We all know Dakshina Kannada as an abode of naturalistic beauty and serene scenes. However, in its roots and culture, this land is a home for mysticism and rituals of its own kind. If you travel around then you find so many sacred shrines dedicated to Sanathana Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All these temples have their own story to tell associated with mythology and folktales. Among such beautiful temples located in this part of Karnataka, Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple is popular for its own reasons. Come, let us know about the temple of Kateel on today’s read.
Things to Know About Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple
#1
Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, primarily known for a temple dedicated to Shri Durga Parameshwari Devi. The beauty of this temple is that it is situated on an islet, right in the middle of the sacred river Nandini.
#2
The word Kateel or Kateelu is a derivation of two words – ‘Kati’ meaning Centre and ‘Ila’ meaning Earth. So, Kateel means the central area of the earth. Geographically, Kateel is located midway between Kanakagiri, the river source, and Pavanje, a joining point of a river to the sea, justifying its name.
#3
In this sacred land, Shri Shakthi resides in the form of Durga Parameshawri who is a powerful incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. There is a legend attached to the origin of Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple which dates back to the early days of Kalyug.
#4
It goes like there lived a demon named Arunasura equipped with impeccable magical powers. He was growing with such a daemon power that he started disrupting the lives on earth. He was simply unstoppable for a reason that he had secured special powers from Lord Brahma. Arunasura was blessed with a boon that he cannot be killed by any man, woman or by a two or four-legged creature.
#5
When Arunasura went on to destroy the peace on earth, Goddess Parvathi is said to have taken the form of a beautiful woman (Mohini) and came on earth. She, with her sensuous beauty, teased Arunasura to anger. When an angry demon tried to kill Goddess Parvathi, she turned herself into a rock. Arunasura broke the rock open to see an army of gigantic and furious bees flying towards him. Maa Parvathi in the form of a bee (Brahmara) stung him to a merciless death.
Later on, Rishis and Sages worships Maa Brahmaramba and pleads her to bless this world in her Soumya Roopa. Owing to their prayers, Goddess Parvathi takes the form of Parameshwari and stands in Kateel to bless and protect this world from the evil forces.
#6
As an evidence, one can see a huge rock before leading up to the shrine of Durga Parameshwari. It called as ‘Rakteshwari’, a rock form took by Devi before killing the demon. The Devi here is worshipped three times in a day. On the day of Sankaramana, a special puja will be offered by locals.
#7
The temple also hosts shrines dedicated to other Gods and Goddesses. To the south of the main sanctum, there is Mahaganapathi, and to its right, there is a shrine for shashtra. To the southwest, a shrine for Kshtrapalaka can be found. In the inner yard of the temple and in the outer yard, two Naga Sannidhis are worshipped along with Brahma in the inner sanctum.
Recommended: 12 Interesting Things to know about Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
#8
Today, thousands of devotees visit Kateel on a daily basis to seek the blessings of Maa Durga Parmeshwari. It is said that the energy here is so pristine and powerful that it can simply rejuvenate the depressed lives to all life, once again.
#9
Kateel locates on the way to Udupi and it is about 26 km away from Mangalore. The entire temple space is tucked in rich green around creating an enthralling ambiance all over.
#10
It is truly a blessed feeling to be in the presence of Shri Durga Parameshwari. During Navaratri, the temple hosts a series of Pujas and Utsavas as an offering to Devi.
#11
The temple’s beauty in the middle of the river Nandini, Devi’s divine presence, and a drop of devotion in heart, Kateel can create an image of heaven for a moment.
#12
The noted festive events celebrated in the temple are Uthsavanga, Aropana, Flag Hoisting, Souramana Yugadi, and Rathotsava.
So, this was about Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple. Hope you found this post informative and interesting.
If you don’t want to miss our next Post then Like and Follow MetroSaga on Facebook and Instagram or simply download our Android App
You can also Subscribe to MetroSaga for newsletters.
