Temple Description

The Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, also known as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, is situated in the Kudroli area of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. It was consecrated by Narayana Guru and is dedicated to Gokarnanatha, a form of Lord Shiva. Constructed in 1912 by Adhyaksha HoigeBazar Koragappa, the temple is now recognized as a significant site for the Billava community.

Located just 2 km from the center of Mangalore city, the temple features a Gopuram (tower-like structure) adorned with murals depicting various gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from Hindu epics and legends.

The Billavas are indigenous to the Western Ghats and Western Coast of Karnataka. Their early historical presence is noted in the Chera Empire, which dates back to around 200 BCE. The Chera Kings, also known as Villavar or Billava, established a kingdom along the Western coast and Western Ghats of South India. Muziris, an ancient port city associated with the Cheras, is believed to be in the region around Mangalore in Southwestern Karnataka.

The Chera dynasty, which lasted from 200 BCE to 1100 CE, used the symbol of a bow and arrow on their flags. Silver punch-marked coins from the Chera period featuring the bow symbol have been linked to the term Billava. As the Chera Empire expanded southward, it incorporated Tamil influences, evident in the Tamil terminology and addresses used by the Billavas. Over time, interactions with other groups such as the Nagas and Jains, as well as the rise of empires like the Pandyas and Cholas, led to the gradual decline of the Chera Empire starting in the 5th century CE.