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Marikamba Temple

Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Goddess Devi
More in Karnataka

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Goddess Devi

Pincode

581401

One of Karnataka's most celebrated Devi temples, dedicated to Goddess Marikamba — the tutelary deity of Sirsi. The biennial Marikamba Jatre (held once every two years in January) is one of the largest temple festivals in Karnataka, drawing 20+ lakh pilgrims from across coastal Karnataka and Goa.

History & Significance

Significance

The Marikamba Jatre (biennial festival) is extraordinary — 20+ lakh pilgrims descend on Sirsi for 8 days of processions, fire-walking, and cultural events. The festival dates back 300+ years and is among Karnataka's biggest religious gatherings.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

Ganesha

One of the most famous Ganesha temples in Karnataka, located on the banks of the Salpakaadu island in the Coastal Karnataka belt. The swayambhu (self-manifested) Ganesha idol here is revered as one of eight sacred Ganesha shrines (Ashta Vinayaka) in Karnataka. Pilgrims combine this with Gokarna visits.

Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple

Idagunji, Karnataka52 km
Lord Ganesha
Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple

One of the seven Mukti Kshetras of India (sacred liberation sites), dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwara (Great Shiva). The Atmalinga (Shiva's soul-lingam brought by Ravana) is the most sacred object here — Ganesha tricked Ravana into placing it here permanently. A major pilgrimage centre where devotees take a ritual bath in the sea before worshipping.

Photo: Wikipedia "Gokarna, Karnataka" — CC-licensed via Wikimedia Commons

Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple

Gokarna, Karnataka57 km
Lord Shiva

Devi

A famous goddess temple on a small island in the Sharavathi river backwaters — reachable only by boat. Goddess Chowdeshwari (a form of Durga) is enshrined here amidst the Western Ghats. The boat ride through the forested backwaters to the temple is a uniquely beautiful pilgrimage experience.

Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple

Sigandur, Karnataka60 km
Goddess Devi
Murudeshwara Temple

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Murudeshwara Temple

Murudeshwar, Karnataka70 km
Lord Shiva