Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

25 kms from Mangalore, Kateel Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple is one of the most revered places for Hindus. This temple draws lot of devotees daily and is on the list of every tourist who is on a pilgrimage tour to Dakshina Kannada.

Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

Kateel temple, abode of Goddess Shri Durga Parameshwari is located in the middle of Nandini river. The place surrounded by river and greenary all around, thus making it a picturesque location. To enter into the temple, you have to cross a small bridge. Sound made by the flowing river in the temple premises is enchanting to hear. Just being in the calm temple surroundings , gives you a nice experience.

Small Bridge On Way To Temple

As per the Kshethra Purana, this place was once faced severe draught. At that time, Maharshi Jaabaali made a request to Nandini, daughter of Kamadhenu to come to Bhoo Loka (earth) to help him in performing yajna to get rid of the draught. When she dishonoured his request, he cursed her to flow in the earth as a river. When Nandini pleaded for mercy, Maharshi asked her to pray to Adi Shakthi to relieve her from the curse. Adi Shakthi after hearing to Nandini told her that she would take birth as her daughter to relieve her from the curse. Meanwhile, Arunasura, one of the rakshasas, had got a boon from Brahma that he will not be killed by Thrimurthis(Brahma,Vishnu,Eeshwara), devas, men, women or by any two leggged or four legged animal.

Kateel Temple Premises

He started troubling the sages and spoiled their yajnas. At last, Adi shakthi in the form of a big, furious bee called 'Bhramara' stung him to death. Devi, then emerged in the form of a 'Linga' in the middle of the river Nandini. From then on, this place is known as Kateel ('kati' in Kannada means waist and 'ila' means earth/place). Other gods worshipped in the temple are Raktheshwari, Mahaganapathi, Shaastaara, Kshethrapaala, Naaga, Brahmaru, Chaamundi.

Nandini River

Annadaana or free meals to the devotees is served daily in the afternoon and night. To go to the Bhojana Shaale(or Dining hall), which can accomodate upto thousand people at a time, one has to cross another bridge from the temple. Temple elephant, is an attraction among the devotees who come here from far away places. Yakshagaana, a popular folk art in coastal Karnataka, is performed by the temple troupes. 4 such troupes are already booked for the next 10 years to perform at various places. These troupes travel mostly in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod districts for performance.

Temple Elephant

Kateel is a must visit place for all those visiting coastal Karnataka. Green surroundings is for the pious and also for the nature lovers! I am sure you will definitely wish to visit the place for second time if you had come here once.

Routes to reach Kateel:
Mangalore - Bajpe - Kateel - 25 Kms
Udupi - Mulki - Kinnigoli - Kateel - 45 Kms
Moodabidri - Kinnigoli - Kateel - 22 Kms
BC Road - Kaikamba - Bajpe - Kateel - 35 Kms