In Tulunadu, in the 10th century,
Kundavarma, the most famous king of Alupa dynasty was ruling. Mangalore was the
capital of his kingdom. At that time, there came two sages named Machhendranatha
and Gorakanatha from Nepal. They reached Mangalapura, crossing the river
Nethravathi. The place where they crossed the river came to be known as ‘Gorakdandu’. They chose a place near the
bank of Nethravathi which was once the centre of activities of sage Kapila. He
had his hermitage there and it was a great centre of education.
Hearing about the arrival of the
two saints the king came to meet them. Introducing himself as the king of
Tulunadu he paid them his respects and offered all help and patronage. Pleased
with the humility and virtues of the king they brought to his knowledge that
his kingdom was a holy place and it was sanctified by the activities of holy
saints and sages in the past. They requested him to grant them land so that
they could build their hermitage and make it a centre of their religious
activities under his protection and patronage.
History
The holy saints asked the king to
dig the place and retrieve the Linga and the Dharapatra symbolising Mangaladevi and install them in a shrine
along with Nagaraja for protection.
Kundavarma carried out the advice
of the two sages. A grand shrine of Sri Mangaladevi stood on the holy place.
The two sages themselves guided and supervised the execution of the work.
Significance
The temple attained special significance as Mother Magaladevi granted special favours, especially on maidens. Pious maidens who worship the goddess observing Mangaladharavrata (Swayamvara Parvathi) will have their wishes fulfilled. They get husbands most suited for them.