History and Special Features
This
temple in Mangalore is one of the oldest temples devoted to the worship of
Shakti. It is believed that the idol of Sri Mahamaya Amma was brought from
Kudtheri village of Goa during the early days of 16th Century A.D. by a few
people who had to leave Goa due to Portuguese atrocities. Since then, the
temple is serving the spiritual and religious needs of the community. This
temple houses Lord Srinivasa, Lord Venkatramana, Sri Raktheshwari Amma, Sri
Mahalaxmi, Sri Chandramauleshwar & Sri Mahalasa Narayani as other deities.
The
tank in front of the temple, called Sri Mahamaya
Tirtha, is the largest tank in the city. It attracts crowds of devotees to
witness the immersion of clay idols of Ganesha during Ganesh Chathurthi and Sharada
during Navratri Festival.
The
famous Sri Venkatramana temple is only 100 Yards away from Sri Mahamaya temple.
On the following occasions the deities of both the temples will be taken in procession.
1.
On Tulsi Pooja Day & Vaishakha Shudda Poornima.
2.
On Madhva Navami Day in the chariot of Sri Venkatramana Temple.
3.
On Vijaya Dashami Day the palanquins to Karangalpady for offering pooja to the
standing new paddy crop and back to temples together, with the new corn for
making Navanha (New Rice).
4.
On the Kartika Shudda Poornima for 'Vanabhojana'
and in the same evening for celebrating 'Deepothsavam'.
The Dieties
Kudtheri
Sri Mahamaya Amma is the presiding
deity.
Other
Deities include Sri Venkatramana, Sri Srinivas, Mahalaxmi, Mahalasanaryani, Sri
Chandramaulishwara and Raktheswari Amma.
Important Festivals
Car
Festival is held on Phalguna Shuddha Padya to Shasti (Six Days) (February /
March).
Navaratri - Ashwayuja Shuddha Padya to Dashami (10 Days) (October).