A cave temple that attracts seekers and nature lovers

Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 10 February 2011: One has to squat, crouch and crawl in water in a cave to reach a spacious place inside to see, feel the wonderful creation of the Nature and a temple.

 

There is a mini pond inside the cave with cool water and a Shivalinga. After spraying water to Shivalinga as a form of worship, devotees can apply a paste of a fine mud on their body. No one forces them to do it. It is optional.

 

SACRED AND HIDDEN:The entrance to Sri Somanatheshwara cave temple at Nellitheertha near Mangalore.

 

Some believe that the mud has healing powers, especially for skin problems. The temple authorities distribute wet mud as “prasada” to devotees.

 

The cave is in front of Somanatheshwara temple at Nellitheertha in Mangalore taluk. It is opened only from mid-October to mid-April every year. Visitors are allowed only between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. It will be closed for visitors in the afternoon. Now is the time to visit it.

 

The Shivalinga inside the cave is about 200 metres away from the entrance.

 

“Inside the cave drops of water in the shape of amla (gooseberries) keep dropping down. These drops formed the mini pond. Hence the name “nellli” (gooseberry) “theertha” (holy water),’’ said P.S. Bhat, managing trustee of the temple.

 

“It was opened for visitors on October 17 and will be closed on April 13,” he said.

 

“People irrespective of their religion visit the temple and the cave. It includes Muslims and Christians and people from other faiths from abroad,” Mr. Bhat said. Legend says that saint Jaabali used this cave as his abode. According to him, the first recorded material referring to the place dates back to 1487 A.D. Certain rules will have to be followed before entering the cave and while entering the cave. All those visiting the shrine should first take a dip in a “pushkarini” (tank) near the temple outside the cave. It doesn’t matter if the water is not crystal clear.

 

Men can enter the cave wrapped in a bath towel or a white dhoti. Women can wear sari, churidar or trousers. Shorts are not allowed.

 

A guide accompanies the visitors inside the cave by holding an oil lamp. If there are more visitors some of them will be given adequate number of oil lamps. Torch lights are not allowed.

 

“Both spiritual seekers and nature lovers from different parts of the country and from abroad visit the temple and the cave,” said Mr. Bhat. Normally, the temple is crowded on Sundays and other holidays.

 

How to reach?

 

It is about 40 km from Mangalore. There are four approach roads to Nellitheertha. It is about 8 km from Kateel on Kateel-Bajpe Road and 6 km from Bhatrakere on Kateel-Bajpe Road. On Mangalore-Moodbidri Road, it is about 8 km and is close to Ganjimath. It is about 13 km from Kinnigoli via Mucchur town. Only a few buses ply to the temple. Hence better to hire a taxi or travel by own vehicle.

 

For details, log on to www.nellitheertha.com or call 0824-2016142 or 2299142.

- The Hindu