Kudroli Temple, Mangalore - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kudroli Temple

At a distance of 2.5 km from Mangalore Railway Station, Kudroli Temple, or Gokarnanatheshwara Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in the city of Mangalore. It is one of the top places to visit in Mangalore, and among the popular pilgrimage sites in Karnataka.

Kudroli Temple is dedicated to Gokarnanatheswara, another form of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in Karnataka started by Narayana Guru, the famous social reformer from Kerala, and among the must include places in Mangalore tour packages.

History of Kudroli Temple

Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple was established in 1912 by a devotee named H. Koragappa, with the guidance of Narayana Guru. It is significant to note that Sri Narayana Guru, a prominent figure in the fight against the caste system and a proponent of social equality, selected this site for the temple's construction specifically for the Billava community, which faced restrictions on entering other temples during that period. In 1991, the temple's gopuram was renovated in the Chola Gopuram style. Subsequently, in 2007, the Bhagwaan Hanumaan Mandir was constructed at the entrance of the Gokarnanatha Kshethra premises.

Architecture of Kudroli Temple

The architecture of Kudroli Temple draws inspiration from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple located in Varanasi, making it unique in South India. The temple features a magnificent towering gopuram adorned with murals depicting various gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from Hindu epics and legends. The sanctum houses Lord Gokarnanatha in the form a Shivlingam. The Shivalingam is carved out of marble brought by Narayana Guru from Gokarna where he found it underwater. Additionally, the temple complex includes shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, and Goddess Annapoorneshwari.

Festivals of Kudroli Temple

Navratri is celebrated with great joy at this temple, comprising of long rituals, cultural performances and majestic processions. The dasara celebrations of this temple are popularly called Mangalore Dasara. Besides, the temple observes many festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Krishnashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Sri Narayana Jayanthi with great pomp and splendour.

Kudroli Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Visitors are required to adhere to a dress code that emphasizes modesty, ensuring that shoulders and knees are adequately covered. It is recommended that both men and women wear traditional Indian clothing when attending the temple. Attire such as shorts and sleeveless tops is prohibited.

Kudroli Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 - 8:30 PM

Kudroli Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
There is no provision for special darshan at this temple.

Best Time to Visit Kudroli Temple

The ideal time to visit the Kudroli Gokarnanath Temple in Mangalore is during the winter months, specifically from October to February. This timeframe offers pleasant weather conditions, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the temple and engage in outdoor activities. Notably, the festive season in October, highlighted by the Dussehra celebration, presents a particularly lively atmosphere to appreciate the temple's spiritual and cultural significance. Additionally, Maha Shivaratri, typically celebrated in February or March, is another excellent occasion for a visit. It is important to note, however, that these festive periods may attract larger crowds, necessitating advance arrangements for accommodations and temple visits.

How to Reach Kudroli Temple

Kudroli Gokarnanath Temple is situated in the center of Mangalore city, making it conveniently reachable through multiple transportation options. Visitors may access the temple via auto-rickshaws, taxis, or local bus services. For individuals arriving from outside the city, the Mangalore Central Railway Station is located roughly 3 kilometers from the temple, while the Mangalore International Airport is approximately 15 kilometers away.