Here’s a refined and informative guide to Sri Brahmi Durga Parameshwari Temple, located in Kamalashile village, Udupi district, Karnataka.
🕉️ Overview & Spiritual Significance
- Also known as Kamalashile Brahmi Durga Parameshwari Temple, it’s dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari in the unique form of a Linga, believed to embody the combined energies of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswati .
- Known as a healing temple, devotees often come for blessings related to health and inner peace.
🏞 Location & Setting
- Nestled in the peaceful village of Kamalashile, about 35 km from Kundapura and 120 km from Mangalore, within dense forest and beside the Kubja River.
- The temple complex includes a sacred cave where sages like Maharishi Shankaracharya are believed to have meditated. Some folklore mentions mysterious lion sounds guarding the place.
⏰ Timing & Facilities
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with darshan possible throughout the day.
- The temple includes comfortable guest rooms (AC and non-AC) for visitors looking to stay overnight.
✨ Rituals & Annadanam
- Daily Abhishekam of the Linga is performed twice—early morning (around 7 AM) and mid‑morning (around 10 AM).
- Annadanam (free meals) is served at lunchtime, with elaborate prasadam noted by visitors as comparable to festival food, served with warm hospitality and no extra charges.
🧘♀️ Atmosphere & Devotee Experiences
- Devotees describe the temple as a “very powerful place” conducive to meditation and spiritual healing. The serene surroundings, lush greenery, and river show make it a calming retreat.
- Many comment on the calm and relatively uncrowded space, ideal for peaceful darshan and reflection.
🎉 Festivals & Special Events
- Frequent Chandi Homa and Yagna ceremonies take place here.
- The annual Kamalashile Jathre, celebrated in April, draws pilgrims for religious processions and rituals.
📍 Nearby Pilgrimage & Attractions
- Kukke Subramanya Temple (~35 km), Dharmasthala (~50 km), Udupi Sri Krishna Temple (~65–80 km), and Kollur Mookambika Temple (~85 km) are located within a few hours of travel, making this a nice stop in a coastal Karnataka pilgrimage circuit.
🗓 Suggested Visit Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Arrive and take morning abhishekam |
| 7:00–10:00 AM | Darshan and spiritual time around the temple |
| 10:00 AM | Participate in mid‑morning abhishekam |
| 12:30 PM | Enjoy Annadanam lunch prasadam |
| Afternoon | Explore the temple cave and relax by the river |
| 5:00–6:00 PM | Evening visit/darshan or attend rituals |
| Overnight | Stay in temple guesthouse if available |
✅ Visitor Tips
- Dress modestly; traditional attire is preferred.
- Remove footwear before entering the sanctum.
- Photography is restricted inside the garbhagriha; ask before clicking.
- Rooms for stay are limited—book in advance if possible.
- Check local ritual timings if visiting specifically for poojas or yagnas.
❤️ Who Should Visit?
- Spiritual seekers looking for a serene temple deeply rooted in tradition.
- People seeking healing or blessings, especially from a Devi considered to embody divine feminine power.
- Nature lovers and meditative travelers, as the temple setting amid greenery and river is peaceful.
- Travelers exploring the Udupi‑Kundapura‑Kollur region as part of a broader pilgrimage.