Imagine standing on the top of a hill,breathing in fresh cool air,surrounded by low hills and the mist slowly settling down on you.This is Kodachadri -where serenity and spirituality fills your deprived souls.
The Sri Mookambika Temple is always a part of our family's spiritual itinerary .In fact ,the temple has a special place in the hearts of all Malayalees.
The Sri Mookambika temple is situated in Kollur ,Karnataka.The temple is built adjacent to the 'Souparnika ' river which has its origin at Moolasthaana. History tells us that the godess has been named so, after she killed the demon 'Mookasura'.The godess also is considered to be a manifestation of 3 godessess -Shakthi,Saraswathi and Mahahlakshmi and hence the name 'Mooka -Ambika'.This was our fourth time in Mookambika. We reached there in the early hours of May,with a golden reception from the sun.We got refreshed and started our journey.The three main places to visit are :
Draped in a gaudy red saree,adorned with jewellery ,surrounded by lamps bathing her in divine golden light ,there she stood in all her splendour.With intense devotion we prayed without batting an eyelid ,revelling in the holiness.The goddess is most beautiful after the evening prayers where she sits in the illumination of just the lighted lamps. The radiating holy light engulfing the darkness around as well as within us .The evening offerings are followed by the distribution of the 'Kashaya theertha' ,prasadam which is known for its medicinal values.Unfortunately ,this time we couldn't stay for the evening prayers.There is a Saraswathi mandapam where people display their god -gifted talents whether its singing ,dancing or an playing an instrument. Vidyaarambam is also done in this very mandapam. Another important event is the 'Rathothsav',where the grand chariot carries the godess every year.Coins are thrown to the devotees during the annual chariot festival and is considered very lucky.We then stepped out ,where a little elephant blessed us just at the entrance of the temple.:)
The temple has a fascinating history dating back to almost 1200 years.According to the myths, Sankaracharya or Adi Shankara ,travelled all the way from Kerala and meditated in the pristine hills of Kudachaadri(at the Sarvagna Peeta). After years of penance ,Devi presented before him to grant his wish. Shankaracharya requested her to accompany him to Kerala.Devi agreed to his request on one condition.She said she would follow him but he shouldn't turn back. Shankaracharya lead the way,the tinkering of Devi's anklets assuring him she was there.After a few miles,the sound of the anklets ceased.On doubt, Shankaracharya instantly turned to see Devi, standing right there.He had broken the promise and Devi said she wouldn't come any further.But she promised that she would visit her devotees in Kerala everyday between 4 to 5 at Chottanikara temple.It is said that the vigraha of Devi was installed right where Shankaracharya turned and this is where the temple stands today.Interesting huh?
Next is the most exciting part of our journey.The uphill trekking to the Kodachadri hills.The journey is negotiable only by Jeep. So we hired a Jeep and got ready for the climb.The journey is just some 35 kilometres but the experience is an adrenaline- pumping one!The first few kilometres have a road now (compared to 12 years earlier).The road gives way to narrower paths as we move further up.This time we had to choose a longer path as road construction was going on on the usual route.As the concrete road vanished slowly we were riding over rough and rocky terrain.We travelled along the edge of the slopes with hairpin curves all along the way.We had to hold on to the jeep's hand rails so tightly so that we wouldn't fall of the jeep!! The ride is such a rugged one with branches,stones,rocks and steep slopes.The ride got scarier when another jeep approached us in the opposite direction just at a steep curve!On one side we were looking at a picturesque scene but look down below ,the dearths will take you to a place you never want to be!The drivers manoeuvred the vehicle so tactfully and we were back on track.In between we stopped at a temple where we were served lunch.We resumed our journey and the driver entertained us with a few of his own stories.After that bumpy and rocky ride we finally reached our second destination -the Moolsthaana.
At the Moolasthaana ,there are two temples.You can also see the Iron pillar which according to mythology was used by the Devi to kill Mookasura .It is made of iron but has not rusted over the years! As I had earlier mentioned the origin of Souparnika river is also here.The water trickling through the crevices of the rocks have been collected in a small temple pond .A dip in the divine waters will definitely cleanse you inner selves. The priest and his family also have been staying here for ages.We offered our poojas and geared up for our final destination.
Even though we have been to the Moolasthana before, we never got a chance to see the Sarvagna Peeta. So this time we were determined to do so.The Sarvagna Peeta is located just 2 kms away from the Moolasthana. The journey has to be made on foot,no jeeps!! 2 Kms may sound easy unless you see the path( or is there a path?).The journey starts with pebbles ,gravel,branches ,roots and some trees.Late we were walking through course sand and a breathtaking view of the hills and the descending mist even in the middle of the afternoon!!The sun disappearing behind the clouds and mist,the grass and shrubs along the path.You definitely will stop a while to take in the beauty of nature and also because just a few kilometres of walking will leave you panting for breath.'Breath'-taking indeed.But the anxiety to reach the Sarvagna Peeta will give wings to your spirit! I was surprised when middle aged and old people were easily clambering up the slopes.Halfway through, there is a detour which will take you to the Ganesha Caves.The journey continued after a brief visit to the caves.
After a few more metres ,we could see the silhouette of the Saravagna Peeta at a distance.The sun gleaming behind the temple, we hastened our steps to reach our 'destination' .An overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and joy took over us as we had finally made it.The prize off course ,an awe-inspiring view at 1343 metres above sea level(4406 feet Whoa!!) with lush green vegetation , overlapping mountains and a sense of purity,fulfilment,serenity and spirituality . An enlightenment dawns on us making the hassles and frustration subside.Can city life offer you this?
The Saravagna Peeta is a small temple made of stone.This is where Sankaracharya had performed his penance.A priest daily performs pujas here too.We stood there for a while basking in the beauty and rejuvenating ourselves.It was now time to go back as the Jeeps said they would leave in an hour.The trip definitely satiated the barren soul.Returning for now but awaiting another trip back soon to the enchanted Kudachaadri hills....
The Sri Mookambika Temple is always a part of our family's spiritual itinerary .In fact ,the temple has a special place in the hearts of all Malayalees.
The Sri Mookambika temple is situated in Kollur ,Karnataka.The temple is built adjacent to the 'Souparnika ' river which has its origin at Moolasthaana. History tells us that the godess has been named so, after she killed the demon 'Mookasura'.The godess also is considered to be a manifestation of 3 godessess -Shakthi,Saraswathi and Mahahlakshmi and hence the name 'Mooka -Ambika'.This was our fourth time in Mookambika. We reached there in the early hours of May,with a golden reception from the sun.We got refreshed and started our journey.The three main places to visit are :
- The main temple at Kollur
- The Moolasthaana at Kodachadri
- The Sarvangna Peeta at the Kodachadri Peak
Draped in a gaudy red saree,adorned with jewellery ,surrounded by lamps bathing her in divine golden light ,there she stood in all her splendour.With intense devotion we prayed without batting an eyelid ,revelling in the holiness.The goddess is most beautiful after the evening prayers where she sits in the illumination of just the lighted lamps. The radiating holy light engulfing the darkness around as well as within us .The evening offerings are followed by the distribution of the 'Kashaya theertha' ,prasadam which is known for its medicinal values.Unfortunately ,this time we couldn't stay for the evening prayers.There is a Saraswathi mandapam where people display their god -gifted talents whether its singing ,dancing or an playing an instrument. Vidyaarambam is also done in this very mandapam. Another important event is the 'Rathothsav',where the grand chariot carries the godess every year.Coins are thrown to the devotees during the annual chariot festival and is considered very lucky.We then stepped out ,where a little elephant blessed us just at the entrance of the temple.:)
The temple has a fascinating history dating back to almost 1200 years.According to the myths, Sankaracharya or Adi Shankara ,travelled all the way from Kerala and meditated in the pristine hills of Kudachaadri(at the Sarvagna Peeta). After years of penance ,Devi presented before him to grant his wish. Shankaracharya requested her to accompany him to Kerala.Devi agreed to his request on one condition.She said she would follow him but he shouldn't turn back. Shankaracharya lead the way,the tinkering of Devi's anklets assuring him she was there.After a few miles,the sound of the anklets ceased.On doubt, Shankaracharya instantly turned to see Devi, standing right there.He had broken the promise and Devi said she wouldn't come any further.But she promised that she would visit her devotees in Kerala everyday between 4 to 5 at Chottanikara temple.It is said that the vigraha of Devi was installed right where Shankaracharya turned and this is where the temple stands today.Interesting huh?
Next is the most exciting part of our journey.The uphill trekking to the Kodachadri hills.The journey is negotiable only by Jeep. So we hired a Jeep and got ready for the climb.The journey is just some 35 kilometres but the experience is an adrenaline- pumping one!The first few kilometres have a road now (compared to 12 years earlier).The road gives way to narrower paths as we move further up.This time we had to choose a longer path as road construction was going on on the usual route.As the concrete road vanished slowly we were riding over rough and rocky terrain.We travelled along the edge of the slopes with hairpin curves all along the way.We had to hold on to the jeep's hand rails so tightly so that we wouldn't fall of the jeep!! The ride is such a rugged one with branches,stones,rocks and steep slopes.The ride got scarier when another jeep approached us in the opposite direction just at a steep curve!On one side we were looking at a picturesque scene but look down below ,the dearths will take you to a place you never want to be!The drivers manoeuvred the vehicle so tactfully and we were back on track.In between we stopped at a temple where we were served lunch.We resumed our journey and the driver entertained us with a few of his own stories.After that bumpy and rocky ride we finally reached our second destination -the Moolsthaana.
At the Moolasthaana ,there are two temples.You can also see the Iron pillar which according to mythology was used by the Devi to kill Mookasura .It is made of iron but has not rusted over the years! As I had earlier mentioned the origin of Souparnika river is also here.The water trickling through the crevices of the rocks have been collected in a small temple pond .A dip in the divine waters will definitely cleanse you inner selves. The priest and his family also have been staying here for ages.We offered our poojas and geared up for our final destination.
After a few more metres ,we could see the silhouette of the Saravagna Peeta at a distance.The sun gleaming behind the temple, we hastened our steps to reach our 'destination' .An overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and joy took over us as we had finally made it.The prize off course ,an awe-inspiring view at 1343 metres above sea level(4406 feet Whoa!!) with lush green vegetation , overlapping mountains and a sense of purity,fulfilment,serenity and spirituality . An enlightenment dawns on us making the hassles and frustration subside.Can city life offer you this?