Sasihithlu Sri Bhagavathi Temple,Haleyangadi,Dakshina kannada KA..... Introduction to the Sacred Shrine

The Mother Goddess, known by the name Bhagavathi, who fulfills the wishes of devotees on earth, had earlier incarnated as Bhadrakali. The story of this Mother unfolds in three stages.
According to the Puranic background, she was born from the divine essence of Lord Shiva for the purpose of slaying the demon Darikasura. She originated from a drop (bindu) from the third eye of Lord Shiva. That drop fell upon his chest and formed a fiery spark. The consorts of the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), upon seeing it, were astonished and fearfully exclaimed “Ambā Kuru.” On the day of the Bharani star, at midnight, the spark burst open and Kurumba (Chirumba) was born — she who is Bhadrakali. As directed by the Lord, along with six maidens and accompanied by Adivetala, she destroyed the thousand-and-first incarnation of Darikasura in the form of a white rooster and thereby brought welfare to the world.
Realizing that it would be difficult to retain Bhadrakali in Kailasa, Lord Shiva advised her to descend to earth to uplift the distressed. A fragrant sandalwood tree, inhabited by spirits, was cut at its middle and rejoined, restoring life to the tree. With the help of Balagachari, a boat was constructed. During an unexpected incident while reclaiming an anklet pawned with the Pandya king, Neelakantha was elevated to prominence by being placed at the mast of the boat. The king was consoled and was blessed with five sons. Along with Jaladurga, who came across the ocean as her sister, Bhagavathi arrived and rested upon the sacred land of Sasihithlu. Feeling thirsty, she drank tender coconut water offered with devotion and faith by a local woman. Pleased with the devotion and sincerity, she declared that she would reside there permanently. When her sister reminded her of her earlier word, she consoled her and instructed her to reside at Moolikapura, assuring that they would meet daily. In accordance with this assurance, traditions and rituals continue even today, preserving the spirit of sacred kinship among devotees.
This shrine is unique for its worship practices that reflect a blended culture and distinctive traditions. The glory of Bhadrakali is described in the Markandeya Purana. In Malayalam works such as “Darukavadham Pattu” and “Bhagavathi Pattu,” as well as in Kali dramas, there are detailed descriptions of Bhadrakali. There are fascinating stories of Bhagavathi that could be narrated continuously for seven days and nights. The two great epics of the Tamil Sangam era, “Silappadikaram” and “Manimekalai,” also recount earlier legends of Bhagavathi. Historical traditions suggest that before settling at Sasihithlu, Bhagavathi was worshipped at Talangara in Kasaragod, originally at Kodungallur, and is believed to have come there from Mathura Pattana in Tamil Nadu.
Looking at historical timelines, in the 10th-century literary work of Pampa, there is mention of “Bhagavathi becoming possessed,” referring to her worship. The 1305 inscription of the Nandeshwara Temple mentions the names Talapady, Chitrapura, Sasihithlu, Mundkuru, and Bappanadu. The Polali inscription, said to date back to the 7th or 8th century, records that the worship of Pashupati Shiva and the Saptamatrikas was prominent along the coastal region.
From the shores of the Arabian Sea comes the constant sound of waves. The warm breeze passes over the sands. Amidst the serene greenery stands the temple in quiet majesty. Within the sanctum, upon a single pedestal, the Mother Goddess bestows an indescribable nectar of bliss through her divine presence. May the grace and blessings of the Mother illuminate all our homes and hearts forever. - Dr. Supritha R.K.