Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple

The Sri DurgaParameshwari temple is situated in the Bappanadu village of the Dakshin Kannada district. The temple is located on the banks of River Sambhavi. The temple has a history of about 800 years. The meaning of Bappanadu is 'Bappa's Village'. It is believed that, Bappa Beary, a Muslim merchant is responsible for the construction of Goddess Durga Parameshwari temple here. Since then the place is come to be known as `Bappanadu' and the first honorary prasadam of the annual car festival is offered to the successors of Bappa Beary every year.

History

During the 3rd century AD, Moolikapura was ruled by Dharmapala belonging to chandravamsha and kashyapa gotra. Raja Mayura Varma ruled the Kadamba dynasty (A.D 340-369) during this period. King Dharmapala named it Moolikapura as that place was abundant in medicinal plants and herbs. He worshipped goddess Jaladurgaparameshwari as their family deity. From then to now, Mulki (as it came to be called later), became historically famous as the punyakshetra of Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari temple. Called as 'Ulladi' by the Tuluvas, the goddess is worshipped by everyone without racism and casteism. In this temple, the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Narasimha are also worshipped. As per tradition, navaratri pooja, moodeavalu, deepotsava, anantachaturdashi, dhanurmasa and a yearly fair for 21 days take place religiously.