Temple Description

The Mangaladevi Temple, located in Bolara, Mangalore, Karnataka, is a historic Hindu temple situated about three kilometers southwest of the city center. It is dedicated to the goddess Shakti/Parvati in her form as Mangaladevi, after whom the city is named.

This ancient temple is thought to have been constructed in the 9th century by Kundavarman, a prominent king of the Alupa dynasty, with the support of Matsyendranath. According to another legend, it was originally built by Parashurama, one of Vishnu’s ten avatars, and later expanded by Kundavarman.

The temple is designed in the Kerala style of architecture, common in temples across Kerala and the Western Ghats, featuring extensive wooden construction. The central shrine houses the seated idol of Mangaladevi, with additional shrines for other deities surrounding it.

Today, the temple is managed by trustees and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.