Durgaparameshwari Temple
Generally Uppunda is reffered as “Uppugunda” in the inscriptions. When it is analysed it can be concluded that it was also called as “Lavanapura” during the mythological period. The National Highway 66 connecting Kundapura and Bhatkal traverses throught the city of Uppunda. Sumana River flows to the north of Uppunda that joins the sea between Tarapathi, Paduvari & Dombe
Generally many well known famous temples are on the banks of rivers flowing towards North direction and are considered as the place of consciousness.But Sumana river divides into 5 tributary river 1 Km before it joins with the sea forming three aits. There is Someshwara temple on the northerbn bank at the place where river meets sea which is assosiated with Gokarna in the mythology. This is towards the eastward direction. Here we can find Naga Teertha, Soma Teertha, Ambudhi Theertha, Koti Theertha Deevya Teertha
Uppunda Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple is on the bank of River Sumana. Here there are five holy Teertha’s namely – Agasthya Teertha (Badagu Kere), Matanga Teertha (Tenku Matiya Kere), Sumana River, Devi Kere, Sea and Bhavi Teertha at the temple Special sevas are held at Someshwara on Monday and at devi Kshetra on Friday.
As per the preachings preached by Lord Subrahmanya to Sanath Kumari, in Sahyadhri segment of Skanda Purana, there is enough information related to holy shrines in the region extending from the west of Sahyadri till western sea coast. It is learnt from teh Skanda Purana that great saint Matanga had visited this place on the bank of River Sumana and adored Goddess Devi There is also a reference about Someshwaar deity in the above said purana.
During Ramayana this place was ruled by the King Saindhavaraja and this place was known as Lavana Puri or Saindhava Puri. It is also believed that great saint Agasthya Muni who had visited southern part of globe on his visit to places such as Cambodi, Simhalaa wished to attend the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvathi. So on his way back he had traversed through the peaceful, holy land of Prashurama Kshethra. It is also believed during Ramayana, Ravana when carrying Atmalinga with him from Kailsha had travelled via the coastal belt which is mentioned in “Gokarna Kshethra Mahathme”
In Skanda Purana , it is mentioned one will be blessed if worshipped Bhaskara by offering him the naivedhya after taking bath in Sumana River before sunrise during Magha Maasa. Hence it is called as “Bhaskara Kshethra”. It is said that the place where Sumana River meets the sea is considered to be holy ans sacred.
In some available inscriptions, the deity of Uppunda is also reffered as “Shanthika Durgaparameshwari”. This region was also called as “Tigarth Rajya”, “Thrigartha Dravida Rajya”.
Those devotees who wish to visit 7 Holy shrines in Parashurama Kshethra usully start from Gokarna and proceed towards Yedthare near Byndoor, take a holy bath in Sumana River, visit Durgadevi and Someshwara Temple before offering prayers to Goddess Mookambika at Kollur Kshetra. This also marks the end of Mahabala – Someshwara Shiva Kshetra and marks the begining of Durga – Mookambika Kshetra’s. The deity of Uppunda is a sister of Kollur Mookambika Devi. Thus there is a very close similarity between the rituals and customs followed at these two Kshethras. Also Golden Shree Chakra is found at both KShethra’s. If Kollur Mookambika resides on top of the hill, Uppunda deity resides on foothill beside the sea shore. In earlier days, the Malayali speaking devotees had a customary practice of visiting Kergalu Bhagavathi, Uppunda Durga Devi on the way to Kollur kshethra.
Distance from Uppunda:
Bangalore: 470 Km
Mysore: 371 Km
Mangalore: 119 Km
Shimoga: 161 Km
Chikmagalur: 249 Km
Karwar: 151 Km
Kundapura: 28 Km
Udupi: 65 Km
Kollur: 33 Km
Maravanthe: 13 Km
Bhatkal: 25 Km
Gokarna: 113 Km
Murudeshwar: 38 Km
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Byndoor
Road: Byndoor well connected by road network. It lies on National Highway NH-66. Direct buses are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapur, Kollur and other main places of Coastal Karnataka.
Route map to reach Uppunda:
From Bangalore: via Nelamangala – Hassan – Sakaleshpura – Mangalore – Mulki – Udupi – Kundapur
From Mysore: via Hunsur – Kushalanagar – Madikeri – Sulya – Puttur – Mangalore – Mulki – Udupi – Kundapur
From Mangalore: via Surathkal – Mulki – Udupi – Kundapur (NH-66)
From Udupi: 65 Km via Kundapur on National Highway (NH-66)
