Divine History
O Divine Mother, be gracious. O compassionate protector of devotees, be pleased.
O Goddess, bestow your blessings upon me. O Durga Devi, my humble salutations to You.
Long ago, Goddess Durga slew the demon king Darigasura and his forces. After her victory, she incarnated as the seven Sapta Durga sisters, each manifestation dwelling in a different sacred location along the Tulu Nadu coast. These seven sites became revered as Shakti Kendras fountains of the divine Mother’s power.
At the sacred spot where this temple stands, the Goddess revealed herself through signs and wonders a stone weeping blood, divine dreams given to saints, and miraculous events that drew the faithful to build a temple in her honor. The presiding deity Shri Yakshi Chandika Durga Parameshwari, together with Shri Mukhya Pran Devar, is believed to fulfill the sincere wishes of all devotees who approach with pure devotion.
"AS recounted in the sthala purna of the temple "
Shri Devi Mahatmyam
Several decades ago, a Tantric priest from Kerala was devotedly worshipping the Goddess. During his spiritual journey, he stayed for some time at the sacred shrine of Kollur Mookambika, continuing his worship. Later, he traveled north and settled in Dharwad, where he continued serving the Goddess. At that time, the area was dense with trees and wilderness. Through the power of his worship, the region began to prosper. However, some locals falsely accused him of practicing black magic and tragically killed him. As a result, the Brahmin Tantric, unable to attain liberation, became a Brahmarakshasa.
Later, this land was purchased by Tulasabai Rattihalli. Her son Hanumanth Rao served in the Khanapur Police Department. His son, Sri Abhilash, was deeply spiritual from a very young age. Their family deity was Saundatti Yellamma. His grandmother would instruct him: “Renuka Devi is our family deity. She resides with us, upon the sacred wall. You must serve her.”
Gradually, miraculous events began to occur — ghee, oil, and tender coconut water started oozing from the wall. At night, the sound of anklets could be heard, and the fragrance of incense, jasmine, and champaka flowers filled the air. The Goddess began appearing in his dreams, instructing him to perform worship. Despite having no formal initiation or knowledge of rituals, he began serving the Divine Mother. She guided him daily through dreams, teaching him the sacred procedures.
Later, Sri Satyatma Teertha of Uttaradi Math conducted his Upanayana. Thereafter, in a miraculous manner, the Vedas and Shastras began to reveal themselves to him. The Goddess appeared in his dream and guided him to recite the Narayani Stuti. From that moment, Vedic mantras flowed effortlessly through him, and worship of Durga Parameshwari began in full accordance with scriptural tradition.
The Divine Experience
During his pre-university years, his younger brother passed away unexpectedly. On the day of the final rites, Abhilash developed a severe fever and was hospitalized. His condition worsened, and doctors declared little hope for survival. In a semi-conscious state, an unknown person administered a substance, and he soon slipped into a coma. By evening, he was declared dead.
He experienced leaving his physical body, witnessing his family grieving. In a divine form of light, he journeyed toward higher realms. The Goddess summoned him, and upon seeing her radiant form adorned with dazzling jewels, he stood in awe. She called him with her finger adorned with rings and henna and said:
“Why have you come so soon? You still have much work to accomplish for the welfare of the world. Return.”
With her divine command, he returned to his body, which regained warmth and life. Doctors confirmed his recovery. Though this divine experience lasted three days for him, only a few hours had passed in the physical world.
Establishment of the Sacred Temple
Inspired by the Goddess, plans were made to construct the temple. An Ashtamangala Prashna was conducted by renowned Tantric Sri Satyanarayana Bhat from Kerala. It revealed the presence of a Brahmarakshasa at the site and identified the Goddess as a 33-year-old divine manifestation. Through proper rituals, the spirit was liberated, invoked into a sandalwood log, and ultimately attained moksha.
He experienced leaving his physical body, witnessing his family grieving. In a divine form of light, he journeyed toward higher realms. The Goddess summoned him, and upon seeing her radiant form adorned with dazzling jewels, he stood in awe. She called him with her finger adorned with rings and henna and said:
The Goddess here is of a Rajasic nature — like the champaka flower — balanced between calmness and fierceness, neither purely gentle nor terrifying. She blesses devotees with virtue while destroying negativity. Hence she is revered as Chandika Durgaparameshwari.
She declared: “I will grant darshan to devotees through your form.” Even today, devotees receive divine guidance through Sri Abhilash Guruji. The Goddess personally directs rituals, adornments, and the exact way sarees must be draped — any deviation displeases her.
Later, Nagayakshi also appeared in his dreams, declaring she would reside in Dharwad for the upliftment of devotees. She was subsequently established along with the Ashta Kula Nava Naga. Sacred Shaligrama forms of both the Goddess and Mukhya Prana Devar were also miraculously discovered. Thus the sacred kshetra came to be known as Shri Yakshi Chandika Durgaparameshwari.
Sacred Rituals & Offerings
Regular poojas are conducted on Tuesdays, Fridays, Full Moon, and New Moon days. During aarti, the Goddess manifests through Guruji and provides guidance to devotees. On every Full Moon, Satyanarayana Pooja is performed especially beneficial for those seeking children. On Sankashti Chaturthi, Ganahoma is conducted for peace, education, and removal of obstacles.
Devotees perform the Kaayi Deepa Seva offering lamps in coconuts with ghee, accompanied by flowers, incense, and fruits. An annual grand festival with Navachandi Homa is also celebrated.
Offerings of bells, banana bunches, jasmine flowers, betel nut adornments, and tender coconut are believed to bring the Goddess’s blessings swiftly.