Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru
ಶ್ರೀ ಮಂಗಲಾದೇವಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ
Devi (Mangaladevi) temple · Bolar, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India
Photo: Vinay bhat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple to the goddess Mangaladevi at Bolar, about 3 km south-west of the centre of Mangaluru, Karnataka. The city's name, Mangalapura and later Mangalore, derives from the presiding deity, according to the temple and Mangalorean.com. It is an 'A' grade temple of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Muzrai) department, The Hindu reports.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru
The temple's annual jathre in March includes a Dhwajarohana, a 108-coconut Ganahoma, a Chandika Homa, the Rathotsava (car festival) and a Nemotsava for the daivas of the shrine, with Anna Santarpane (mass feeding) on all days, The Hindu reported for 2026. During the car festival devotees draw the chariot about a kilometre from the temple to Marnamikatte and back (Mangalorean.com).
Navaratri is celebrated over ten days, and on the same occasion the 'Tene habba' harvest custom brings ears of new paddy into the temple, the Times of India reported.
Heritage
History of Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru
According to the temple, it is believed to have been built in the 9th century by the Alupa king Kundavarman under the guidance of Matsyendranath; another tradition attributes its foundation to Parashurama.
In 2016 the temple put up a notice asking devotees to follow a dress code voluntarily (The Hindu). In September 2022 gold ornaments donated by devotees — a pair of gold feet for the goddess and a gold cover for the Balimurthy's pushpa kannadi — were dedicated (Times of India). In 2025 a self-service kiosk for booking sevas was installed, the first at a Muzrai temple in Dakshina Kannada (The Hindu).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Devotees are requested, though not required, to dress modestly (The Hindu). Sevas can be booked at the counter or kiosk.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Karnataka HRI & CE (Muzrai) Department; hereditary managing trustee (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru
Annual jathre and Rathotsava
Six-day festival with car festival and Nemotsava (The Hindu).
Navaratri Mahotsava
Ten-day festival with the Tene habba harvest custom (Times of India).
Location
How to Reach Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru
The temple is at Bolar, about 3 km south-west of Mangaluru city centre (temple).
Location: Bolar, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India
More in Hindu temples in Karnataka · Devi (Mangaladevi) temples · Temples in Mangaluru Taluk · Temples in Dakshina Kannada District
Questions
Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Mangaladevi Temple?
At Bolar, about 3 km south-west of Mangaluru city centre, Karnataka.
Is Mangaluru named after this temple?
Yes, the city's name comes from the goddess Mangaladevi.
When is the annual jathre?
In March, with the Rathotsava on its fifth day.
Who built the temple?
Tradition credits the 9th-century Alupa king Kundavarman; another legend names Parashurama.
Is there a dress code?
The temple asks devotees to cover the body, but does not enforce it.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikipedia — Mangaladevi Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Hindu — Mangaladevi Annual Jathre from March 8
- The Hindu — Devotees make good use of self-service kiosk to book sevas at Mangaladevi temple
- The Hindu — Mangaladevi temple asks devotees to follow 'dress code'
- The Times of India — Goddess Mangaladevi to get gold items today
- Mangaladevi Temple (official site) — Mangaladevi Temple
- Mangalorean.com — Mangaladevi Rathotsava (archived)
Further reading: Sri Mahatobhara Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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