📍 Location:
Panolibailu is located in Sajipamooda, in Bantwal Taluk, of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The temple is nestled in a serene village atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Tulu culture.
Goddess Kallurti is a divine figure many devotees turn to in tough times. They often say their heartfelt prayers were answered and that Kallurti's kindness has fulfilled their deepest wishes, bringing them comfort.
The area is called Panolibailu because, according to locals, it used to have many palm trees.
📜 Historical Significance:
The Sri Kallurti Daivasthana at Panolibailu holds a rich heritage of over 400 years. While there are no official inscriptions, strong oral traditions and local belief systems uphold its ancient origins.
According to tradition, Kallurti and Kalkuda – powerful twin spirits (daivas) – initially appeared in Uppinangady, associated with a mantravadi (a spiritual practitioner) from the Vailaya family. Over time, they moved across regions like Kallege, Neralakatte, Kadambu, Polatturu, and eventually settled in Panolibail.
🔱Temple Origin Story (Myth & Belief):
A legendary incident recounts how during a "Nadiyel Daiva Nemotsava" at Mittamajalu, Kallurti Daiva forcefully entered the event by possessing a Kulal community member, demanding a place to reside in that region.
When her presence was denied and she was exorcised, she demonstrated her divine power by igniting fire on the ceremonial crown of another daiva – a bold act that left all present in awe. The priests acknowledged their mistake, and peace was restored.
Subsequently, Kallurti chose to reside near a sacred rock (now the sanctum), and Barke Shetty family descendants helped establish her permanent abode. Once placed on the ground, the sacred rock could no longer be lifted – a divine sign that the site was chosen by the daiva herself.
🔱 Rituals and Festivals:
🪔 Special Rituals:
-
Agelu Seve (Possession Service) – Main attraction
-
Conducted every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday
-
Over 4000 devotees participate in Agelu Seve on Sundays
-
-
Harake Kola Seve (Oath Fulfillment Ritual)
-
Held five days a week (except Mondays and Saturdays)
-
Four sessions per day, starting from 5:30 AM
-
Devotees make vows for blessings in education, health, disputes, childbirth, and protection
Another important divine spirit is Panjurli, worshipped in Bhuta Kola rituals. Panjurli is seen as a male wild boar. In Tulu, Panjurli means "offspring of a wild boar." Farmers in Tulunad used to worship wild boar spirits. They did this because wild boars were a problem for their crops, and they hoped the worship would help with these issues.
🗓️ Annual Festivals:
-
Nemotsava – Grand spiritual fair honoring the daivas through kola performances, music, rituals, and community feasts
-
Tuesdays and Fridays are especially auspicious
✨ Devotee Beliefs & Symbolism:
-
Twin daivas – Kallurti & Kalkuda – symbolize justice, protection, and feminine-masculine balance
-
The daivas are revered for resolving complex life problems through kola interactions, often offering oracles and remedies
-
The fire miracle is symbolic of divine anger, purity, and truth
-
Agelu Seve is believed to clear physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions
-
Education blessings for children are commonly sought here
-
Women with fertility issues or those expecting children often pray here
🌟 Unique/Rare Feature:
-
The unmovable sacred stone where the daiva chose to reside is considered mystically anchored—a rare divine phenomenon
-
Even after efforts to relocate it, the stone refused to budge, marking the spot as the eternal abode of the daiva
-
The temple attracts devotees across all religions, showcasing its inclusive spiritual appeal
🙏 Helpful Information for Devotees:
-
Best days to visit: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
-
Special offerings: Agelu service, harake kola, jasmine flowers, Patteseere (traditional clothing), JoDi Agelu
-
Blessings sought: Education, childbirth, health, legal/property disputes, exorcisms, business success
-
How to reach: Accessible from Bantwal or Uppinangady via local buses or private vehicles
-
Stay options: Nearby lodges in Bantwal town or guesthouses in the vicinity during festivals