Nellitheertha Shree Somanatheshwara Temple

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Introduction

Shree Somanatheshwara Temple

The main deity of the temple is Shree Somanatheshwara Guhalaya (Shiva). The temple also has MahaGanapati (Elephant – headed God) and Jabali Maharshi as deities here. In typical Tulu-naadu (Tulu is the native language in this part of the woods) tradition, the temple also has its set of “Bhootas”. Bhootas are considered as the “Ganas” or warrior-assistants of the Gods. According to mythology, bhootas are appointees of Shiva and they administer the temple/village. The main bhootas of the Nellitheertha temple are Pili-Chamundi (Pili means Tiger in Tulu), Kshetrapala, Raktheshwari and Doomavathy.
The Lingam of Shree Somanatheshwara has been made out of pure Saligrama and is considered very sacred. The Lingam has been built as Ardhanareeshwara. There are other artifacts in and around the temple which are pointers to the past glory of this place. Among them are the “Arasule Mancha” (King’s abode), “Arasule Mancha” (King’s abode) and the “Jina Vigraha” (Jain Statue).
To the east of the temple’s entrance is the Amblattapadavu hillock. This hillock is about 300-500 feet high and offers a splendid scenery from the top. One can spot places such as the Bajpe Airport, Mangalore, Panambur, the MRPL refinery and Suratkal. On a day with clear skies, one can even spot the Arabian Sea. Amblattapadavu offers a wonderful view of sunrise and sunset everyday.
The “Nagappa Kere” (Snake Pond) is a small pond situated to the north of the temple. This natural pond, along with its religious significance, is also a scenic spot. All devotees who want to enter the cave temple have to clean themselves by taking bath in this pond and only then are they allowed into the cave. The lake is at its best immediately after the monsoons (Oct—Dec) when its crystal clear water is a swimmer’s delight. There are plans to build a small herbal park around this pond as also a small deer park.
The “Arasule Mancha” or King’s seat is situated near the main entrance of the temple towards the north. Historical evidence suggests that this seat was where the king of the land used to be seated when he visited the temple. It is believed that even today, the spirits of the former rulers visits the place at night and so it is prohibited to sit on the seat after dusk.
The Nellitheertha temple is a symbol of secularism. The temple and the cave is open to members of all beliefs and castes. Any person, above the age of 5, is allowed to enter the cave irrespective of gender. Truly, Nellitheertha is a special and model place.

Wonder Cave

The Enigmatic Cave of Nellitheertha

To the right of the temple, one can see the entrance of the historical natural Cave.
By moving forward around 200 metres inside the cave, one can take a holy dip in the sacred lake (Nellithhertha) inside. It is believed that after one takes the holy dip and performs abishek / puja to Shivalinga therein with one’s own hands, they will be cured of some types of skin diseases. They can also visit the seat of the penance of Maharshi Jabali.
Water is always dripping in the shape of amlaka / Nelli (goosebarry) inside the cave. Hence the name Nellitheertha (Amlaka Theertha). Known for its natural and religious importance, this temple has devotees who can enjoy spirituality and the glory of nature simultaneously. Access to the cave is open to all, irrespective of caste & creed.
Though the path inside the cave is a bit steep, the place where Pond and Shivalinga are located is wide and high enough for hundreds of people to stand together and enjoy. The cave does not end here, but no one is allowed to go beyond the lake point. Before entering the cave, all devotees should take a bath in another pond called ‘Nagappa Kere’ outside the temple and enter in wet clothes. Another speciality of this temple is that the cave entry is allowed only for six months in a year, that too only till the mahapuja in the afternoon.
The cave entry begins every year on the Dhanur Sankranti day (17th of October) and ends on the Mesha Sankranti day (April 14). However, in the main temple situated outside the cave, the daily puja, worship and festivals of Sri Somanatha and Sri Mahaganapathi are performed daily as per the Agama Shastra without any restrictions. Govt. of Karnataka has also identified this as an important Tourist centre, but yet to provide the required facilities.