Sri Venkatramana Temple

The Sri Venkatramana temple in Mangalore is of great religious significance. The chief deity is Lord Sri Veera Venkatesa, Lord Vishnu's incarnation. The temple boasts of a glorious and rich history of over three hundred years. Devotees from all over the country and the world flock here to visit the revered shrines. The temple trustees are the Goud Saraswatha Brahmins. Festivals like the Rathotsava are celebrated with great pomp and splendour and Lord Venkatramana is worshipped. This exquisitely beautiful temple is located in Mangalore and is also referred to as Temple Square. The daily poojas are performed as per the principles of the Madhawa - Vaishnavas. Other festivals like the Ganesh Chaturthi, Venkatesha Pratistha Mahotsava and Ugadi are celebrated at this temple. The Sri Venkatramana temple has a rich history. The Vaishyas were the main residents of this place and when the Portuguese invaded the place, the Vaishyas had to move southwards. This is how many of them settled in Mangalore. Sri Venkatramana was the chief deity of the Vaishyas and the temple was built by members of their community. The chief deity has other deities along the side like Sridevi and Bhoodevi. These deities are made of panchaloha - That is, five metals were used to make the statues. Lord Venkatramana holds the chakra in His right hand and the shankh on the left hand. The Goddess Sridevi is symbolic of prosperity and wealth and Bhoodevi is an embodiment of sanctity, prakriti and success. The temple was built during the seventeenth century and the main idol was erected at the primary sanctum of the temple. The temple also houses other deities like Veera Vittala, Garuda Vahana Shri Gopalakrishna and Shri Mula Venkatramana. The statue of Naga Devata is present in the temple's outer circle.