of a square and also bestowed with nine tanks. Many pilgrims travel to Mangalore in order to witness stunningly beautiful temple known as the Kadri Manjunatha Temple.

It has also been speculated that the bronze statue inside the Kadri Manjunatha Temple at Mangalore is the finest bronze statue in India. This statue is known by the name 'Lokeshwara'. The king named Kundavarma Bhupendra had constructed a 'mutt' at the top of a hill. This 'mutt' later came to be known as 'Jogimatt'. Another attraction at the Kadri Manjunatha Temple of Mangalore is the group of stone caves. The locals believe that the illustrious Pandavas had once inhabited these caves.

The Kadri Manjunatha Temple is situated at a distance of about 4 kilometers from the Nehru Maidan Bus stand. The image of 'Lord Manjunathaswamy' is believed to be the oldest amongst all the south Indian temples. There are a total of seven sacred ponds near this temple in Mangalore.

Another attraction of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Mangalore is the 'Deepotsava' festival that is held during the 'Kartheeka Maasa'. Apart from the idol of the resident deity, other images are also present in the temple. They include Gorakanath, Manjushri, Shringinath, Machendranath and Budha.

The tourists can also visit the Durga and Ganesha Temple that are situated quite close to the Kadri Manjunatha Temple. Some of the other festivals celebrated at Kadri Manjunatha Temple include 'Dhanurmaasa Puja', 'Rathotsava', 'Shivaratri', Ugadi, Ganesh Chathurthi, Navratri and many more.

Last Updated on 21 September 2011