Historical
Background:
In Tulunadu,
in the 10th century, Kundavarma, the most famous king of Alupa dynasty was
ruling. Mangalore was the capital of his kingdom. At that time, there came
two sages named Machhendranatha and Gorakanatha from Nepal. They reached
Mangalapura, crossing the river Nethravathi. The place were they crossed
the river came to be known as 'Gorakdandu'. They chose a place near the
bank of Nethravathi which was once the centre of activities of sage Kapila.
He had his hermitage there and it was a great centre of
education.'
Hearing about the arrival of the two
saints the king came to meet them. Introducing himself as the king of
Tulunadu he paid them his respects and offered all help and patronage.
Pleased with the humility and virtues of the king they brought to his
knowledge that his kingdom was a hallowed place and it was sanctified by
the activities of holy saints and sages in the past. They requested him to
grant them land so that they could build their hermitage and make it a
centre of their religious activities under his protection and patronage.
For Kundavarma it was really a
surprise to know that his land had such a hoary history. It was from these
saints he came to know that once upon a time, in his land there existed a
temple dedicated to mother Mangaladevi. From their own mouth he heard the
story of Vikhasini, Andasura and Parashurama and the temple built by him.
The two saints took the king to the places where all these historical
events had. taken place. They asked the king to dig the place and retrive the Linga and the
Dharapatra symbolising Mangaladevi and install them in a shrine along with
Nagaraja for the protection.
Kundavarma carried out the advice of
the two sages. A grand shrine of Sri Mangaladevi stood on the hallowed
place. The two sages themseleves guided and supervised the execution of
the work. The temple attained special significance as Mother Magaladevi
granted special favours, especially on maidens. Pious maidens who worship
the goddess observing Mangaladharavrata (Swayamvara Parvathi) will heave
their wishes fulfilled. They get husbands most suited for them.
Even today the two temples at
Mangaladevi and Kadri have maintained their connection. The heads of Kadri
Yogirajmutt visit Mangaladevi temple on the first day of Kadri temple
festival and offer prayer and silk cloth to the Goddess.