Standing before the Mahisha Mardini Temple in Borivali, can you feel the echoes of ancient prayers. This temple stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of devotion in Mumbai’s bustling landscape.
The Mahisha Mardini Temple’s story starts with Kallamundkoor Hariyalaguttu Sridar Chandayya Shetty. He was a renowned builder and religious leader. He established this temple in Jayaraj Nagar, Vazirnaka, Borivali West. The annual festivities here concluded on June 3, 2014, marking a significant event for the community.
Imagine the scene during those four days. Vedamurti Nandakumar Tantri led religious celebrations. His guidance filled the temple with spiritual energy. Y Ramachandra Bhat, the temple’s chief priest for nearly 25 years, was honored for his dedicated service. Kanajar Kolakebail Pradeep C Shetty, the managing trustee, felicitated him.
This temple connects Mumbai to Tulunadu. It is the land of Tulu speaking people. This region lies about 300 kilometers south of Mumbai. Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple holds a special place in this heritage.
Legend says Rama Bhoja, a king of Tulunadu, performed a Putrakamesti Yaga. He wanted to be blessed with a son. During preparations, he accidentally killed a sacred cobra. To atone for this sin, he consecrated a Shivalinga. It contained the divine presence of Lord Sheshashayee Narayana. This Shivalinga is now in the Sri Ananteshwara Temple in Udupi. The king also established four Durga Temples around it. Sri Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is one of these.
Another local story tells of a thick forest. A beautiful water tank stood in its center. Holy Munis used to perform penance on its banks. Celestial fairies often visited to bathe in the tank. Once, a Brahman youth carrying a Goddess statue rested near the tank. He placed the statue on a rock with Lakshmi’s divine presence. The statue’s fierce features softened. It stuck to the rock. The youth couldn’t remove it. Sage Kanva Rishi consecrated it there. Thus, Goddess Mahishamardini remained in Kadiyali to bless devotees. The tank later became a well. It is now near the inner Gharba Gudi.
The temple’s history stretches back over 1200 years. The Gharba Gudi, built entirely of granite, reflects Tuluva style. Its square layout and granite slab roof withstand heavy monsoon rains. Experts believe it dates back to the pre-Vijayanagar period.
In recent years, the temple underwent renovations. Dharmadikari Dr Veerendra Hegde supported these efforts. He inaugurated the generator set and granite stone covering. The temple now stands well-kept and maintained. A beautiful sarovar and two newly built chariots catch the eye.
The sanctum sanctorum renovations finished in April 1997. The old outer quadrangle was replaced with sculpted stone and granite slabs. The Theertha Mantapa’s roof was also replaced with granite slabs. These changes gave the temple a more traditional look. Celebrations marked the Ugadi and annual Chariot Festival.
Sri Mahishamardini continues to bless her devotees. The Mahisha Mardini Temple welcomes an increasing number of disciples each day. As you leave this sacred place, carry with you the blessings of the Goddess. Remember the stories and the devotion that resonate within these walls.