Sri Mangaladevi Temple is a beautiful shrine situated at
Bolar, just 3 km from
Mangalore Bus Station, in
Dakshina Kannada District,
Karnataka. The temple enshrines Goddess Mangaladevi as the presiding deity. Mangalore, earlier known as Mangaluru, was named after the Mangaladevi Temple.
The temple, which dates back to the 9th century, was built during the reign of King Kundavarma of Ahepa dynasty. It was built in memory of a Rajmata of Malabar named Mangaladevi, who accompanied
Matsyendranath, a prominent Guru of the Nath tradition. The temple was later re-built by the erstwhile ruler of Mangalore in 968 AD. The sculpture of Goddess Mangaladevi is regarded as the earliest Durga sculpture in the district.
Navratri festival celebrated here is a major draw attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.
Mangalore Junction Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
