Kollur Mookambika Temple

 Hare Krishna

Kollur Mookambika Temple is located near the holy river Sauparnika in Kollur Region of Karnataka, India. The temple is said to be 1200 times old, and was installed by Adi Shankaracharya. The deity who is revered deified is Goddess Mookambika.

According to legends, there was a demon name Khamasura, he had a boon that he will only be killed by a woman. He wanted more and when he was in deep penance seeking blessing from Lord Shiva, the Lord appeared in from of him, but when Khamasura was about was about to ask for a boon, Goddess Saraswati baffled his speech, causing him of incapable of asking the boon. From then Khamasura was named as "Mookasura"(Mooka means dumb). In wrathfulness and rage he defeated Indra and took his Kingdom and caused chaos in three world. In order to restore cosmic balance Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu combined their powers with Saraswati, Parvati and Lakshmi. Their combined power crowned into Goddess, who defeated Mookasura thus acquiring the name "Mookambika".

Installation of the Temple...

Adi Shakaracharya wanted to install a temple of Devi Mookambika in Kerala. On the top of Kodajadri hill is "Shakara Peetham". Shankaracharya did penance at the same place in order to get blessings from the Devi. Goddess Mookambika appeared in front of him and agreed his want but kept a condition that he should keep walking without distrusting or turning back if he turns back he has to install the temple there itself. Shankaracharya agreed and started walking down Kodajadri hills, when they reached Kollur the sound of Devi's anklet stopped and just to check if Devi is still behind him he turned back. Goddess Mookamika ordered him to install the temple in Kollur.

Shankaracharya cried and prayed to forgive him as he wanted to install temple in Kerala, but Devi dissented and ask him to install her temple and to calm him Devi said that she will live in Kollur in the form of Goddess Mookambika and as Goddess Chottanikkara in Kerala. It is said that, From early hours of morning, goddess would come and appear before the devotees at the Chottanikkara temple. Then in the afternoon, she would return to the Mookambika temple. And she also promised him that if ladies from Kerala stopped visiting Kollur, she will come to Kerala in her Mookambika form. Adi Shankaracharya agreed and installed a temple there. 

In front of the Idol of Mookambika Devi you can find a Linga, which is worshiped as Moola Devi. It is said that to bless Maharishi Kola, Lord Shiva appeared before the rishi. Maharishi Kola asked that the Lord with His Consort should remain then ever. To grant his want, a Jyotirlinga appeared, with a Swarnarekha (golden line) in the middle. Therefore, one half of this Linga stands for the conscious principle as embodied by Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, while the other stood for the Creative Principle in the form of Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. 

This Temple is said to be among seven pilgrimage site created by Lord Parshuram in Karnataka. Kollur is famous not only for the sanctum of Devi Mookambika but also its scenic geography, defined by verdant hills and rivers. People flock to it not only to worship the Goddess but also to experience and enjoy its natural sensations and ancient heritage. 

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Adishankaracharya

Hare Krishna

 Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara or Shankara Bhagavadpada, was a renowned Indian philosopher, theologian, and spiritual leader who lived in the early 8th century CE. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism and is credited with reviving and consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta.

Shankaracharya was born in Kaladi, Kerala, India, around 788 CE. His parents were devout Brahmins, and at a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a deep interest in spirituality. Shankara lost his father early in life, and it is said that he took sannyasa (renunciation) at the age of eight, seeking a spiritual life. Adi Shankara studied under Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada, who initiated him into the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical system that teaches the non-dual nature of reality, considering the ultimate reality (Brahman) as the sole existence beyond the apparent multiplicity of the world.

Shankaracharya's most significant contribution was in the field of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He wrote numerous commentaries on ancient scriptures, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras. These commentaries explained the true essence of these texts, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Adi Shankara embarked on extensive journeys across India to engage in philosophical debates with scholars of different schools of thought, including Buddhists, Jains, and other Hindu sects. He is said to have established monastic centers (mathas) in various parts of the country to preserve and spread the teachings of Advaita Vedanta.

 Adi Shankaracharya established four prominent monastic centers in the corners of India: Sringeri (in Karnataka), Puri (in Odisha), Dwaraka (in Gujarat), and Jyotirmath (in Uttarakhand). He travelled length and breadth of India 3 times and died at the early age of 32 years. Each of these centers became the seat of a spiritual leader known as a Shankaracharya, who continued to uphold and propagate Shankara's teachings. Shankaracharya's literary works are extensive and include commentaries, philosophical treatises, and devotional hymns. Some of his notable works include "Vivekachudamani" (Crest Jewel of Discrimination), "Atma Bodha" (Self-Knowledge), and "Bhaja Govindam" (Seek Govinda).

Adi Shankaracharya's efforts helped unify various sects and schools of Hinduism under the umbrella of Advaita Vedanta. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-realization and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Today, Adi Shankaracharya's teachings continue to be widely studied and revered in Hindu philosophy. He is considered a spiritual giant whose profound impact on Indian thought and culture endures to this day. The four monastic centers established by him are still revered as prominent seats of spiritual learning and leadership within the Advaita Vedanta tradition.

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