Ullal Someshwara Somanatha Temple - History - Story - Festivals - Significance

Someshwara Sri Somanatha Swamy Temple, located near Ullal - Mangalore in Karnataka, is a very ancient temple and is also popular as one of the 12 sacred Shiva Kshetras. Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, the temple is also known Rudrapada Kshetra, and is also an important temple for perform Shradh and Tarpan rituals dedicated to the dead. The temple is around 13 km south of Mangalore.

Legend has it that the temple was built by a relative of demon King Ravana, named Kharasura. Thus the temple exists from the Ramayana period.

Pandavas is believed to have visited the temple. A lake near the temple was created by Bhimasena, the second of the Pandava brothers.

Scenic beauty

Somanatha Temple is situated on the banks of Arabian Sea and is built on an elevated spot and some parts of the temple are in the form of a fort. Another highlight is the beautiful view of the sunset from the temple.

Opening and Closing time of the temple:

5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

To Reach

Someshwara is around 13 km from Mangalore and there are frequent buses from the city center.

Nearest major railways station is Mangalore Railway Station. Local trains stop at Ullala Railway Station, which is just one km from the temple.

🕉️ Historical Significance

Believed to have been established before the 10th century CE, the temple is set atop a large natural monolithic rock.
The temple and the village derive their name from Lord Somanatha, a form of Lord Shiva worshipped here.
The rear rock by the seashore contains Rudrapada (divine footmarks of Lord Rudra), giving the site its other name: Rudrapada Kshetra.

🧭 Architectural Features & Layout

🔱 Main Temple

The sanctum houses a Shiva Linga (Somanatha) within a square-shaped garbhagriha, built from stone.
The inner sanctum includes Parvati and Shiva’s Bali murtis on either side of the Linga.
Dwarapalakas (divine guardians) flank the doorway, beautifully sculpted in stone.
A Nandi idol in the front mandapa, dated stylistically to the 10th–11th century, adds to the spiritual aura.
Elephant motifs decorate the threshold, known as Anekallu, a symbolic entrance protector.

🌊 Sea & Caves

Behind the temple, the Arabian Sea constantly chants hymns through its waves, metaphorically offering worship to Lord Somanatha.
Two natural caves lie beneath the rock beside the ocean, believed to hold spiritual and geological significance.

🏛️ Sub-shrines and Surroundings

Pancha Durga Shrine: Located under the north-eastern gopura, this shrine worships five forms of Goddess Durga—Moola Durga, Jala Durga, Agni Durga, Vana Durga, and Agra Durga.
Sapta Matrikas: Stone idols of the seven divine mothers—Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundi—are placed in the inner right wing of the temple. Their artistic style dates to the 10th century CE.
Gadateertha: A large sacred pond on the northern side, traditionally believed to have been built by Bhimasena, the mighty Pandava.

🪔 Other Notable Shrines

Siddhi Vinayaka Shrine: A beautiful stone sanctum housing Lord Ganesha with:
- Jata-mukuta (matted hair crown)
- Upper arms holding ankusha (goad) and rudraksha mala
- Lower hands holding a broken tusk and a sweet (laddu)
- Unique Feature: Ganesha is shown sniffing his sweet, a rare pose symbolizing divine innocence and joy.
Parthasarathi Gopalakrishna Shrine: A fine stone sculpture of Krishna as Arjuna’s charioteer, depicting classical elegance.
Nagavana (Serpent Grove): Includes a natural linga discovered from a split rock, believed to be associated with a divine serpent (Nāgarāja).
Daiva Shrines (near the temple pond): Dedicated to local guardian spirits—Kallurti, Kalkuda, Kuttichatu, and Guliga—with traditional items like mancha (sacred bed), khadga (sword), and mani-ghante (bell).

🔮 Symbolism & Unique Legends

🌟 The Vision of Somanatha

A legend speaks of a king who lost his arms after touching a sacred garment. During his sea voyage, a storm brought him ashore at Someshwara. Witnessing a tiger and a cow grazing peacefully together, he sensed divine harmony and rested beneath a sacred peepal tree.

That night, he received a divine message (ashareera vani) revealing that the Somanatha Linga lay atop the hill and that building a temple there would restore his arms. He complied, and his limbs were miraculously restored after the first worship—a powerful testament to faith, repentance, and divine grace.

🏛️ Ruling Dynasties & Patronage

From 567 CE to 1325 CE, the region was under the Alupa dynasty, and the temple likely received royal patronage.
Prior to that, it was under the Kadambas of Banavasi, who were patrons of Shaivism and worshipped Sapta Matrikas.

🌿 Cultural & Natural Harmony

This temple uniquely integrates:

Oceanic energy: The sea itself is considered a daily devotee.
Rock and cave structures: Symbolize timelessness and divine mystery.
Mythical and local deities: A harmonious blend of mainstream Hindu gods with regional daiva worship, reflecting Tulu Nadu’s syncretic tradition.

📸 Visiting Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset, to witness the sea shimmering behind the temple.
Don’t miss: The Pancha Durga shrine, Nagavana, and Gadateertha.

🙏 Final Thoughts

Sri Somanatha Temple is not just a place of worship—it’s a living monument of mythology, faith, architecture, and coastal spirituality. It stands as a testimony to centuries of devotion, set against the backdrop of eternal waves and sacred stone.

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