Nellitheertha Shree Somanatheshwara Temple

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Temple Renovation

An Appeal

Shree Kshetra Nellitheertha

Amongst the numerous Tirthakshetras in Bharata, Nellitheertha holds a special and elevated status. Due to the power of the Tapas performed by Rishis and Saints, there exists the presence of Lord Shiva in the form of a Shivalinga inside a cave here. Historical records show that this place has existed under the administration of the Chowta Arasus of Moodabidare and has a recorded history of more than 700 years! An ancient Somanatheshwara temple, along with Lord Ganapati, exists here and is beautifully encroached on one side by mother nature in the form of the entrance to the cave. Till recently, this special jewel amongst the religious and spiritual places of Tulu Nadu was not so well known. However, this has changed recently
Inside the cave, at about a distance of 200 metres, there exists a beautiful pond. It is believed that Ganga, flowing via the locks of Lord Shiva, has its presence in this pond. It has been experienced that those who take bath in this pond with devotion get rid of many diseases. The soil available around the pond has medicinal properties too. Devotees take bath in the pond and then offer water on the head of the Shiva Linga that is seated in a natural pedestal. The darshana of Lord Somanatheshwara and Sage Jabali inside the cave is indeed a divine and unforgettable experience. People experience a surge in their spiritual energy when they spend time in this temple.
In the recent years, due to the contributions and efforts of devotees, the renovation of the Shree Somanatheshwara temple has taken place in the years 1985, 2005 and 2014. Due to this, the inner prakara of the temple is in reasonably good shape. However, the number of devotees who are visiting the temple and taking bath inside the cave is steadily increasing, year after year. Along with this, the number of requests for conducting religious and dharmika events, including shodasha samskaras, in the temple, is going up consistently. Visitors from the district, and from other places, is showing a consistent upward trend.
Approximate Estimations for the Temple Renovation
Due to these reasons, it has become paramount to provide basic facilities and infrastructure for visiting devotees and for the religious events that take place. In order to make these facilities possible, a committee for the repair and renovation of the temple has been constituted. The necessary plans and budget estimates for these works have been prepared and submitted to the Hindu Religious Institutions And Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Karnataka. The approval of the Government authorities have been duly obtained vide order number DVS:MSC 229/2023/292129/F3 dated 21-02-2024. It has been estimated that an amount of Rupees 2.25 Crores shall be required to successfully complete all the planned works. We hope to complete the planned works within the next two years and be able to perform the Brahmakalasha rituals during 2026-2027.
We request all large-hearted devotees to contribute generously to this noble cause and obtain the blessings of Lord Somanatha and Lord Ganapati.
Your contributions may please be credited to the following bank account:
Shri Somantheshwara Temple Jeernodhara Samithi,
Account Details: Karnataka Bank, Aikala Branch, Dakshina Kannada
S.B Account Number: 0122500100786201
IFSC Code: KARB0000012

(Kindly inform details of your contribution via email ID: vbnellitheertha@yahoo.com or WhatsApp number +91 8088708914)