Someshwara Temple In Manglore

                                                          Someshwara Temple

Someshwar Beach located near Ullal Railway Station is a well known beach near Mangalore. This beach is famous for clean & white sands. It is one of the popular Mangalore places to visit. It is also known for the large rocks called 'Rudra Shile' situated near the beach. Someshwara Beach is a natural, safe and clean beach. The beach offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and is an ideal spot for nature lovers and swimmers.
Someshwar beach is well known for the large rocks called "Rudra Shile".

The other attraction of Someshwar beach is the historical Somanath Temple constructed during the rule of the famous Queen Abbakka Devi (16th century) is situated towards north.  who knew no fear’, Ullal carries a great legacy. If you travel 12 km from Mangalore, you will arrive at Kotepur where the fort of Rani Abbakka Devi is located. Ravaged by time and weather, the fort stands testimony to the fearless battle Rani Abbakka Devi fought against the Portuguese. The renowned Siva temple - Someshwara Temple - is located near the fort.Presiding deity here is Lord Shiva and the temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures. In the temple premises there is the statue of great sage Parusharama. As per mythology, the coastal region of Karnataka (along with Kerala) was the creation of Parusharama.

Architecture Of Someshwara Temple :-

One of the prominent temples in Bangalore, the Someshwara temple was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty. Endowed with splendid architecture, the Someshwara temple bears testimony to the architectural expertise of the Chola era. Right at the entrance of the temple, a Rajagopuram (tower) and a Dhwajastambha (massive pillar) provide glimpse of the master craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Though the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, the temple houses other deities of Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeswara, Nanjundeswara and Panchalingeswara as well. While the main temple was built by the Chola kings, the impressive Rajagopuram and the compound of the temple was built by chieftain Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore.

On the eve of Shivarathri in the month of February, devotees flock to the Someshwara temple in large numbers. Worshippers jostle with each other for a darshan of Lord Shiva and the Pancha Lingeswaras. The temple celebrates Brahmotsava on the full moon day and Kamakshamma Pallaki Utsava festivals in the month of April. The deity of the temple, Goddess Kamakshamma, is taken in a procession in a Pallaki (palanquin) around the temple.

History Of Shree Somanatha Temple, Someshwara:-

 Sanctorium of Lord Somanatha at Shree Kshetra Someshwara is considered to be one of the 12 sacred Shiva Kshetras of Indian continent. It is situated on the banks of Arabian Sea at the Western Ghats of South India thirteen kilometres away from Mangalore. The kshetra is known as Rudrapada Kshetra, and is also a famous piligrimage centre for performing Pitrakrayas (last rituals of departed soul). It is also a hot tourist spot known for its beautiful scenic spot for viewing the sunset and for its beach.
The Temple has been built at an elevated spot in form of fort and it has its own legendary history. It is believed that King Kharasura has built this temple and worshipped Lord Somanatha. Kharasura was the relative of Raavana, the demon King and as such the temple is believed to have been existing right from Ramayana period of Trethayuga.
It is also believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata times visited this place and worshipped Lord Somanatha. A lake near Somanatha temple is called as "Gadha Teertha" said to have been built by Bhimasena.
Historically it is said to have been built by Kings of Alupa Dynasty in 10th century A.D. The temple was under the Administrative rule of Kadambas of Banavasi, and Choula Kings of Ullala of 12th Centrury A.D. The two inscriptions found in the temple says that it was renovated in 15th Century A.D. at the time of Vijayanagara King Immadi Devaraya by Rajaguru Sree Kriyashaktri Devavodeya.
The temple is surrounded by Nagabana on its southwestern side and has a Udhbhava Naga and there are other temples of Lord Siddivinayaka, Lord Gopala Krishna, Lord Janardhana and Raktheswari.

Stone inscriptions at Someshwara Temple:-

Two stone inscriptions are found in the vicinity of the temple. While one is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple another is inscribed on a small stone pillar near Pakashala. They were numbered as 467 and 468 by the Archeology department in 1929 and reported to have been in damaged condition. Several attempts were made to read them by ephigraphies and recently it was found possible to know the details by Sri Umanathashewari, history lecturer of Sri Venkataramanaswamy college Bantwala who could read the same recently.
The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD. The inscription details narrates as : "Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by Rajamaharajadhi Raja, Rajaparameshwara Immadi Devaraya between 1424 AD to 1446 AD. At that time his designated Governor Sri Triyamaka Devaodeya was ruling the Tulu kingdom of Mangalore State. During this period Sri Kriyasakthi Devaodara the Rajaguru of Vijayanagara Emperor Immadi Devaraya visited Someshwara Temple and renovated it and prescribed as certain regulations for permanent poojas and sevas of Lord Someshwara on stone inscription. The inscription regulates that the produce of the land and other otherings made by kings of Banga and Chouta Dynasty as well as by the Brahmin community be used scruplusly for the continuous pooja sevas of Lord Someshwara till sun & moon exists on the earth and utsavas and fairs to be conducted as laid down by the governers as Vijayanagar Empire. It also cautions that any misuse will lead to severe punishment and wishes good to all who obey the regulations."
The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as
"Saka 1117"
"Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha"
Though we could read only there two lines on this inscriptions, it provides a lot of information on the period of this temple construction. The "Saka 1117" reveals that the temple is of more than 791 years old and the other line "Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha" reveals that it is the title of Alupa King Nalvadi Veerakalasekhara who ruled between Saka 1092 to 1142 i.e., 1195 AD. As such this line of inscription reveals the fact that the temple was built earlier than the period of Veerakulasekhara i.e., it was built before 1195 AD.
It is unfortunate that we have no more details in view of the delaminated condition of the inscription. However we can predict that King Veerakulasekhara must have made offerings to Lord Someshwara as a disciple of Shiva. He was known for his bravery by defeating the Pandya Kings of Madhure to protect his kingdom Alvakheda. As described in another inscription of 1205 AD. He has also brought out Gold coins known as Mangalore Gadyanas. As such it is presumed that Alupa Kings as a disciples and devotees of Lord Someshwara might have be the great patrons of the temple and worshipping right before 650 AD itself.
Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she has donated Jaladhani about 450 years back. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festval.
ignificance of Someshwara Temple Mangalore
    A lake near Somanatha temple exists that is called as “Gadha Teertha” and said to have been built by Bhimasena.
    Two famous stone inscriptions are found on the temple walls. One is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple another is inscribed on a small stone pillar near Pakashala.
    The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD.
    The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as:
    “Saka 1117”
    “Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha”.
    Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she has donated Jaladhani about 450 years back. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festval.
Places nearby Someshwara Temple Mangalore
    Bekal Fort: Located 63 Kms south of Mangalore is in the state of Kerala. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era.
    Kadri Manjunatha Temple:it is located on Kadri hills, in Mangalore is just 3 Km away from the venue. This popular and beautiful temple is surrounded by tanks with natural springs and late rite caves. These caves are also called as Pandava Caves. It is believed that the Pandavas came to this cave and stayed there.

A Quick Look at the Someshwara Beach:-

The beach is undiscovered by tourists and therefore in a pristine condition. The endless golden sands are ideal for walking or sunbathing. Someshwara beach is famous for large rocks on the beach called Rudra Shile. During high tide, the sight of waves dashing against the rocks evokes a feeling of awe for the power of Nature

One can climb the Ottinene hillock for a grand view of the Netravati River winding its way to the sea through mangroves.This hillock has lush vegetation and a number of medicinal plants grow naturally here. The Government has announced plans of developing a park for medicinal plants here. This park, to be called Kshithij Nisargadhama, is approachable from Someshwara beach.
The presence of hidden rocks and currents along this stretch of the coast make this each unsuitable for swimming. The sea claims a number of lives every year as unwary swimmers are dragged by the current.

Getting To Someshwara Beach:-

Someshwara beach is located 9 km from Mangalore city. The beach is close to Ullal town. Mangalore is well connected to the rest of India by road and rail. The nearest airport to Someshwara beach is Mangalore. Mangalore has a variety of hotels to suit every budget, and accommodation can be arranged at short notice.

About Ullal:-

Ullal is a panchayat town in Dakshina Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Ullal town is one of the oldest towns in India. In 15th century it came under the rules of Portuguese. Still the remains of its glorious history can be seen in the beaches and other parts of Ullal. It is a small town about 8–10 km south of Mangalore close to the border between the two southern states of Karnataka and Kerala. It comprises two revenue villages, Ullal and Parmannur, in Mangalore Taluk. Ullal is located adjacent to City Corporation of Mangalore at a distance of 10 KM from District head quarters. Most of the people in ullal belong to either beary or Mogaveera ethnic group.Ullal, which was otherwise considered to be a very peaceful place became notorious for the communial riots for last few years.

The beach is undiscovered by tourists and therefore in a pristine condition. The endless golden sands are ideal for walking or sunbathing. Someshwara beach is famous for large rocks on the beach called Rudra Shile. During high tide, the sight of waves dashing against the rocks evokes a feeling of awe for the power of Nature.
It is very famous for historic locations like Someshwara Temple, Summer Sands Beach Resort, Queen Abbakka’s Fort at Ranipura, Seyyad madani dargah, K Pandyarajah Ballal Institutes and college of nursing and Queen Abbakka’s basadi at melangadi. This quaint little sea town on the shore of Arabian Sea was the setting for wide-scale sea-erosion that occurred in the late 1990s and early this millennium. The local authorities however have tried to reduce the damage by placing sand bags near the advancing coastline, the benefits of this step are yet to be noted.[citation needed]. Adjacent to summer sands beach resort is subhash nagar. The remains of Rani Abbakka’s fort can be seen in the vicinity of Someshwara Temple. This Town is an important trading centre for fish and fish manure. Fishing and Beedi rolling are main occupations of the residents of this town.
The beach is undiscovered by tourists and therefore in a pristine condition. The endless golden sands are ideal for walking or sunbathing. Someshwara beach is famous for large rocks on the beach called Rudra Shile. During high tide, the sight of waves dashing against the rocks evokes a feeling of awe for the power of Nature
One can climb the Ottinene hillock for a grand view of the Netravati River winding its way to the sea through mangroves.This hillock has lush vegetation and a number of medicinal plants grow naturally here. The Government has announced plans of developing a park for medicinal plants here. This park, to be called Kshithij Nisargadhama, is approachable from Someshwara beach.
The presence of hidden rocks and currents along this stretch of the coast make this each unsuitable for swimming. The sea claims a number of lives every year as unwary swimmers are dragged by the current.

Pooja Timmings:-

5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

During Annual Jathra the temple will remain open whole day and night.

Festivals at Someshwara Temple Mangalore:-

    The Jathra Mahotsava is the grand festival held here. It is a 7 days ritual with many a poojas and splendour.
    Laksha Deepotsava in the temple is held in Tula masa. On the day Kshetra pooja is held in the beginning and then Appada pooje and Ranga pooja of Sri Siddivinayaka is held.
    On the day of Shivarathri, Shiva pooja, Ranga pooja rituals are held and Bhootabali is given. After this the archaka of Holla sect seeks the blessing of the Main Deity for offering prasada to Kattige i.e., for Nagabana

How to Reach:-

By Rail:-

Thokur Rail Way Station , Kankanadi Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway station to Someshwara. How ever Mangalore Rail Way Station is major railway station 8 KM near to Someshwara.

By Road:-

Mangalore , Bajpe , Ullal , Bantval , Mulki , Mudbidri , Karkala are the nearby by towns to Mangalore having road connectivity to Mangalore and Someshwara.

By Air:-

Mangalore International Airport at Kenjar is the nearest airport to the temple located at a distance of about 41 Kms.

Nishkalank Mahadev’s temple - A Shiva Temple Middle Of Arabian Sea Koliyak, Bavnagar

                                                       Nishkalank Mahadev’s Temple

Koliyak is located at a distance of about 23 km to the east of Bhavnagar. It is said that Pandavas established Nishkalank or Nakalank Mahadev on a new moon night of the Indian calendar month of Bhadarva. The famous fair popularly known as ‘Bhadarvi’ is held on the new moon night in month of Sharvan, as per the Indian calender. An idol of god Shankar was established in an island, over the sea about 3 km to the east of Koliyak.

Think of a temple in the weirdest of places. Under the sea. But then, the Hindus have built their temples over the hills and mountains, inside the caves, at the sea shore, near the water falls…where ever nature reveals itself in all its grandeur and pristine beauty. The temple I am talking about is Nishkalank Mahadev’s temple (Nishkalank – blemish-less or sinless; Mahadev – Lord Shiva), and it is under water during high tides in the sea and emerges during low tides to reveal itself majestically, promising its devotees to wash away all sins. As it did for the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata, when they wanted to atone for the sin of killing their brethren, even though they were all evil incarnated.

About Nishkalank Mahadev’s Temple:-

This temple is 2 kms inside the sea. One has to travel by boat to reach this temple. The temple is immersed in the sea in the remaining hours. Tides in the sea create this effect. One can identify the temple with the help of a flag arranged on the top of temple. The devotees perform their Puja activities and return by evening. The tides are very active in this area especially on no moon day and full moon day. The devotees eagerly wait for the tides to disappear on these days.

 According to historians, this temple was built by Pandavas during Mahabharath war. There will be celebrations at this temple on Mahashivarathri. This temple was built with a special care to withstand very high tides. This temple is a big question to all the modern engineers and technology experts. We should appreciate the work of ancient Indians who built this temple.

Story Linked to the Temple:-

 

 

 

 

 

 The story is from Mahabharat age.  After Pandavas won the battle by killing all the Kauravas; were feeling anguish releasing that they have attained sins for killing their relatives. So as to discover reclamation for their sins, Pandavas met Lord Krishna. Krishna handed them a black Flag and a black Cow.

He asks the Pandavas to trail them, saying when both turns white, they all will be forgiven. Krishna also recommends them to apologize to lord Shiva, after that. The Pandavas followed the cow everywhere it went and conceded the flag. They marched for days, to various places but the shades didn’t change. Lastly, when they reached the Koliyak Beach, both turned white. Pandavas were dignified and sat for apologizing by meditated to lord Shiva.

Impressed by the brothers, Shiva appeared in Lingam form to each Pandava. Altogether there were 5 (Swayumbu) lingams that appeared on their own. Pleased Pandavas worshiped all the 5 linga with religious zeal. Hence, they named it as Nishkalan Mahadev. ‘Nishkalank’ means being spotless, clean, and innocent, etc. Pandavas settled down the Nakalank Mahadev on Amavasai i.e. no moon night of the Indian calendar month Bhadra. An idol of Lord Shiva was established on the island, about 3kms to the east of Koliyak. Every lingam has a Nandi fronting it. They are placed on a square platform. A pond named “Pandava Kund” is used by devotees to wash hands and legs before visiting Shiva Lings.

Watch For:-

 As the temple is situated in the middle of the Arabian Sea, you must be careful about the tides. There are high tides on the full moon and no moon days and thus going on these days would be troublesome for you. Though the tides are always on, but it is said that the tides make way for devotees during worship hours and cover the Shiva Lingas during night hours.
Visit Time: Though the temple is open for devotees on all days of a week but every Friday, holds a special preference for devotees to visit Nishkalank Mahadev Mandir. The temple is opened for only a few hours in a day.

Legend Of Nishkalank Mahadev’s Temple:-

The following temple story dates back to Mahabaratha era. Pandavas killed all the Kuravas and won the battle. Pandavas were grief stricken knowing they acquired sins for killing their own relatives. In order to find redemption for their sins, Pandavas met Lord Krishna. To remove the sins, Krishna hands over a black Flag and a Black COW. He asks the Pandavas to follow it, when both Cow and flag turns white, they all will be pardoned. Krishna also advises them to do penance to lord Shiva, after that. The angst stricken brothers followed the cow wherever it went and carried the flag. They walked for days, to different places and the color did not change. Finally, when they arrived at the Koliyak Beach, both cow and the flag color turned to white. Pandavas were exalted. And all the 5 brothers sat for deep penance, meditated on lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva impressed by the brothers showed up in lingam form to each brother. As they meditated, each lingam appeared in front of each brother. In total there were 5 (Swayumbu) lingams that showed up on their own. Pandavas were delighted to see this and they worshiped all the five lingams with great devotion. Lord Shiva here is known as Nishkalan Mahadev. ‘Nishkalank’ has many meaning they are clean, pure, guiltless, to cleanse, to purify, etc. It is said that Pandavas established Nishkalank or Nakalank Mahadev on a Amavasai of the Indian calendar month of Bhadarva. The famous fair popularly known as ‘Bhadarvi’ is held on the no moon night in month of Sharvan (August), as per the Indian calendar. An idol of Lord Shiva was established in an island, over the sea about 3 km to the east of Koliyak. Each lingam has a Nandhi facing it. The lingams are spread across a square Platform. There is a pond called Pandavas pond and devotees’ first wash their hands and legs and only then they visit the Lord Shivas shrines.
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is one of the rarest of rare temples. The sea everyday withdraws, paving way for the devotees to offer their prayers. This temple is located in the middle of the sea, and devotees’ young and old alike walk all the way to reach this temple. The water just around the temple pave the way, and this is a rare sight. And after 7 pm, the temple is again covered under the fierce tide.
Devotees’ throng this temple during Amavasai (no moon day), it is to be noted here that the tides are very active during full moon day and no moon day, yet devotees patiently wait for the tides to retrieve. There is strong belief that when loved ones are cremated their ashes are immersed in these waters and by doing so, one attains salvation or moksha. Besides ash, milk, curds and whole coconut are offered to the lord here. The temple festival is initiated by hoisting the flag by the clans of Maharajas of Bhavnagar. This flag is on for 364 days and is changed only during the next temple festival. And for the records, the flag has never fallen down or washed away by the tides. It stands undisturbed by the ferocious tides and has seen the deadliest earth quake that killed more than 50,000 people in 2001.
This is a wonder beauty. The devotees worship not many temples that are buried under the sea. However, this temple stands as an exception.

Miracle Of Temple:-

Nishkalank Mahadev Temple at Koliyak
Earlier I had told you that the Gujarat sea line is different from the rest of India. And we had seen the proof of the same at Kavi Kamboi. Now let us explore the same a bit more.
Let me explain step by step. We were at the Koliyak beach at around 8 am. We parked our car at a convenient place and started taking some photos and videos. It was like any other sea beach. Calm and quiet. There were lots of shacks. Most of them were not yet opened, and those few which were opened were preparing some deep fried pakoda kind of breakfast. We were one of the first visitors of the day.

We could see two poles with flags deep inside the see, may be a km or two from the beach.
The calm and quiet beach of Koliyak at 8.15 am. Your eye sight is excellent if you have spotted 2 parallel vertical lines

A little while later. Can you notice the two poles?
And soon it was around 9 am or so. The water was slowly receding, bit by bit, inch by inch. The tourists also started picking up. Now we could make out that the sea is not deep but very shallow. And the two poles with the flags were more visible, and were clearer.

Now it was around 11 am. So we also decided to walk there. The coastline has moved forward substantially. The path was quite slippery. We removed our chappals along the way. We had folded our pants. And with utmost care, we were walking towards those two pillars. Soon, the water receded completely. And we were also nearing the pillars.

Shop keepers are taking even push-carts to the temple !


Popularity of the temple:-

Do you know why Nishkalank Temple is famous all across the world? Why is this temple popular among the Shiva devotees?
    The interesting fact about this temple is its location. This temple was built in the middle of the sea where the tides are very active. The devotees wait for hours to let the water recede as it is not possible for anyone to enter the temple during high tide. The water usually recedes for only a couple of hours, and it is then that the worshippers pray their beloved deity. The temple again goes under water once the clock strikes 7 in the evening.
    It is a popular belief among the Shiva devotees that the departed souls attain moksha if their ashes are immersed in the water near the temple.
    The flag that is hoisted on the temple is changed once a year on the occasion of the fair only.
    The flag that is of great significance to the temple has never got torn or washed away in the tides, rains or winds till date.
If you are a Shiva devotee, visiting the Nishkalank temple would be an unforgettable and thrilling experience. The temple is in every sense a marvel!

Best time to visit: -

 March to July.

Other Attraction Near temple:-

The Tourist Attraction here namely, Khodiyar Mata Rajpara is near Bhavnagar city, Gopnath Mahadev temple is near Talaja taluka, Uncha Kotda Chamunda Mata is nearMahuva city and Bagdana Bapa Bajrangdasji Maharaj Temple.

How to Reach Nishkalank Mahadev Temple:-

By Air:-

The Ahmedabad city distance is 196 km.

By Rail:-

The Bhavnagar city Railway station is 22 km.

By Road:-

Well-known bus stops are situated at koliyak village and Bhavnagar city.