Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple

Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple From Karnataka

  • Temple History

The Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple is a historic and revered site located about 20 kilometers from Kundapura, in the quiet and picturesque surroundings of Udupi district, near Saibra Katte and close to Barkur in Shirya village. The temple is believed to have been established by Parashurama, the legendary sage of Hindu mythology, and is over a thousand years old. It shares architectural features common to many coastal temples in Karnataka, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The temple is particularly significant during the Sankranti festival, drawing large crowds for its vibrant annual celebrations, including the Hasara and Sedi rituals. These events, rooted in local traditions, are a major draw for devotees and contribute to the temple’s enduring legacy as a spiritual and cultural center.

  • Temple Facts

One of the most striking features of the Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple is its impressive collection of towering, vividly painted wooden idols, many of which stand as tall as 10 feet. 

  • Mythology & Folklore

The Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple is deeply rooted in two captivating legends that reflect the rich spiritual and historical tapestry of the region.

The first legend centers around the sage Parshurama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, who, during a period of severe drought, sought divine intervention to bring rain. He called upon the great sage Agastiya, who conducted a Yajna (sacrificial ritual) to invoke the gods. However, the ritual was interrupted by a demon named Asurakumbha, who attempted to sabotage the proceedings. At this critical moment, the mighty Bheema (one of the Pandavas) intervened. Armed with a sword given to him by Lord Ganesha, Bheema defeated Asurakumbha, ensuring the success of the Yajna and the arrival of much-needed rain. This legend underscores the temple’s connection to divine protection and the intervention of powerful mythological figures.

  • Accessibility

Nearest railway stations to Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple:

Kundapura: 8 km

Saibrakatte: 2 km

Udupi: 26 km