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.

Situated on the banks of the river Sauparnika this attractive temple 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.

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.

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