Sasihithlu Shree Bhagavathi Devasthana – Appeal

Dear Devotees,

The Sasihithlu Shree Bhagavathee Devasthana, located on the seashore of Mangaluru Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka. It is one of the Tulunadu’s historical and renowned sacred temples. Based on various evidences, it has been established that the temple is around 900 years old.

In 1332, “Chitrapura Bayalalli” an inscription found at Shree Nandaneshwara Temple at Panamburu, the name of Shree Bhagavathee of Sasihithlu is mentioned. This reference throws light on the history of ‘Dakshina Kannada’, and the research work of Dr. Paduru Gururaj Bhat (a teacher, historian and archaeologist of Tulunadu) affirms this. In the pillar inscription of Polali Shree Rajarajeshwari Temple, carvings of the Sapta Maathrikas (Seven divine mothers) are found, as noted by historian Dr. Vasantha Madava in his writings.

Poet Pampa (honorific Adikavi), in his literary composition “Bharata” (16th canto, 16th verse), has also described that, when listened to with devotion, Bhagavathee manifests in divine trance: “Bhagavatheeyeruvelva theradim”. Scholars in ancient rituals state that, Moola Sthala (the original place) of Sasihithlu Cheerumbha Bhagavathee is in Kodangallur of Kerala State. As mentioned in the Swarna Prashne (golden oracle), offerings were also made there for atonement. Research literatures like, Kerala’s Theyyam, Bhagavathee Aradhana, Daarukaavadham, Kali Natakam, Talegari (Palm Leaf) Manuscripts glorify the divine power of Bhagavathee. Similarly, ancient Tamil Sangam Literatures ‘Silappadikaram’ and ‘Manimekalai’ also bear witness to the pre-history of Shree Bhagavathee.

Mythological Background

Bhagavathee, after slaying demon Arunasura, became Bhramarambika, after slaying Daarigaasura became Bhadrakali. The Sapta Maathrikas descended to earth from Kailasa and established shrines in various places.

Bhadrakali, taking the human form of ‘Kannagi’ (a legendary woman known for her chastity and fierce). She married Yaksha ‘Kovalan’ who was a merchant from the city of Kaveripattinam. Following the tragic incident of Kovalan’s execution, Kannagi curses the city of Madurai and burns it down after proving her husband’s innocence, later ascending to divinity as Pattini or Kannaki Amman and worshipped as a protector goddess. In the era of Pandya- Cheras she took a fierce form and became firmly established at Kodangallur in Kerala. Later, she manifested at Talangarai in Kasargod and eventually at Sasihithlu, where she resides in Padmasana (lotus posture).

The sacred story of Sasihithlu Bhagavathee Temple centers on the Saptadurgas (Seven Goddesses) and their journey along the coastal region of Karnataka after defeating a demon Darakasura, they traveled north along the coast of Karnataka, establishing holy temples (Punya Kshetras) dedicated to them wherever they went. When the goddesses arrived at Sasihithlu, they were captivated by the area’s natural beauty, which was abundant with tender coconut trees, and decided to rest there.

Sasihithlu is a well-known Shakti Kendra, one of the seven such holy places in the Tulunadu region, indicating a significant spiritual importance. The worship of Devi is a vital part of the “Shakta tradition” in Hinduism, where she is seen as the active energy, that creates and dissolves the universe. The temple is considered a quiet, serene and divine place, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees. The temple was renovated in the year 1995 and “thrikaala pooja” was started. Since then, many developmental works being carried out. The Bhandara Mandira (in Kadike, Haleangadi) was renovated in the year 2009 and further in 2014 many structural developments were carried out at Sasihithlu Temple. “Friday Anna Santharpana Seva” also being carried out since 2009. Cheerumbha Bhagavathee, Eleya Bhagavathee, Ghantakarna, Dandaraja, Dhoomavathi and Guliga (Kshetrapala) are being worshiped here. In the recently held ‘Tamboola Prashne’ (Betel Leaf Reading or Royal Astrology), it was found that, the mother goddess Bhagavathee and her parivara are happy and satisfied with all these developments.

Now, after 12 years, to re-energize the temple’s idol and renew its spiritual potency, it is decided to perform ‘Brahmakalashotsava’ of temple from 04.03.2026 to 08.03.2026. Nadavali Utsava is scheduled to be held on 10.04.2026 and Bharani Mahotsava from 11.04.2026 to 17.04.2026. Presently, many devotees across the country and abroad are visiting the temple to pray and fulfill their wishes. Hence, the space expansion and other basic necessities are planned such as Reconstruction of Gopuram, Renovation/ repair work of Dandaraja Gudi, Dhwaja Stambha (Flag Pole), Brass plating inside and outside of Garbha Gudi and entrance, Construction of Swagatha Gopuram at Haleangadi and Mukka and Athithi Gruha and Hall near the temple for piligrims, Purchase of Land for Annasantharpana during festivals, construction of compound wall, a structural boundary around the property, Construction of Ashwattha (Peepal) Katte, Nagana Katte, Bath room for Archakas (Priests), Rennovation of Paakashala (Kitchen), Purchase of Large Utensils for Annasantharpana etc., are the urgent requirements.

Over the years, generous donors have illuminated the temple with their offerings. Now for Development work of Temple, Renovation work, Brahmakalasha, Nadavali Mahotsava and Bharani Mahotsava, we request cooperation and contributions from the devotees.

We respectfully appeal to all devotees, both elders and younger generations, to contribute with open heart and generous donations to ensure that the temple attains higher scale of diversity.

Sri Rohidas Bangera Mumbai Honorary President

Sri Nalin Kumar Kateel | President, Brahmakalashotsava Committee

Sri Vaman Iddya Sri Executive President, Brahmakalashotsava Committee

Shrinivasa Yaane Appu Poojari Sri Hereditary Trustee & Chief Priest

Chandrashekhara Belchada Gampamane, Kateel Managing Trustee

Sri Vishwanatha, Adi Udupi Vice President Managing Committee

Sri Ramesh Bangera General Secretary Managing Committee

President and Members Managing Committee and Development Committee

Sri Rajendraprasad Yekkar Sri Shivanņa Anchan Kapu Joint Secretary Managing Committee

Sasihithlu Shree Bhagavathee Devasthana

President and Members Renovation and Brahmakalashotsava Committee

Achaara Pattavaru, Yeloora Gurikaararu & Sasihithlu Gramastharu Sasihithlu Shree Bhagavathee Devasthana

Sri Vedaprakash M. Shriyan

President Brahmakalashotsava Committee, Mumbai

Sri Suresh K. Bangera, Thokur Treasurer

Brahmakalashotsava Committee

President and Members Brahmakalashotsava Committee, Mumbai