Abode of the goddess
The ancient temple of Durgaparameshwari at Kateel, with later renovations, built on a rock in the island formed by River Nandini, has a huge boulder at the entrance, which represents Rakteswari (a spirit), the form in which the goddess made her appearance to fight the demons.
A connecting bridge brings the visitor to the temple dedicated to the goddess, who took the form of a giant bee to destroy the demon Arunasura.
The sanctum houses a linga, the original deity. Behind it is the gorgeously decorated metal icon of the goddess, in her soumya swaroopa (benign form). The small sanctum has a sloping tiled roof with a brass kalasha on top. The daily abhisheka is done with the water of tender coconut. As the goddess enticed the demon to his death with song and dance, a special seva of Yakshagana is offered here.
* How to reach: By road from Mangalore via Bajpe (25 km) and via Suratkal and Kinnigoli (33 km). Private buses ply from Mangalore.
* Location: West of the main road in Kateel leading to Mangalore
* Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
* Festivals: The important festivals observed here are the jathre in April with a rathotsava or car festival, Navaratri and the fascinating Kartika festival of lights. Friday is an important day in the temple.
* Where to stay: The temple committee provides spartan accommodation in their guesthouses on a nominal payment. Alternately, one can stay in Mangalore.
The ancient temple of Durgaparameshwari at Kateel, with later renovations, built on a rock in the island formed by River Nandini, has a huge boulder at the entrance, which represents Rakteswari (a spirit), the form in which the goddess made her appearance to fight the demons.
A connecting bridge brings the visitor to the temple dedicated to the goddess, who took the form of a giant bee to destroy the demon Arunasura.
The sanctum houses a linga, the original deity. Behind it is the gorgeously decorated metal icon of the goddess, in her soumya swaroopa (benign form). The small sanctum has a sloping tiled roof with a brass kalasha on top. The daily abhisheka is done with the water of tender coconut. As the goddess enticed the demon to his death with song and dance, a special seva of Yakshagana is offered here.
* How to reach: By road from Mangalore via Bajpe (25 km) and via Suratkal and Kinnigoli (33 km). Private buses ply from Mangalore.
* Location: West of the main road in Kateel leading to Mangalore
* Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
* Festivals: The important festivals observed here are the jathre in April with a rathotsava or car festival, Navaratri and the fascinating Kartika festival of lights. Friday is an important day in the temple.
* Where to stay: The temple committee provides spartan accommodation in their guesthouses on a nominal payment. Alternately, one can stay in Mangalore.