Information of Marikamba Temple, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka

Marikamba Temple of Sirsi is a famous Durga temple of Hindu religion orientation. It is now a 326 years old temple, which has a vast importance of pilgrims and tourist visiting here yearly. It is also known as the Doddamma Temple locally. The main deity of this temple is a female deity known as Devi. It has various names and called in the Dravidian regions as Amman, Kali, Yellamma and Mariamma. This temple is very rear to look; it has adopted the Kavi architecture. Though there are many renovations done on this temple, but there is no trace of its work found on its structure. This temple was in controversy for caste system and animal slaughter before independence. But after independence the ban on cast based entry was removed from this temple. It is located at Sirsi Town, Uttar Kanada District of Karnataka State in India.

Marikamba Temple Religious Significance

This is a great pilgrim place especially for women's. Since, they used to come here with lot of vrath undertaken for a period of time and come here to get the blessings of this Durga Devi. Here the Devi is called as the Marikamba. She is very power full and devotees come with pure devotions are blessed with her powers. It is believed that this Devi can cure our diseases and bless us with good health. The Marikamba Jaathr attracts lakhs of devotees here. It is celebrated every alternative year. This is a grand festival of this region and is well known for its cultural activities. The Dollu Kunitha folk dance is performed in this festival, which is its major attraction. The Chariot festival is also conducted here; the Devi is taken to its village and come back to temple. During her procession, it is believed that all evils are gets rid out of this village.

Marikamba Temple Mythology & History

There is a great mythical story behind this temple construction. It is believed that the main Deity kept in the grabhagraha was found in a pond near the Hanagal areas. It is found in a seated position with 8 arms holding asthras, shashtras and with a trident killing a demon under her feet. This sculptor is 2.1 meter in height and looks very mighty. Few carpenters brought here, the present place and started worshiping this unique sculpture. The carpenters were called the Vishwakarma Cast here. This became their favorite temple in the medieval times. They managed this temple from those days to the present times. This temple is built in the year 1688 AD and underwent many additions and renovation over the passage of time.

Marikamba Temple Architectural Significance

Marikamba Temple has Kavi architectural form in its structure. It is a great cloister structure in a rectangular shape. There is a small complex inside this cloister were the main deity is placed. Its main structure is up to 2 stories. Its roof top is covered with terracotta tiles. There is vast space left out in-between complexes. The main entrance is welcomed by 2 giant elephant statues. Its ceilings are found with very good carpentry works. Since, this temple was built by the carpenter class and they have marked their special craftsmanship in this temple. There are many mural found here with narration of Vedic stories. There are also unique portrait paintings of god and goddess fixed on its walls. These are very colorful and delighted to looks. All of its murals are done on vegetable oil paints and are very carefully painted on a plaster mix unknown till now. This has made the murals to not worn out with time. There are many carving art fund here. This temple is a very rear structure to see in India.