ನೆಲ್ಲಿತೀರ್ಥ ವಿಶೇಷ ಸ್ಥಳ

Nellitheertha a specila place for all
News and photos Shekar Ajekar

After Karnataka’s Minister Shobha Karadlajes visit and donation of Ten Lakh Rupees, famous Nelliteertha Somanatherwara Temple is once again in news.She ogffered a simple poooja and some offering before election and it came true.
We want to improve the basic emenitiese in this area for all devotees who visits this place. We are in need of help from devotees said Mr.P.Subraya Bhat managing Trustee, when our correspondent visit the place with some of his students .
One of the Canadian Traveler recorded in his portal that there is no place like Nellitheertha cave temple in entire world.
Here we have scroll for furlongs with help of lamp and a guide.Chethan Kumar is guiding here with great enthusiasm and giving needy explanation.
Temple offers annadanam (meals) two times a day in order to help the devotees.
While inside the caves one can feel a special experience. theertha and Mruttika with defferent smell is recommendable things here. The natural caves with some specialties naturally attract more and more people.
The trustees have already prepared one crore rupees plan to improve the infrastructure in this Kshethra.


Historical place: The holy place Nellitheertha and the temple have a long and glorious history. Although the first recorded material mentioning Nellitheertha dates back to 1487 A.D, there is ample evidence available at the place to suggest that the temple existed much before that. At its glorious peak, there used to be daily festivities performed under the aegis of the ruler of Nellitheertha. From that grand state, the temple gradually declined and its existence itself was threatened towards the later part of the twentieth century. Since then, devotees and well wishers have got together to restore the temple to its previous grandeur and the temple renovation work is now on in full swing.
In the state of Karnataka and indeed in entire India, the South Kanara district occupies a unique place. The evergreen forests, amazing flora and fauna, the numerous temples and places of worship and monuments all make this district a huge attraction. The lifestyle of the people here exemplifies the concept of unity in diversity. For the people of Dakshina Kannada, art worship is a means of reaching the God and enriching the culture of the land. Naturally, therefore, one can observe the people seeing God in everything they do. Throughout the land, beautiful caves and lakes have become centers of spiritual and religious significance. Also, this land has given a multitude of scholars, artists, kings and other great contributors to the nation.
Historically, the Nellitheertha region was under the administration of the Chowta family. The chowtas are a famous name in Tulu Naadu and it is said that the temple flourished under their administration and was a major center for religious and cultural activities under their reign. Even today, the descendants of the chowta clan take an active interest in the maintenance and development of the temple.
There are some artifacts and archeological evidence available at the temple which point to a Jain interest and influence at the temple. These are evidence to suggest that the temple and the region was probably under the administration of Jain kings of the region.

The name Nellitheertha also has its etymological roots in the cave. Inside of the cave, drops of water, in the shape of amla (gooseberries) constantly keep dripping down. In fact, the lake is made up of these drops of water. Hence the name Nelli (Amla) Theertha (holy water). Another unique aspect of the cave is that it is closed for nearly 6 months a year. The cave is open only between October and April. Though there are religious reasons associated with this (it is said that the cave is open 6 months a year for humans and is meant for Gods and Rishis the remaining 6 months), the point is that the 6 month break each year helps the cave to "rejuvenate". The water freshens up and the animals inside enjoy the lack of disturbance. Yes, there are plenty of animals inside the cave. Most common among them are snakes (of all varieties), scorpions, porcupines and thousands of bats. These are considered sacred and troubling or hurting the animals in any manner is strictly forbidden.
Legend also has it that Maharshi (Saint) Jabali used this cave as his abode. Hence the name Jabaleshwara for the presiding deity. It is believed that Maharshi Jabali performed Tapas (penance) here to Lord Durgaparameshwari to request her to kill Arunasura (a demon). It is said that Sri Durga acceeded to Jabali's request and destroyed Arunasura at Kateel (another fabulous and famous temple town - very close to Nellitheertha). There is a spot inside the cave which is widely believed to be where Maharshi Jabali perfomed his Tapas.
The name Nellitheertha also has its etymological roots in the cave. Inside of the cave, drops of water, in the shape of amla (gooseberries) constantly keep dripping down. In fact, the lake is made up of these drops of water. Hence the name Nelli (Amla) Theertha (holy water). Another unique aspect of the cave is that it is closed for nearly 6 months a year. The cave is open only between October and April. Though there are religious reasons associated with this (it is said that the cave is open 6 months a year for humans and is meant for Gods and Rishis the remaining 6 months), the point is that the 6 month break each year helps the cave to "rejuvenate". The water freshens up and the animals inside enjoy the lack of disturbance. Yes, there are plenty of animals inside the cave. Most common among them are snakes (of all varieties), scorpions, porcupines and thousands of bats. These are considered sacred and troubling or hurting the animals in any manner is strictly forbidden.
Legend also has it that Maharshi (Saint) Jabali used this cave as his abode. Hence the name Jabaleshwara for the presiding deity. It is believed that Maharshi Jabali performed Tapas (penance) here to Lord Durgaparameshwari to request her to kill Arunasura (a demon). It is said that Sri Durga acceeded to Jabali's request and destroyed Arunasura at Kateel (another fabulous and famous temple town - very close to Nellitheertha). There is a spot inside the cave which is widely believed to be where Maharshi Jabali perfomed his Tapas.
The main deity of the temple is Sri Somanatheshwara (Shiva). The temple also has MahaGanapati (Elephant - headed God) and Jabali Maharshi as deities here. In fact, the Jabali Maharshi Brindavana was recently constructed. In typical Tulu-naadu (Tulu is the native language in this part of the woods) tradition, the temple also has its set of "Bhootas". Bhootas are considered as the "Ganas" or warrior-assistants of the Gods. According to mythology, bhootas are appointees of Shiva and they administer the temple/village. The main bhootas of the Nellitheertha temple are Pili-Chamundi (Pili means Tiger in Tulu), Kshetrapala, Raktheshwari and Doomavathy.
The Lingam of Shri Somanatheshwara has been made out of pure Saligrama and is considered very sacred. The Lingam has been built as Ardhanareeshwara. There are other artifacts in and around the temple which are pointers to the past glory of this place. Among them are the “Arasule Mancha” (King’s seat), “Arasule Mantapa” (King’s abode) and the “Jina Vigraha” (Jain Statue). The temple of Shri Mahaganapati has been rebuilt recently and is splendid in itself.
The most beautiful aspect of the temple is the Cave. Apart from the cave, of course, there are numerous other places surrounding the temple which are worth visiting. To the east of the temple’s entrance is the Amblattapadavu hillock. This hillock is about 300-500 feet high and offers a splendid scenery from the top. One can spot places such as the Bajpe Airport, Mangalore, Panambur, the MRPL refinery and Suratkal. On a day with clear skies, one can even spot the Arabian Sea. Amblattapadavu offers a wonderful view of sunrise and sunset everyday.
The “Nagappa Kere” (Snake Pond) is a small pond situated to the north of the temple. This natural pond, along with its religious significance, is also a scenic spot. All devotees who want to enter the cave temple have to clean themselves by taking bath in this pond and only then are they allowed into the cave. The lake is at its best immediately after the monsoons (Oct—Dec) when its crystal clear water is a swimmer’s delight. There are plans to build a small herbal park around this pond as also a small deer park.
The “Arasule Mancha” or King’s seat is situated near the main entrance of the temple towards the north. Historical evidence suggests that this seat was where the king of the land used to be seated when he visited the temple. It is believed that even today, the spirits of the former rulers visits the place at night and so it is prohibited to sit on the seat after dusk.
The Nellitheertha temple is a symbol of secularism. The temple and the cave is open to members of all beliefs and castes. Any person, above the age of 5, is allowed to enter the cave irrespective of gender. Truly, Nellitheertha is a special and model place.
Every year, around the last week of December, the Nellitheertha temple conducts its annual Jaatre (festival). This is a grand five day event full of religious and cultural ceremonies. One thing that strikes a visitor to the Jaatre is the sheer number of rituals and ceremonies associated with this event. Though it may appear superstitious to the "non-believer", it is a fascinating experience. Simpy put, the Jaatre is the instrument the villagers use to express their gratitude and respect to the Gods and Bhootas. They offer their prayers to the Gods and Bhootas and seek their continued protection and pray for good rains and harvests year after year.
The festival starts on the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha in Dhanur Maasa. Typically, this falls on the last week of December or the first week of January. The festival begins with a silver flag being hoisted to indicate the beginning of the Jaatre. This is called "Kodi" or "Dhwajaarohana" ceremony.
Each of the four days has separate ceremonies like the "Balis" where the idol of the presiding deity is carried around the temple for a procession accompanied by music, the "Rudrabhishekas" where the Shiva Lingam is given a grand shower with 101 vessels of water and the "Rathotsava" where the deity is taken on a procession on the chariot.
The climax of the festival is on the fourth day. Called the "Aarat" in local language, the ceremonies on this day mark the end of the festival. During the day, the presiding deity is taken on a procession in the Ratha or the chariot. Villagers offer their prayers during the procession. There is also an event called as the Pilchandi Bheti (meeting of Pili-Chamundi with the Lord) where the Bhoota offers its prayers to the Lord during the procession and seeks his blessings and vows to carry on the role of protecting Dharma in the region. The rituals are followed by a grand lunch for one and all. The food on this day is considered as God’s prasadam and no one leaves without having some.
The rest of the ceremonies start late in the evening and goes on till dawn next day. The deity is taken on a procession and villagers offer "Katte Pooje" or "Platform Pooja" to the deity as it passes their residence. The deity is taken to the temple pond and is given a bath there. Devotees also take bath along with the deity as its considered extremely sacred to do so. On the return journey to the temple, again, several Katte Poojes are offered. Finally, the flag is brought down to indicate the closure of the festival.
The next day, respect is offered to the Bhootas in the form of the Bhoota Kola. This is a dance ritual where a man assumes the role of a Bhoota and performs a set of rituals. It is believed that the Bhoota enters the body of the person during the Kola. Locals revere the ceremony a lot and the word of the person, performing the dance, during the kola is considered law. Even today, local disputes are settled during the Kola. The grandest of all Bhoota kolas is that of the "Pili Chamundi" Bhoota. It is a treat to the eyes what with the variety of colors on display. The kolas start early in the evening and continue till dawn the next day.
How to reach Nellitheertha :In Mangalore city, from “Jyoti Talkies”.Catch a bus that is going to Moodabidri/Karkala. There are many buses on this route.Get down at Yedapadavu. This comes after Vamanjoor, Gurupura and Kaikamba. Distance travelled is approximately 20kms.Take an autorickshaw from Yedapadavu to Nellitheertha. The distance is about 10kms and the standard charges are about Rs 90 (the auto comes back empty, so its cheap. Really!!). Of course, you can catch the “Muchur” buses from Hampankatta bus stand in Mangalore that will directly drop you to Nellitheertha. Frequency is about one every hour from 7am to 6pm.