Exploring the Sacred Treasures Inside Mookambika Temple

The history of Mookambika temple dates in the past and is portrayed in numerous puranas. According to Hindu mythology the belief is that a long time ago, there was a demon known as Kamhasura who, had special powers and a demonic nature was constantly chasing Sannyasis and unleashed a myriad of savage acts against them.

In the course of Guru Shukracharya, he came to learn of his imminent death due to a woman. In trepidation the possibility of being protected from the fate he was facing and determined to worship Lord Shiva in order to seek the blessing of a Vardaan (boon).

He prayed continuously for years, despite difficult circumstances and other difficulties. When he saw his dedication the Lord Shiva was happy and appeared before Kamhasura and blessed him by giving an vadaan (boon) and inquired what he wanted from him.

Read Everything About Mookambika Temple.

Incredulous, nervous and anticipating that this might lead to destruction of the entire world All the saints, the gurus, and rishis made a prayer for Devi Shakti to halt the blessing that was given to Kamhasura and to protect all the people in the realm. Devi, satisfied with their devotion, was able to promise to take the demon out and she rendered Kamhasura in awe of her power.

The stupid Kamhasura could not make requests for his wishes because his speech was not able to communicate with Lord Shiva about the blessing was his wish, and subsequently he was referred to as Mookasura ('Mook" means "Dumb asura', and 'Mook' refers to demon). In rage over the actions of Devi, Kamhasura unleashed his anger on the inhabitants of Kollur.

Based on the advice of Kola Maharishi the goddess fought against the angry Mookasura and redeemed justice by taking out the demon's wrath and reducing the demon to dust. Following this incident the goddess is known as Mookambika. The spot where Mookambika murdered Mookasura is known as Marana Katte. All saints, rishis and devas were grateful to Devi for the destruction of the asura, and then enchanted "Mookambika Namo Namaha".

Then Mahishasura, an uncle of Mookasura, came to Kolapura and was determined to make the city his capital. He was able to convince Maya, who was the demon's architect, to build a magnificent city in Kolhapur. As invincible as he was, Mahishasura defeated three realms. Afraid of his wrath, all Gods and the sages fled to hide .Then they asked for the Trinity (trimurti) to assist.

Trinity summoned the goddess Mookambika to take down Mahishasura. All gods, including Trinity, combined their power in Mookambika. In this way, Devi was transformed into an entity that embodied the divine power in all forms called Adhiparasakthi. In the ferocious fight that followed, Adiparashakthi defeated Mahishasura. After the destruction of Mahishasura, Kola Maharshi requested Adiparashakthi and the Trinity to remain in the self-manifested, self-manifested phallus of Kolhapur as the unifying manifestation of all divine powers.

Mookambika then appeared as an Swayambu Linga (self-manifested phallus) with a golden Rekha (a line) which runs throughout the Linga. The golden rekha divides the linga in two unison portions and only becomes visible when sunlight falls on the linga. The smaller part of this linga is believed to symbolise that of the trimurti Brahma (the the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer).

The majority of this linga is attributed to Tridevi Lakshmi (goddess to wealth), Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge) and Parvathi (goddess of power). This linga is set in the temple of Goddess Mookambika's idol. Since then, the place has been the residence for Devi Mookambika and is believed to fulfil the wishes of many people who visit her each year.

Marvellous Tapobhoomi of Kola Maharshi

It's an account of the Lord Shiva for his son Skanda. In the past, in the 3rd "Manvantara" during the reign of Uttama Manu this place was called Maharajapuram. It was a dense forest. One time a sage named Kola Maharshi visited the place and witnessed a self manifested (swayambhu) the lingam (phallus) at this location. Attracted by the beauty and tranquillity of the place and by the majesty of the phallus, he chose to establish Maharanyapura his penance spot.

In adoration of the self manifested phallus He performed penance for a considerable period. Satisfied with Kola Maharshi's devotion Kola Maharshi Lord Shiva came to him and inquired about his wishes to bless him with blessings. Kola Maharshi who had achieved the sagehood of supreme status and renounced all material pleasures that he could not satisfy.

Must Read About Mullayanagiri Peak, Highest Peak in Karnataka.

He asked Shiva to transform his place of worship into a "siddhi kshetra' (abode of mystic power) so that people in need could always seek refuge. Lord Shiva accepted his request and informed Kola Maharshi that in the 'thapasa manvantara' the goddess Adiparashakthi will take on the form of Mookambika to make the location her abode, and then the place would be transformed into an eminent sanctuary.

Lord Shiva changed the name of this location to Kolhapur to honour Kola Maharshi. (Kollur is the term used to describe Kolhapur). Kola Maharshi as well as other renowned spiritual leaders have made this place their "thapo bhoomi' (place for sacred rituals and penance).