Nellitheertha Shree Somanatheshwara Temple
- +91 80887 08914
- vbnellitheertha@yahoo.com
- Mangalore, Karnataka - India
Maha Ganapati
Temple
Maha Ganapati
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.
