Kadri Manjunath Temple, Hindu temple in Mangalore, India
Kadri Manjunath is a Hindu temple in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, consisting of several shrines built with stone and featuring bronze statues. The grounds include multiple water ponds fed by a natural spring and scattered among the different structures.
The origins of this site go back to the 11th century, when Buddhist monks first established a sanctuary here. In the 14th century, local rulers rebuilt the complex entirely in stone and dedicated it to the deity Manjunatha.
The name Kadri comes from the word "Kadiru," referring to a type of palm tree that once grew here. This temple draws followers of Shiva, especially during festival days, when worshippers gather at the shrines in large numbers.
The site lies about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the center of Mangalore and opens daily in the morning and late afternoon. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are explored on foot and cover several levels.
The bronze statues of Lokeshwara show a seated Buddha in meditation and are among the few preserved examples of Buddhist art in southern India. These figures were integrated during the transition of the site from Buddhism to Hinduism and now stand alongside the shrines to Shiva.
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