Shree Nandaneshwara Temple History
Shree Nandaneshwara Temple of Panambur is situated at a distance of about 13 kms. north of Managalore in the neighborhood of N.H.66 by the side of the Arabian Sea and stands in the middle of the New Mangalore Port, Panambur. Panambur was once a quiet coastal village full of green paddy, sugarcane fields, coconut trees and casurina. Now, this place has been transformed beyond recognition into a scene of busy industrial activity with the construction of the Major Port. Amidst the rapid changes that have taken place, Shree Nandaneshwara is ever witness to the ever changing scene of the locality. Though majority of the former inhabitants of the area, all devotees of Lord Nandaneshwara, have been displaced and rehabilitated in the villages of Krishnapura and Katipalla, he continue to be his devotees. He has also drawn innumerable people who have come to reside in this region as devotees.
The origin of Shree Nandaneshwara Temple goes back to antiquity. The study of temple edicts (Shasanas) and scriptures has revealed that the temple existed before 1300 A.D. and that King Pandya Chakravarthy Veerabanki Devalpendra Devarasu has granted lands to the Temple towards maintenance and viniyogas.
According to a belief the Temple has been built by King Nandana Heggade on the advice of Shree Shankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt prior to 1300A.D. The Temple must have seen glorious days when it enjoyed the royal patronage. Historically, there is no doubt that the temple was flourishing and the people of surrounding villages of Kodical, Padukodi, Kuloor, Thannirubavi, Baikampady, Kulai, Chitrapura, Hosabettu, etc. were worshipping the Deity as their ‘Grama Devatha’ (Village Deity). Though with the acquisition of the lands for the Major Port, the financial resources of the Temple dwindled all of a sudden, the Management has been able to carry on with the viniyogas and other functions. Thanks to the generous co-operation and support of the devotees and the public. Apart from the numerous religious ceremonies carried out on auspicious days the temple celebrates, ‘Deepotsavam’ and the annual NINE DAY JATRA (Car Festival) on a grand scale with the active co-operation and monetary help from the devotees and the public. It is encouraging that the people expect the temple to function as a centre of spiritual awakening and cultural renaissance. As per the Astamangala Prashna conducted in the year 1988, the Renovation work of the Temple has been taken up, under the able leadership of Sri. P. V. Aithala Ex. MLA. In the first phase of the work, Garbhagrahas of Shree Mahaganapathy and Shree Kantheri Dhoomavathi, Shree Kodamanithaya and Parivara Daivas have been completed.
Then under the able leadership of Sri. B. Nagaraja Shetty Former Minister, The four al-round Powlies of the Temple have also been completed with Granite stones. The sanctum sanctorium of Lord Nandaneshwara, Theertahmantapa, Vasantha Mantapa with Granite stones and erection of new Dhwajasthambha also been completed in the year 2001 and Brahmakalasha / Kumbabhisheka has been performed in the year 2001. Subsequently construction of Nataraja Ranga Sangama (Bayalu Rangamantapa) has been completed in the year 2003. The Rajathangana infront of Nataraja Ranga Sangama has been completed in the year 2011. The entire Prangana with Sheet roof on the Eastern side has been completed in the year 2014. The work of new kitchen hall is under progress.
It is customary that once in 12 years, every temple has to perform Astabhandha Brahma Kalashosthava to protect the sanctity of the temple and accordingly date has been fixed for the Brahma Kalashosthava of Sri Nandaneshwara i.e., from 17th January 2015 to 22nd January 2015 and annual festival will be held from 2nd February 2015 to 10th February 2015.
According to a belief the Temple has been built by King Nandana Heggade on the advice of Shree Shankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt prior to 1300A.D. The Temple must have seen glorious days when it enjoyed the royal patronage. Historically, there is no doubt that the temple was flourishing and the people of surrounding villages of Kodical, Padukodi, Kuloor, Thannirubavi, Baikampady, Kulai, Chitrapura, Hosabettu, etc. were worshipping the Deity as their ‘Grama Devatha’ (Village Deity). Though with the acquisition of the lands for the Major Port, the financial resources of the Temple dwindled all of a sudden, the Management has been able to carry on with the viniyogas and other functions. Thanks to the generous co-operation and support of the devotees and the public. Apart from the numerous religious ceremonies carried out on auspicious days the temple celebrates, ‘Deepotsavam’ and the annual NINE DAY JATRA (Car Festival) on a grand scale with the active co-operation and monetary help from the devotees and the public. It is encouraging that the people expect the temple to function as a centre of spiritual awakening and cultural renaissance. As per the Astamangala Prashna conducted in the year 1988, the Renovation work of the Temple has been taken up, under the able leadership of Sri. P. V. Aithala Ex. MLA. In the first phase of the work, Garbhagrahas of Shree Mahaganapathy and Shree Kantheri Dhoomavathi, Shree Kodamanithaya and Parivara Daivas have been completed.
Then under the able leadership of Sri. B. Nagaraja Shetty Former Minister, The four al-round Powlies of the Temple have also been completed with Granite stones. The sanctum sanctorium of Lord Nandaneshwara, Theertahmantapa, Vasantha Mantapa with Granite stones and erection of new Dhwajasthambha also been completed in the year 2001 and Brahmakalasha / Kumbabhisheka has been performed in the year 2001. Subsequently construction of Nataraja Ranga Sangama (Bayalu Rangamantapa) has been completed in the year 2003. The Rajathangana infront of Nataraja Ranga Sangama has been completed in the year 2011. The entire Prangana with Sheet roof on the Eastern side has been completed in the year 2014. The work of new kitchen hall is under progress.
It is customary that once in 12 years, every temple has to perform Astabhandha Brahma Kalashosthava to protect the sanctity of the temple and accordingly date has been fixed for the Brahma Kalashosthava of Sri Nandaneshwara i.e., from 17th January 2015 to 22nd January 2015 and annual festival will be held from 2nd February 2015 to 10th February 2015.