About Mangalore

Mangalore is located near the backwaters formed by the converging Netravati and Gurpur rivers. The city derives its name from the presiding deity Mangaladevi, the goddess of fortune. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial centre. (Interactive map of Mangalore)

It is a  centre for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. The city has a modern port now. The major home industries are Beedi's, Tiles, cashew and coffee curing and fishing. It has a panorama of palm-fringed beaches, lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial centre. Though developed as a business and commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old world charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish, sea food served in spicy coconut curries.

History of Mangalore 

This land is hailed as "Parashurama Srusti". The Taulava kings ruled this land of beauty and plenty in the days of yore. Goddess Devi who is Vindhyavasini, in her resplendent glory, once felt an irresistible desire to grace the Taulava kingdom by her holy presence. Accordingly she chose her benevolent "adsthana" the place situated to the south of the Kadali Kshetra of Lord Manjunatha. Sage Parashurama, through his perspective gaze of knowledge, came to know of the Transcendental Mother's bening arrival. Offering his obeisance to her, he hailed the goddess in slokas of scintillating brilliance and charm. The divine mother was immensely pleased with the devotion of Bhargava and told him that she would dwell in his place as "Mangala Devi" to be worshipped by devotees, with "Pujas" and "Utsavas" in the ages to come. She also ordained that since she would well in all her spiritual glory, Bhargava would receive her choicest blessings, for his "aradhana" of her in a mind that is chaste and pure. The Goddess, pleased with the divine wish of her beloved son, ordained the king Bhangaraja to construct the marvelous city of Mangalapura in her name so that his name too might reverberate in the distant corners of Baratha Varsha with its echoes of resonance. Bhangaraja, awoke from his dream, offered his prayers to the Goddess, and immediately set upon himself the task of rebuilding the temple and along with it the beautiful city, in the hallowed name of the divine mother.

Places of Interest in Mangalore

Mangaladevi Temple

Mangalore city derives its name from the presiding Deity Mangaladevi, the Goddess of fortune. The 10th century temple is situated 3 Km. away from main City Bus stand. This temple built by the Ballal family of Attavar in memory of a Malabar Princess - a princess of Kerala, is a tile roofed low structure.

Kadri Manjunath Temple 

The Temple is situated 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand, at the foot of the Kadri Hill reputedly inhabited by local Yogis. The Kadri Temple, a square shrine with a pyramidal roof dates back to about 1068 A.D. The seated idol of Lokeshwara, a three-faced figure with six arms, 1.6m high  is reputed  to be one of  the best bronze statues in India. On top of the Kadri hill, there is a 'Jogimutt' and some stone caves known as the caves of the Pandavas. They attract a lot of pilgrims every year. There is also a park having Snakes & Animals Zoo, Toy Train and a beautiful garden.

St. Aloysius College Chapel 

The Chapel is situated a km away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand, on the light house hill. The chapel built in the year 1899-1900 has exquisite frescoes covering the walls and the ceilings. The 19th century paintings were painted by the Italian trained Jesuit priest Antony Moscheni.
 

Light House Hill-Garden

The 18th century light house, believed to have built by Haider Ali, is situated a Km. away from the Bus Stand. There is a garden there and One can get a beautiful view, of the sea, the sailing ships and boats from there.

Sultan Battery 

The watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan,  is situated 4 Km. from the City. Built in Black Stones, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round.  

Shreemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum

The museum just beyond the KSRTC bus stand has a small collection of antiquities. Wooden carvings of divinities such as Bhairava and Hanuman, stone sculptures dating back as early as 13C, porcelain and a remarkable bronze bell with a miniature Lakshmi shrine are found here.

Mahatma Gandhi Museum

The collection in the museum includes zoology, anthropology, sculpture, art, coins and manuscripts.