Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple
श्री मूकाम्बिका मंदिर
Devi (Mookambika) temple · Kollur, Udupi, Karnataka, India
Photo: Premkudva · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Sri Mookambika Devi Temple in Kollur, Udupi district, Karnataka, is one of the best-known goddess shrines on the Karnataka coast. It stands on the bank of the Souparnika river at the foot of Kodachadri hill in the Western Ghats, and draws pilgrims from across South India.
The Udupi district administration describes it as one of the seven Mukthi Sthalas of Karnataka. Here the goddess Mookambika is worshipped in the form of a jyotirlinga, which devotees understand as the union of Shiva and Shakti.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple
According to the account given by the Udupi district administration, the Skanda Purana presents Mookambika as the union of Shiva and Shakti, and she is regarded as a manifestation of Parvati, Saraswati and Mahalakshmi together. Devotees approach her as a giver of strength, knowledge and courage.
The temple's name is linked to a local legend. According to tradition, the goddess first struck dumb (mooka) a demon called Kamasura who was troubling the people of the area, and later killed him; grateful residents then began worshipping her at Kollur.
Karnataka Tourism notes the long association of the shrine with Adi Shankaracharya: he is said to have performed penance here, and is believed to have consecrated the image of the goddess.
Heritage
History of Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple
Published accounts describe the temple as more than 1,200 years old, but no securely dated founding record was found in the official sources consulted. The Adi Shankaracharya connection is preserved as temple tradition rather than documented history.
Today the shrine is a major pilgrimage centre. Karnataka Tourism notes that the temple management runs a guest house and offers online pooja bookings through its own website.
Architecture and sacred features
The district administration and Karnataka Tourism both note the temple's gold-plated crest and copper roofs, which stand out against the forested hills around Kollur.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Karnataka Tourism states that darshan runs through most of the day, with short breaks while certain rituals and decorations are performed, and directs visitors to the temple's own website for the detailed schedule (checked October 2026). Confirm current timings, dress requirements and seva bookings with the temple management before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple
Navaratri
Navaratri is the temple's main annual festival, and lakhs of devotees come to Kollur during this period.
Location
How to Reach Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport. Karnataka Tourism lists Kollur as about 130 km from Mangaluru and about 430 km from Bengaluru. The nearest railway station is Mookambika Road at Baindur (Byndoor), about 30 km away. The Udupi district administration gives the road distance from Udupi as about 75 km.
Regular private buses run to Kollur from Mangaluru, and KSRTC buses connect it with Bengaluru and other cities. Taxis are available from nearby towns such as Kundapura, which Karnataka Tourism places about 36 km away. Published travel guidance notes that public transport becomes scarce late in the evening.
Location: Kollur, Udupi, Karnataka, India
Nearest airport: Mangaluru International Airport (about 130 km, per Karnataka Tourism)
Nearest railway station: Mookambika Road, Baindur (about 30 km, per Karnataka Tourism)
More in Hindu temples in Karnataka · Devi (Mookambika) temples · Temples in Bainduru Taluk · Temples in Udupi District
Questions
Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kollur Mookambika Temple?
It is in Kollur village in Udupi district, Karnataka, on the bank of the Souparnika river at the foot of Kodachadri hill in the Western Ghats.
In what form is Goddess Mookambika worshipped?
According to the Udupi district administration, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a jyotirlinga and is regarded as the union of Shiva and Shakti.
What is the connection between Adi Shankaracharya and Kollur?
According to tradition, Adi Shankaracharya performed penance at Kollur and consecrated the image of the goddess. This is a long-held belief rather than a documented historical record.
Why is the goddess called Mookambika?
According to local legend, the goddess first made the demon Kamasura mute ('mooka') and later killed him, and the people of the area began worshipping her afterwards.
What is the nearest railway station to Kollur?
Karnataka Tourism lists Mookambika Road station at Baindur, about 30 km from Kollur, as the nearest railway station.
What is the nearest airport to Kollur Mookambika Temple?
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport. Karnataka Tourism places Kollur about 130 km from Mangaluru.
When is the busiest time to visit?
Navaratri is the temple's main festival and draws very large crowds. Plan for queues and confirm arrangements with the temple management if you are visiting then.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q3595863 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Kollur Mookambika Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- District Administration, Udupi (Government of Karnataka) — Sri Mookambika Devi Temple
- Karnataka Tourism, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka — Sri Mookambika Temple (archived February 2023)
- The Times of India (Times Travel) — Kollur Mookambika Temple
Further reading: Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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