The ancient Kadri Manjunatha Temple, dates back to 1068 A.D is located
4 kms away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand at the foot of the Kadri hill.
Built in the Vijaynagar style of architecture with traces of Buddhist
influence, this temple dedicated to Shree Manjunath (Lokeshwara, Lord
Shiva) is a square shrine with a pyramidal roof. The idol of the presiding
deity, in the shape of Udbhava Linga is considered as the oldest of the
south Indian temples. An interesting feature of this a natural stone slab
found parallel to the level of the floor of the 'garbha griha' is that
whatever amount of water poured on it will be disappear immediately. The
temple also houses a 1.6m tall bronze statue of the main deity Lokeshwara
in a seated position with three faces and six arms which is reputed to
be one of the best bronze statues in India. Apart from the main deity,
Durgaparmeshwari, Ganapathi, Shasta and Gomukha Vyasa Muni and Vishnu
are the sub deities worshiped here.
The temple complex contains seven water tanks surrounded by a beautiful
garden. These ponds receive water from a natural spring known as Gomukha
that flows the backside of the temple. The temple also has figures of
Matsyendranatha with his palms held one over the other on his folded right
leg is located on southern side; a six feet high structure of Gorakhanath
on the western side and the figure of Sringinatha, which is ornamented
with three tiers in the midst. A tall wooden 'Deepa Sthamba' (light
pole) covered with bronze adorns the temple. Goddess Durga temple is situated
to the west of main temple while a temple of Lord Ganesha is at the northern
side.
Lakshadeepotsava and Pattanaje are the major among the verious festivals
celebrated in the Kadri Manjunatha temple. Falls in the month of Karthika
(November/ December) Lakshadeepotsava is the festival of lights that is
celebrated for 5 days. During the festive days, special pujas and programmes
are organized at the temple. The ten day long Pattanaje festival, is celebrated
in the month of May.
Atop the Kadri hill, there is a Jogimutt built by King Kundavarma Bupendra
and some stone cave which are known as the caves of the Pandavas.
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