Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari - Kateel Dakshina Kannada
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the heart of the sacred Nandini River, Kateel Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple stands as a radiant beacon of devotion and serenity. Surrounded by lush green hills and the gentle flow of the river, this divine temple is located approximately 26 km from Mangalore and exudes an ethereal charm. The temple is uniquely situated on a small island, offering a peaceful and spiritually immersive experience. Devotees are drawn here not only for darshan but also for the tranquil ambiance, rhythmic chants, and sacred rituals that bring a deep sense of inner calm. The beautifully adorned idol of Goddess Durga Parameshwari, revered in her Saumya Roopa (benevolent form), welcomes devotees into a space of divine energy and grace.
Temple Website : http://www.kateeldevi.in
💫 Importance
Kateel is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in Karnataka and a significant pilgrimage center for devotees of Goddess Durga, also known here as Bhramarambika or Bhramari. The temple is known for its spiritual potency, believed to bless devotees with protection, prosperity, and peace. The divine presence of Goddess Durga—who manifested in the center of the Nandini River—is said to have brought an end to the atrocities of the demon Arunasura and relieved the river Nandini from a sage’s curse. Thousands visit this sacred site to seek the Goddess’s blessings, especially during Navaratri and other major festivals. The presence of the majestic temple elephant, which often blesses visitors, adds a heartwarming charm to the holy experience.
📜History
The origins of Kateel trace back to an ancient legend during the early days of Kali Yuga, when drought and famine devastated the region. The revered sage Jabali Maharshi, through his divine vision, discovered that the root of this suffering was the demon king Arunasura, who had escaped death at the hands of Goddess Durga. To restore balance, Jabali sought the celestial cow Kamadhenu for a yajna, but was instead given her daughter Nandini, who refused to come to earth, calling it sinful. Angered, the sage cursed her to flow as a river. Nandini, seeking redemption, prayed to Goddess Durga, who promised to be born as her daughter in the center of the river, thereby redeeming her.
Arunasura, meanwhile, obtained a powerful boon from Lord Brahma that made him seemingly invincible. However, Goddess Durga outwitted him by taking the form of a divine bee—Bhramari—and destroyed him with a swarm of bees. Following this, the Devas and sages, led by Jabali, performed rituals and requested the Goddess to reside on earth in a gentle form. Thus, she manifested in her Saumya Roopa at Kateel, and the sacred temple was established at the exact place of her appearance—in the center of River Nandini.
The very name Kateel is derived from ‘Kati’ meaning center and ‘Ila’ meaning land—signifying the land at the center of the river.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Temple Darshan Timings:
🕓 Daily: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Special rituals and poojas are performed during early mornings and evenings, which are considered highly auspicious for devotees to receive the blessings of the divine mother.
🚌 Transfort Options
- By Road:
- Mangalore: 26 km
- Udupi: 48 km
- Suratkal: 27 km
- By Rail:
- Nearest major railway station: Mangalore
- By Air:
- Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport
🏙️Near By Cities
Mangalore
Chikmanagalore
Udupi
Kumata
Honnavar
Suratkal
🗣️ Devotee Comments