ಶ್ರೀ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ
History of Shri Manjunatha Temple
Dear Devotees,
Kodagu, the sacred land of Goddess River Cauvery, is renowned as the Dakshina Kashi (Southern Kashi) or Dakshina Prayag (Southern Prayag). This holy region is steeped in historical significance, with links to Shri Rama, Shri Krishna, and the Pandavas. Amid this sacred landscape lies the historic village of Siddhalingapura-Arasinakuppe, revered for the divine presence of Shri Manjunatha Swamy. Located in the northern part of Kodagu, within the jurisdiction of Thorenuru Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk, this ancient site stands close to the banks of the River Cauvery. The region holds over a thousand years of history and is believed to have connections to North India, with ties to saints like Matsyendranath and Gorakshanath. Local lore suggests that during his exile, Shri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva by consecrating a Shivling made of sand along the banks of the River Cauvery near this sacred field, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the area.
At the beginning of the Kali Yuga, it is believed by spiritual philosophers that Lord Parashiva manifested on Earth as Shri Manjunatha Swamy, embodying the divine essence of the Nath tradition to guide humanity during its time of crisis. Additionally, there are numerous indications that prominent visionaries like Shri Gorakshanath and others worshipped under the revered name of Shri Manjunatha Swamy.Significantly, Shri Swamy's divine presence is associated with the Kadri temple in the Tulu Nadu region of South India, along with his northern connections. At this sacred site, adherents of the Nath tradition have long continued the worship of Shri Manjunatha Swamy and his accompanying deities, upholding an unbroken legacy of devotion and spiritual practice
According to this, it is understood that after traveling through the forests of Tulu Nadu, from Kadri to Vittla-Subramanya, Kanchodu, Markanja, Todikana, and so on, they reached Pushpagiri hill. Settling at Pushpagiri, the deity is worshipped as Shri Shanta Mallikarjuna, in Shantalli as Kumara Lingeshwara, and in the village of Sullabi Nadu as Shri Manjunatha. Revered as Vanamurti (forest deity), the deity has a history of being venerated by devotees.
From there, Shri Swami, residing at Arasinakuppe in Siddalingapura, fulfills the heartfelt wishes of his devotees. Here, there are indications that the temple was built in response to the requests of the queen and enlightened sages.As a place where saints, yogis, and spiritual philosophers once dwelled, and with its history bearing testimony to the burial site of the royal family, the regions of Siddalingapura and Arasinakuppe are closely associated with this sacred site.
The Twin Siddhas – Napanda Muthappa and NapandaMuddappa (Lava-Kusha Siblings)
Shri Rajesh Nath Ji, the chief guru, highlights the extraordinary story of Napanda Muthappa and Muddappa, twin brothers born in Surlabbi village under the Garvale Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet Taluk. They hailed from a humble farming family, as the sons of the late N. S. Muthanna and N. M. Bojamma. From birth, these twin brothers, Muthappa and Muddappa, were seen as spiritually enlightened beings (Siddha philosophers). Through relentless effort and dedication, they have emerged as remarkable achievers, deeply rooted in their spiritual and philosophical upbringing.
Born in a small village, these twin brothers pursued their education with relentless effort and later moved to Bengaluru to build their lives. Today, they have risen to become prominent entrepreneurs, providing livelihoods to thousands of unemployed youth.The twin achievers have established successful enterprises across the state in various fields, including religion, education, spirituality, social work, literature, and medicine. Their remarkable contributions in social service, particularly as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, oppressed, and poor, have left many in awe. Their dedication and impactful work continue to inspire countless individuals.
Like the proverb "ಆಡು ಮುಟ್ಟದ ಸೊಪ್ಪಿಲ್ಲ" (there is no leaf untouched by a goat), it can be said that these twin brothers have left their mark in almost every field. They have extended financial support for the construction of religious centers without discrimination, aided schools and colleges, supported athletes and sports events, and contributed to numerous socially beneficial initiatives.Their exceptional concern for the working class, especially unorganized laborers, stands out. Tirelessly working day and night for their welfare and upliftment, they are true humanitarians whose efforts embody compassion and commitment to society.
The two brothers, originally from an agricultural family, have a profound concern for agriculture, dairy farming, forestry, nature, and wildlife. Moreover, they advocate for the underprivileged and oppressed, embodying Basavanna's philosophy of universal humanism by living and demonstrating the principles they preach, showcasing their unique and exceptional character.
With self-respect, dignity, and integrity, these remarkable brothers have steadily risen in society, showcasing extraordinary talent and achievement. They have also demonstrated their love for animals by establishing a cowshed in their household, providing shelter to hundreds of cows. Furthermore, their continuous study and exploration of various fields, including social, political, religious, and legal domains, along with their reading of numerous books and texts, have enabled them to acquire vast knowledge. Observing them up close, this multifaceted excellence is clearly evident.
The achievements of these brothers in the religious domain are unparalleled and cannot be easily described. Notably, they have undertaken the grand initiative of constructing the sanctum for Lord Sri Manjunatha Swami and his divine entourage in the historic village of Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe, which boasts a legacy spanning thousands of years. With an investment of crores of rupees, they have already established the Navanaganatha Temple and other essential facilities in the region, standing as a testament to their deep religious devotion and commitment.
Believing firmly in the principle that "Service to the nation is service to God," these twin heroes have exemplified their patriotism through their actions, words, and thoughts. May their future be bright, and may the blessings of Sri Manjunatha Swami, his divine entourage, and the grace of the Siddhas remain with these valiant brothers for as long as the sun and moon shine upon this earth.
About the Spiritual Guru Rajesh Nath Ji and the Sacred Temple Site:
Belonging to the Nath tradition, Guru Rajesh Nath Ji hails from the lineage associated with the Kadri Manjunatha Swami Temple, Kadri Yogeshwara Math, and Vittla Math. He was born as the eldest son to M.S. Raghunath and M.R. Sanjeevi in the quaint village of Chembaltimar in Badiyadka, located in the Kasaragod district, which is also his maternal ancestral land. As a descendant of a long line of spiritual leaders, he serves as the Guru of Sri Annapoorneshwari Kshetra and Yogeshwara Siddhapurusha Math. Following the traditions of the Nath sect, he was initiated into the path of spiritual discipline by his revered father at the age of seven. He later continued his spiritual journey under the tutelage of the royal Guru Lal Nath Ji of Vittla Yogeshwara Math, and subsequently trained under Raj Shri Shri Shri Mohan Nath Ji Kapalani of Kadri Yogeshwara Math and Rajarajeshwar Taponidhi.Further deepening his spiritual connection, Guru Rajesh Nath Ji also became a disciple of Shri Shri Shri Somnath Ji, the pontiff of Halavari Math of Kodachadri Peetha. Over the years, he has assumed the responsibility of managing the sacred Sri Annapoorneshwari Kshetra and maintained close associations with various Siddha sages and Nath yogis, preserving and advancing the rich heritage of his lineage.
Guru Rajesh Nath Ji has established deep connections with the Nath and Siddha traditions, associating with the spiritual leaders of renowned sites such as Kashi, Vaishno Devi, the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, Haridwar, and Gorakhpur, as well as other Himalayan regions. Notably, he spent 29 years in rigorous penance near the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, under the guidance of the accomplished Hatha Yogi and Aghori Baba Raghubir Nath Ji. During this period, he received spiritual initiation and blessings from Baba Raghubir Nath Ji, who further guided him to advance in the Nath tradition.
Following his initiation, Guru Rajesh Nath Ji also trained under other esteemed leaders such as Guru Ganga Nath Ji, the pontiff of Ujjain’s Bhairahari Cave, and his successors such as Fir Sher Nath Ji and Dada Pir Trilokinath Ji. He was inducted into the Nath Sampradaya’s sacred Satyanath lineage through Nadi Diksha under the guidance of Guru Ganga Nath Ji. He was entrusted with responsibilities to serve society through initiatives such as food distribution (Anna Dana), religious awareness, temple rejuvenation, spiritual and educational activities, and environmental preservation. To fulfill his mission, he journeyed southward and dedicated himself to the revival of his ancestral math. While engaging in daily duties like food distribution and social welfare, he received further mentorship from the pontiffs of Vittla Math, Fir Ramanath Ji, and Kadri Math, Raj Sandhyanath Ji.
Later, during the coronation of the current pontiff(ಪೀಠಾಧಿಪತಿ), Raj Nirmal Nath Ji Maharaj, Guru Rajesh Nath Ji participated in the grand ceremony, where he was officially recognized and appointed as part of the leadership lineage from Gorakhpur and Haridwar to the Kadri Peetha. His dedication continues as he upholds the Nath tradition, ensuring its growth and service to the community. As part of their ancestral legacy, he has engaged in preserving and practicing various arts, skills, and traditions, including animal protection, managing cow shelters (Goshalas), and conserving nature. He has also contributed significantly to the construction of numerous temples and the development of educational institutions. Acting as chief patrons and benefactors, he has extended their support to several schools, furthering their commitment to community service and societal development.
Currently, he serve as the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti for Kodagu district and as the Chief Secretary for Karnataka State. He travel extensively across the state and beyond, actively guiding the reconstruction of temples and acting as a spiritual mentor. Dedicated to the upliftment of marginalized communities, the underprivileged, and the poor, they tirelessly work for their welfare. He has played a significant role in the construction of the Chamundi Devi Shrine near the Bhakandeshwara Temple in Bhagamandala, Kodagu. Additionally, he has been instrumental in building the Shri Manjunatha Swamy and Parivara Deities Temple in Siddhalingapura-Arasinkuppe village and the Siddhanatheshwara Mandir in Kushalnagar. His contributions to these projects highlight their commitment to religious and social progress.
In the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, Kodagu, and the state of Kerala, he has provided guidance and advice for the construction of numerous family shrines and sanctuaries, contributing to the upliftment of families. He belongs to the Nath tradition and serves as the hereditary guru of the Shri Annapoorneshwari Kshetra and the Yogeshwara Siddhapurusha Matha. He offers blessings and prays to the deity for the devotees visiting the kshetra, while also engaging in activities such as food donation, support for educational development, environmental conservation, animal and bird welfare, and the upliftment of the underprivileged.
During his service, a relative from the Nirooni family, hailing from Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe in Thorenuru village, visited the Shri Kumaralingeshwara Temple at Shanthalli, located near the Pushpagiri hills, for worship. At that time, they met Shri Rajesh Nath Ji, the guru of the Shri Annapoorneshwari Kshetra and Yogeshwara Siddhapurusha Matha in Markanja village, Sullia. He blessed the Nirooni family and assured them that all their difficulties would be resolved.
Later, in a time of great distress, the Nirooni family advised M.C. Mohan from Arasinekuppe village to contact the gurus for a solution. M.C. Mohan Nayyar and his family visited the Shri Annapoorneshwari Kshetra and requested blessings from the gurus to resolve the difficulties they were facing. The gurus informed them that the sanctuaries of Shri Manjunath Swami and Chowdeshwari Devi, which had been abandoned in the forest near their land, were causing trouble for the local residents.
Subsequently, the villagers gathered together, including M.C. Mohan, P.D. Ravikumar, and other residents, and decided to restore the sanctuaries in the forest. They sought the guidance of the gurus and invited them to the village for help. When the gurus arrived and inspected the area, they found signs of several divine deities and sanctuaries, as well as traces of past offerings. The gurus advised that restoring these sanctuaries would bring blessings, and suggested that the villagers proceed with caution and continue their efforts with faith.
Accordingly, the village leaders set dates and met with the gurus, offering them tamboola (a traditional offering of betel leaves and nuts) as part of the guru’s honor. Following the guidance of the gurus, they decided to bring astrologers and sculptors from Kerala. In the area where the current Shri Manjunath Swami Temple is located, they started the process of contemplating and setting the eight auspicious questions (Ashtamangala). Upon further exploration, they discovered that the temple complex, which had a history of thousands of years, along with the guru samadhis (tombs), had been lost over time.The environment revealed ancient stone burial sites (tottilla samadhis) and samadhis of siddhapurushas (spiritual ascetics), which were visible in the vicinity. They also found evidence of temple structures beneath the earth. The gurus advised that restoring these temples and preserving the samadhis would bring prosperity and welfare to the area.
In the northeastern part of the question location, which is now Siddalingapura, it is found that Siddaramaiah figures are present, and it is also noted that twin brothers, who are the embodiments of siddhapurushas (spiritual ascetics), have already been born in this environment. With their presence, if the residents of the area come together for the upliftment of life and engage in work, the construction of the temple will become a reality. It is also discovered that in the eastern part of the question location, there is the base of the Nandi samadhi (tomb) of the temple. The siddhapurushas are said to be in samadhi in this area, and the place is recognized by the name Munishwara. Additionally, in the southeastern part of the thinking area, which is now Aliluguppe, there is a Dwara Ganapati Temple, and its associated symbols are found in the forest.
In the southern part of the Sri Manjunatha Swami temple's sanctuary, there are traces of an ancient pond and a well that was once used by the temple. Additionally, in the southwestern part of the region, in a place called Basiruguppe, there is a connection to the Bhadrakali temple, which belongs to the sacred area. In the western Bagri forest region, many inscriptions, ponds, and remnants of a vanished village have been discovered. Near the temple, there are remnants of cradle samadhis, Nilkal samadhis, caves where ascetics used to meditate, and traces of items they once used, as well as drawings. In the same area, there is a well with sacred water, known as the Tirtha well, and the Ganapati lingam facing north. In the northern part, an ancient guru samadhi has been identified, and it is currently revered as Muneshwara, with the place's sanctity still intact.
In the northeastern part of the temple, there is a well known as the 'Balegaran Katte Kere', which is associated with the sacred area. The eastern and north-eastern parts of the region, extending towards Siddara Betta, contain the traces of an ancient ashram that once cared for cows, with the sanctity of Chaudeshwari Amma being venerated. These findings confirm the existence of this ancient site.
It is understood that in the eastern part of the region, the Kaveri River flows, and during special festivals, devotees go for a sacred bath in the Kaveri Tirtha. Along the river, there is a Shiva temple related to the region. Additionally, in the vicinity of the temple, there is the presence of Kalabhairaveshwara and Bhairappa's Hill, where special worship of Bhairava takes place. Devotees visiting the area first take a bath in the Kaveri River, then proceed to have a darshan of Bhairava, followed by a visit to the Aluvaradamma temple. Afterward, they visit the Basavana Pada Betta and the Marikamba Devi temple located in Maribane. The darshan of Bandiyamma (Banavara) and other deities is also part of the pilgrimage before finally reaching the darshan of Sri Manjunatha Swami.
In the vicinity of the Sri Manjunatha Kshetra, ancient sculptures of Narabali, Lingamudra stones, and numerous inscriptions bearing the chant "Om Sri Manjunathaya Namah," along with depictions of the sun, moon, and Lord Shiva’s damaru, are seen etched onto tridents featuring the shape of a snake and symbols of the Shiva Lingam. These inscriptions and carvings can be found on the tombs and memorials spread across the expansive area, marking the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
This temple, in ancient times, was worshipped by kings and was known as the Seema Temple. During the reign of the Kodagu kings, it gained special recognition. It is connected to various significant temples, such as the Subrahmanya Swamy temple in Surlabbi, the Bayalu Manjunatha temple, Kukke Kshetra, Kanchodi Manjunatha temple, Markanja’s Sri Annapoorneshwari temple, Dharmasthala’s Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple, Khatriya Manjunatha Swamy temple, Bhagmandala’s Bagandeswara temple, Talakaveri Kshetra, Higgutappa Kshetra, and the Yogeshwara Matha at Koodo Mangalore (Heggadahalli), along with special siddha centers in the Mysuru and Hassan regions. The temple is closely associated with Aadi Chunchanagiri's Sri Kalabhairaveshwara temple as well.
The Kadria Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple has been a place where yogis and spiritual seekers have gathered. The temple received regular visits from the Nathpanthi saints who came every 12 years, traveling from the northern regions like Gorakpur, Haridwar, Kashi, and Assam. These saints, along with Aghori Babas and other eternal saints, passed through the area on their journey toward Aadi Chunchanagiri.
It is believed that the kings of this region, who followed the Nath tradition, and their queen were ardent worshippers of Sri Manjunatha Swamy and Choudeshwari Devi. The queen herself practiced intense tapas and became a yogini. Eventually, she attained samadhi at this very site, marking the place as a significant spiritual location.The place where this queen (Rani) attained samadhi is now known as Arasinakuppe, which is located near the original Siddalingapura. In her memory, with the cooperation of saints, sages, and the people, the kings of that time brought a Shiva Linga from Kashi and installed it at the Manjunatha Swamy temple in Siddalingapura, Arasinkuppe. This led to the establishment of a temple at the Sri Kshetra, symbolizing the queen’s spiritual legacy.
According to the resolution of the inquiry, all the saints, along with the twin brothers and the villagers, went together to visit the identified locations in the question. During their site inspection, they discovered various inscriptions, clues, and remnants of ancient structures in the respective places and directions. These findings further corroborated the historical and spiritual significance of the locations identified.
Subsequently, archaeologists, including Professor Murugesh and his team, were invited to conduct further research at the site. During their investigation, they uncovered not only thousands of years of history but also pre-Christian historical Dolmen tombs and other significant artifacts. These findings are crucial to preserving the ancient heritage for future generations. The researchers also reported that an ancient temple exists in the area, further confirming the historical and spiritual importance of the site.
Following the guidance of the gurus, under the leadership of Muttappa and Mudappa, the local and surrounding devotees came together to form a Temple Development Committee. With the leadership of M.C. Mohan, and the cooperation of the villagers and devotees from neighboring areas, they established a daily maintenance committee for the temple. After addressing all the solutions identified during the contemplation, the land for temple construction was leveled. When space for construction became an issue, Muthappa and Muddappa purchased three acres of land nearby, setting it aside specifically for the temple building project.
In this area, a new Nagasannidhya stone was sculpted by the artist Bhanuprakash, who carved it on a Shiva plate. Under the leadership of Muttappa and Mudappa, and with the guidance of the gurus, a mandal was created in the Ras Koopa of Kadri Yogeshwara Mutt's Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple. The Nagasannidhya stone was brought in according to the instructions of the gurus. With the expertise of the Tantri Swaroos, Shri Vithaladasa Tantri, in the technical and ritualistic aspects of the temple, the construction was carried out in Siddalingapura Arasinkuppe. The leaders, including the village headmen, along with the twin brothers, were involved in this effort. The worship and consecration were completed at an expenditure of Rs. 78 lakh.
The Navanaganatha temple is one of the rare and unique shrines. Before installing the Nagasannidhya stone, the Gurus built a foundation for the earth at the Navanaganatha sanctuary in order to relieve the residents of the village from the trouble caused by the nagas in the vicinity. This was done by creating a suitable space for the live nagas to inhabit, following religious rituals. After this, the problem of nagas wandering around and causing disturbances in the village was resolved, which became a remarkable achievement.Thus, the Navanaganatha sanctuary, where live nagas reside and where the Panchami Puja is celebrated, has become one of the rarest places in the country, with Siddalingapura Arasinkuppe’s Navanaga Kshetra being particularly significant. By completing this grand task, the twin brothers earned the immense joy and appreciation of the devotees.
The Wonders Witnessed During the Shiva Linga Installation!
The miracles witnessed during the installation of the Shiva Linga are truly remarkable. On the day of Shivaratri, the Shiva Linga of Lord Manjunatha was consecrated by the Gurus in the sacred Shri Kshetra. During this consecration, the holy water brought from Arasinkuppe, which was used for the abhisheka (ritual bathing), was accompanied by a pair of fish, which is a rare and divine occurrence.
As the consecration took place, the fish appeared as manifestations of Shri Mathsendranatha and Gorakshanatha, blessing the ceremony. Their presence in the form of the fish and their blessings during the consecration are considered a powerful symbol of the temple's divine energy and sanctity, as the Gurus of the temple fondly recall. This event stands as one of the extraordinary signs of the temple’s spiritual power.
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