India is known for its many temples, with approximately 20 lakh (2 million) temples for its 96 crore (960 million) Hindus.
Each temple has its own unique history, and some hold hidden secrets that remain undiscovered to this day.
Today, we’ll introduce you to one such temple in India that you might not have heard of before.
Durga Parameshwari Temple: The Enigmatic Wonder
Located about 30 kilometers from Mangalore, Karnataka, the Durga Parameshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
It is also known as the Kateel Temple. During Navratri, this temple witnesses a significant influx of devotees who come to witness a unique tradition known as the “Fire Play.” Let’s explore the reasons behind this intriguing ritual.
The 15-Minute Fire Play
Every year during the Navratri festival, a fascinating tradition called “Agni Keli” takes place for eight days in the month of April.
People from far and wide come to witness this spectacle. It involves people throwing coconut husk torches at each other for approximately 15 minutes.
The belief is that participating in this ritual can alleviate one’s suffering and pain.
The History of the Temple
Long ago, there was a demon named Arunasura, who had received a boon from Lord Brahma, making him invincible against both two-legged and four-legged creatures.
Exploiting this boon, Arunasura terrorized the earth. To save the world from his atrocities, Goddess Durga incarnated herself as a stone and crushed Arunasura to death.
It was believed that since he couldn’t be killed by a two or four-legged creature, the attack by a swarm of bees, which has neither two nor four legs, led to his demise.
Delighted by this, the saints and sages decided to build the Durga Parameshwari Temple at this sacred spot.
Witness the Nine Forms of the Goddess
The temple’s entrance gate, known as the gopura, is the first attraction.
It stands tall at approximately 108 feet and captures everyone’s attention. Inside the temple, you can witness all nine forms of Goddess Durga simultaneously.
Temple Timings and Prasad
The temple opens at 4 AM and remains closed from 12 PM to 3 PM. In the evening, it reopens from 3 PM to 10 PM.
Devotees are provided with prasad as a form of food offerings during specific hours: 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 8:30 PM to 10 PM.
How to Reach Durga Parameshwari Temple
You can reach the temple by various means:
By Bus:
First, reach Mangalore from your city by train or bus. From Mangalore, you can take a bus to Kateel, which is not too far from the temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the temple is Mangalore, and the temple is approximately 28 kilometers away from there.
After arriving at Mangalore, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Durga Parameshwari Temple.
By Flight:
If you choose to travel by air, you should reach Mangalore International Airport. The temple is only 12 kilometers away from the airport.
After landing, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the Durga Parameshwari Temple for your darshan.
