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Sri Somanatheshwara Cave Temple
The Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave temple is one of the holiest temples in South Canara. It is a truly splendid temple appealing to both the spiritually oriented and the nature lovers.
Whether to pray and ask for God's blessings or just to enjoy the beauty of the cave, it's worth a visit.The main deity of the temple is Sri Somanatheshwara (Shiva). The temple also has MahaGanapati and Jabali Maharshi as deities here. In fact, the Jabali Maharshi Brindavana was recently constructed. In typical Tulu-naadu tradition, the temple also has its set of Bhootas. Bhootas are considered as the Ganas or warrior-assistants of the Gods. 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 shila and is considered very sacred.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, which is described in the subsequent section. The Nagappa Kere is a small pond situated to the north of the temple. This natural pond, along with its religious significance, is also a scenic spot. The lake is at its best immediately after the monsoons (Oct-Dec) when its crystal clear water is a swimmer's delight.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.
Temple View1
Temple View2
Temple View3
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.The main attraction of the temple is the cave. Situated right at the entrance of the temple towards the left of the main door, this huge cave is one of nature's wonders. Un-spoilt by human indulgence, the cave is a nature lover's delight. A visit to the inside of the cave is considered a sacred and spiritual experience by devotees. The entrance to the cave is huge and wide.
Sri Somanatheshwara Cave temple
The Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara Cave temple is one of the holiest temples in South Canara. It is a truly splendid temple appealing to both the spiritually oriented and the nature lovers.
Whether to pray and ask for God's blessings or just to enjoy the beauty of the cave, it's worth a visit.The main deity of the temple is Sri Somanatheshwara (Shiva). The temple also has MahaGanapati and Jabali Maharshi as deities here. In fact, the Jabali Maharshi Brindavana was recently constructed. In typical Tulu-naadu tradition, the temple also has its set of Bhootas. Bhootas are considered as the Ganas or warrior-assistants of the Gods. 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 shila and is considered very sacred.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, which is described in the subsequent section. The Nagappa Kere is a small pond situated to the north of the temple. This natural pond, along with its religious significance, is also a scenic spot. The lake is at its best immediately after the monsoons (Oct-Dec) when its crystal clear water is a swimmer's delight.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.
Temple View1
Temple View2
Temple View3
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.The main attraction of the temple is the cave. Situated right at the entrance of the temple towards the left of the main door, this huge cave is one of nature's wonders. Un-spoilt by human indulgence, the cave is a nature lover's delight. A visit to the inside of the cave is considered a sacred and spiritual experience by devotees. The entrance to the cave is huge and wide.
Sri Somanatheshwara Cave temple
