About Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple
The Gokarnanatha Kshetra, widely known as the Kudroli temple, stands in the Kudroli area of Mangaluru, about 2 km from the city centre. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Gokarnanatha. The temple is one of the largest and best-known in coastal Karnataka and is closely linked with the Billava community of Tulunadu, who built it, but it welcomes devotees of every background. Its Navaratri festival, known as the Mangaluru Dasara, is one of the most colourful events of the region.
The temple was founded in 1912 when Sri Narayana Guru, the saint and social reformer from Kerala, was invited by community leaders in Mangaluru led by Hoige Bazar Koragappa, who provided the land and funds. The Guru chose the site at Kudroli and himself brought the Shiva linga that was installed. At a time when many people were barred from temples, the shrine gave them a place of worship of their own. It was later opened fully to all castes. In the late 1980s the temple was rebuilt in the Chola style under the sthapati K. Dakshinamoorthy, and the renovated temple was inaugurated in 1991.
Today the temple has a tall, brightly painted gopuram decorated with figures from the epics and legends, and a spacious complex with shrines for Annapoorneshwari, Ganesha, Hanuman and others, and a statue of Narayana Guru near the entrance. During Navaratri, images of Sharada, Ganapati and the nine forms of Durga, the Nava Durgas, are installed, and the festival ends with a huge procession of tableaux through the city for the immersion. The temple also serves free meals to devotees.
Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Noon maha puja | Around midday (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is about 15 km away.
By train
Mangaluru Central is about 3 km away; Mangaluru Junction is about 7 km away.
By road
City buses and autos reach Kudroli from all parts of Mangaluru. The city is well connected by highway to Udupi, Bengaluru and Kasaragod.
Festivals at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple
- Mangaluru Dasara (Navaratri)Sep/Oct
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Sri Narayana Guru JayantiAug/Sep
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free.
- Visit in the evening during Navaratri to see the temple lit up and the Nava Durga images.
- The final Dasara procession runs late into the night; plan transport in advance.
- Coastal Karnataka is very rainy from June to September; carry an umbrella.
- Footwear can be left at the counter near the gate.
Places to visit near Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple
- Mangaladevi TempleTemple of the goddess who gives Mangaluru its name, about 4 km away
- Kadri Manjunatha TempleOld Shiva temple with bronze images, about 4 km away
- Panambur BeachPopular city beach, about 10 km away
- Kateel Durgaparameshwari TempleIsland temple in the Nandini river, about 25 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who founded the Kudroli temple?
It was consecrated in 1912 by Sri Narayana Guru at the invitation of community leaders in Mangaluru.
What is Mangaluru Dasara?
It is the grand Navaratri festival held at the Kudroli temple, with Nava Durga images and a large closing procession.
What are the Kudroli temple timings?
It usually opens around 6:00 AM, closes for an afternoon break and reopens until about 8:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Is the Kudroli temple open to all?
Yes, devotees of all communities are welcome.
What is the aarti time at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple?
Morning puja: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Noon maha puja: Around midday (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
How to reach Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple?
By air: Mangaluru International Airport is about 15 km away. By train: Mangaluru Central is about 3 km away; Mangaluru Junction is about 7 km away. By road: City buses and autos reach Kudroli from all parts of Mangaluru. The city is well connected by highway to Udupi, Bengaluru and Kasaragod.
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