Nellitheertha Shree Somanatheshwara Temple

Shree Somanatheshwara Temple, Nellitheertha The Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave temple is one of the holiest temples in South Kanara. Temple Renovation Donation

Shree Somanatheshwara Temple, Nellitheertha The Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave temple is one of the holiest temples in South Kanara. Temple Renovation Donation

Holy Bath

Guha Pravesha - Theertha Snana

Open From October 17th to April 14th, daily from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
People enter the cave and proceed about 200 meters inside to take the holy bath (ತೀರ್ಥ ಸ್ನಾನ). Every year, entry to the cave for the ‘theertha snana’ is allowed from the auspicious day of Tula Sankramana to Mesha Sankramana, typically from October 17th to April 14th. This year, the ceremony will start on October 17, 2024, and the timings for entry are from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

'Jabaleshwara'

Maharshi Jabhali

The great Sage Jabali was performing penance for world peace on the banks of the river Bhagirathi.

Temple Renovation

Shree Kshetra Nellitheertha is undergoing renovation to enhance accessibility and preserve its sacred charm.

Donations

Contribute to the temple's maintenance and renovation, ensuring its continued service to devotees.

Latest News

Stay updated with the latest announcements, events, and developments related to the temple.

About Us

Nellitheertha Cave temple

Nellitheertha cave temple, located in Nellitheertha, Dakshin Kannada, Karnataka, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Shree Somanatheshwara. The temple dates back to 1487 CE.
The 200 m long Nellitheertha cave leads to an area where there is a natural pool and a shivling. To reach the inner sanctum, that is, the shivling, one needs to crawl because after a point, the cave gets too narrow to walk or even crouch comfortably.

The Cave

The temple's cave, open from October to April, features a lake with a Shiva Lingam and healing mud. It’s named "Nellitheertha" after the amla-shaped water droplets inside.

Nagappa Kere

The temple's most beautiful feature is the cave. To the north lies "Nagappa Kere," a small, scenic pond with religious significance.

Holy Bath

Guha Pravesha - Theertha Snana

Open From October 17th to April 14th, daily from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
People enter the cave and proceed about 200 meters inside to take the holy bath (ತೀರ್ಥ ಸ್ನಾನ). Every year, entry to the cave for the ‘theertha snana’ is allowed from the auspicious day of Tula Sankramana to Mesha Sankramana, typically from October 17th to April 14th. This year, the ceremony will start on October 17, 2024, and the timings for entry are from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

'Jabaleshwara'

History & Origins

The Glorious History and Revival of Nellitheertha Temple

The holy place Nellitheertha and the temple have a long and glorious history. Although the first recorded material mentioning Nellitheertha dates back to 1487 A.D, there is ample evidence available at the place to suggest that the temple existed much before that. At its glorious peak, there used to be daily festivities performed under the aegis of the ruler of Nellitheertha. From that grand state, the temple gradually declined and its existence itself was threatened towards the later part of the twentieth century. Since then, devotees and well wishers have got together to restore the temple to its previous grandeur. With the blessings of Shree Somanatheshwara, the temple renovation work is now on in full swing.

A Unique Blend of Nature and Spirituality

Derived from the amla-like droplets that form its lake, Nellitheertha Cave is open only six months a year, allowing the cave to rejuvenate while offering devotees a serene and sacred experience.

Events

Latest News & Updates

27th October 2024
ಪೇಜಾವರ ಮಠದ ಶ್ರೀಪಾದರು ಇಂದು (27-10-2024) ಶ್ರೀ ಸೋಮನಾಥೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ನೆಲ್ಲಿತೀರ್ಥ ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಗುಹ ತೀರ್ಥಸ್ನಾನಗೈದರು
17th October 2024
Inauguration of ‘Guha Theertha Snana’ on Thursday, 17.10.2024 at ‘Sri Kshethra Nellitheertha Sri Somanatheshwara Temple’.
16th October 2024
We cordially invite you to attend the press conference about announcing the opening of Sri Nellitheertha Somanatheswara Guhalaya’s annual Theertha Snana