Situated on the banks of the river
Sauparnika this attractive temple
The main statue in the temple ,the Shiva linga called the Jyothirlingam.
is of great antiquity. A golden line divides this lingam into two unequal
parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed
at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - as the conscious static principles and the
larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi - the creative
energy principles. It is a belief that the three goddess Lakshmi,
Saraswathi, Parvathi and the three lords Brahma, Vishnu
and Maheshwara emerged out of it.
Adi Sankara the great religious leader is said to have installed the
idol of the Goddess behind the lingam.He is said to have spontaneously
composed the classic work Soundarya Lahiri at this very place.Around 50kms from Kundapur is situated the famous Kollur Temple at the foothills
of the western ghats.This well known temple,devoted to the goddess Parvathi is visited by pilgrims
from all over India who believe in her mystical power.
It's believed that Kollur is one of the seven pilgrimages which
were created by Parashurama.
adorned with copper
roofing and gold crested embellishments invites
thousands of devotees.It is a belief that an eagle (Garuda) called
Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained
salvation hence the name Sauparnika.
Devotees usually take a dip in the holy river or wash their feet
in the same and then head for the darshan of the goddess.