Imagine a Shiva Linga which is situated at a point on which the mighty Arabian Sea splashes its water every few minutes like natural Jalabhishek (offering water during prayers)! If this interests you then read on!
Mangalore or Mangaluru is known for its temples. The famous temples like Lord Manjunatheshwara Temple at Dharmasthala and Kukke Subramanya Temple are among the long list of big temples that attracts a large number of pilgrims to this city. Devotees including many celebrities from all over India and around the world regularly visit these famous temples and seek blessings. That’s why Mangalore is often referred to as the City of Temples. But this post is not about all these big and famous temples. This is about Shree Somnatha Temple at Someshwara, a comparatively smaller but very significant temple of this coastal city. Well, this temple may not attract a number of pilgrims or travelers like other bigger temples in the city its importance is no less for the city dwellers.
Shree Somnatha Temple, Someshwara or simply Someshwara temple as per local parlance called is situated on the banks of Arabian Sea and is 18 KM from the Mangaluru City, towards Kerala. This temple is also known as Rudrapada Kshetra and is famous for ‘Pitrakaryas’ (the rituals performed for departed soul by Hindus). It is believed that the temple was built by King Kharasura who was a relative of Demon King Ravana. Hence, it is believed that the temple existed from the time of Ramayana. It is also believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata visited this temple and offered prayers here.
According to the earliest inscriptions found at this site by the Archeology department, the modern history of this temple dates back to at least 1195 and there are ample indications that the temple was built much earlier than this. The inscriptions further suggest that the temple was built or renovated during the reign of the Alupa dynasty which ruled the region during 10th century. Further, the temple came under the administrative controls of Kadamba rulers of Banavashi and Choula Kings of Ullala around 12th century and then to Vijayanagara king Immadi Devaraya during 15th century. The famous warrior Queen Abbakka Chowta, the brave Tuluva queen who ruled the region during 16th century was a devotee of this temple and donated a Jaladani to the temple which has been preserved by the temple and used on special occasions to this day.
The temple is situated atop a big rock which gives it an elevated position overlooking the mighty Arabian Sea to the west and lush green areas on other sides. One needs to take a flight of stairs to reach the temple. Though now renovated the age of the temple could easily be made out just by seeing the sanctum sanctorum. On most days the temple remains less crowded hence peaceful and devotees can offer their pujas with ease! The yearly temple festivals are celebrated with all pomp and show and attract a large number of people to this temple during the festivities.
People not only come here to visit this ancient temple but also to see the extremely beautiful beach just behind the temple. The beauty is enhanced many times by the presence of rock formations adorning the beachside. These rocks are called Rudra Shile or Rudra Paadhe, where Shile or Paadhe means rocks and Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva. The biggest rock in the vicinity of this temple is large enough to accommodate many people on its top and present probably one of the best sunset views in this coastal region!
But the best surprise awaits a person when after climbing this rock for witnessing a memorable sunset one finds a beautiful Shiva Linga on a smaller rock just beside this giant rock, almost on the sea. The whole scene becomes surreal when the waves from the mighty Arabian Sea splash their water on this Shiva Linga every few minutes as if performing Jalabhishek. Now imagine this phenomenon happening in the backdrop of the setting sun! What else is required for a picture-perfect evening!
Although Someshwar beach gets its name from Shree Somnatha Temple, Someshwar many people come here just to enjoy a beautiful evening by the sea, to enjoy the sunset. The presence of black rocks in the vicinity on which the seawater hits ferociously at regular intervals and the grainy golden sand make the whole experience even more pleasurable. The beach is one of the cleanest but at the same time the hidden rocks and unpredictable current make it one of the most dangerous beaches for swimming. Apart from a handful of makeshift shops selling a few snacks, ice creams, waters etc the place is quiet and perfect for those who are in search of some me-time or we time! In short, one can either be spiritual or a fun-loving person who loves the sea or both, the Somnatha Temple at Someshwara and the Someshwar beach welcome you all alike!
How to get there-
By Road– It is easy to reach the Somnaha Temple at Someshwara by road. Regular Bus services are available from Mangalore (18 Km). One can also hire an auto from Ullal (5 Km).
By Rail– Mangalore City and Mangalore Junction station is the major railhead near Someshwara. One can hire a taxi from the station itself. Regular bus services are available from Mangalore (18 Km).
By Air- Mangalore International Airport, Mangalore is the nearest major airport and is well connected by major metros and important cities by air.
Where to stay-
Mangalore city being the nearest big city provides a traveler all kinds of option to stay. The city boasts all kinds of hotels suiting every budget.
Precautions- Being a rocky beach looks very beautiful but the same makes the beach very dangerous for swimming. Many accidents take place every year due to this unpredictable nature of current and depth due to hidden rock underneath the water. Hence it is advisable to avoid swimming entirely or exercise extreme caution!
Thanks for showing us such wonderful places .. and awesome photographs …
Thank you for liking the post.
I was in Mangaluru for a couple of days in 2019, I wish I had known about this temple! Very nicely written and beautiful pics!
Oh, yes! The temple is beautiful and is situated in a beautiful surrounding!
I’m sure it’s peaceful here. I will definitely spend my vacation here.