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The Goddess in Mookambika Temple is described in the form of a Jyotirlingam incorporating both Shiva and Shakthi. The ‘Panchaloha’ image of the Goddess on Shri Chakra was stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. The Divine Mother is said to be the manifestation of Trigunas or triple forms. Around the main temple, there are many other shrines. Mookambika Temple in Kollur (in Karnataka), also known as Kolapura ‘Adi Mahalakshmi’ Temple, is one of the ancient shrines in India. There is a self- manifested Jyotirmaya Lingam at this temple. This has a middle golden line that denotes the Shakthi. Kollur is an important seat of Shakthi worship. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. The temple is situated amidst dense forests. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centres created by Parashurama, a Hindu mythological figure. According to mythology, Kamasura, an Asura King, wanted to be all powerful. But Devi (Parvati), with the help of Shiva and Ganapathi, first made him dumb. Then the Asura had come to be known as Mookasura. (Mooka meant dumb). Mookasura was later killed by Devi and then she came to be known as Mookambika. According to a legend, Lord Shiva appeared before Maharishi Kola after he performed penance and granted him the boon that a Swayambu (autogenetic) Lingam would appear for his worship. When the Maharishi sought to worship Devi also, a Swarna Rekha (gold line) appeared on the Lingam signifying Shakthi. Thus Shiva and Shakthi are worshipped together in the Lingam. Besides, other gods and goddesses also believed to reside in the Lingam signifying it to be the abode of the entire celestial congregation. Kollur, it is believed, got its name from this Maharishi Kola. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya wanted to install the Devi idol in a place in Kerala. Devi agreed to this but put forward a condition that she would follow him and that he should not look back till he reached his destination. But to test Shankaracharya, Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her anklets when they reached Kollur whereupon he looked back to know what had happened. Adi Shankaracharya then had to install Devi idol at Kollur as per promise. It is said that the original Mookambika Temple was at Kodachadri Hills. The present temple at Kollur was constructed to help the devotees to have an easy access to the temple. There is now a small temple dedicated to Devi near Kodachadri peak. Saraswati Pooja during the Navratri Festival is the main event celebrated at this Mookambika Temple. The temple is famous for initiating young ones to learning. The nearest town to Kollur is Udupi (80 km). For More Info: Mookambika Temple Kollur and Places to Visit in Kollur
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