Kompadavu Vishnu Temple Karnataka
Kompadavu Shri Vishnumurthy Temple is located in Kompadavu village, about 23 km from Mangalore city, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Kompadavu Vishnumurthy Temple is believed to be over 1000 years old, dating back to the early medieval period. The temple is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region and is considered sacred by locals. It forms one part of a powerful trinity of temples in the area, alongside the Muchur Durga Parameshwari Temple and the Nellitheertha Cave Somanatha Temple.
The main deity worshipped here is Lord Vishnumurthy, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to be the protector and sustainer of the universe. The idol is said to radiate a sense of peace and benevolence, and devotees offer prayers for protection, health, and prosperity. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here with full devotion through daily rituals and offerings.
Architecture
The architecture of Kompadavu Shri Vishnumurthy Temple is simple, traditional, and rustic, reflecting the rural style of old Tulu Nadu temples. The temple has a small sanctum with a tiled roof and wooden interiors. The walls are built using laterite stone, and the flooring is modest. While not grand or richly ornamented, the structure is charming and holds deep spiritual power. The temple premises also house shrines dedicated to local deities and Bhootas, who are revered guardian spirits in the Tulu Nadu tradition.
Sthalapurana
Long ago, in the ancient forests near present-day Kompadavu, a great sage named Jabali Maharishi was performing deep penance inside a sacred cave known as Nellitheertha. His goal was to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother, Goddess Durga, for the welfare of the world and for the upliftment of dharma in the region.
Pleased by the sage’s devotion and years of intense tapas (penance), Goddess Durga appeared before him in a powerful form and granted him a divine boon. She told the sage that this region, blessed by his penance, would become a spiritually charged land. To make it sacred, she declared that three powerful temples would rise here, each dedicated to one aspect of the divine trinity:
1. A Shiva temple at Nellitheertha, where Lord Shiva would bless devotees in the form of Somanatha.
2. A Durga temple at Muchur, where she herself would be worshipped as Durga Parameshwari.
3. A Vishnu temple at Kompadavu, where Lord Vishnu would reside as Vishnumurthy, the protector of the universe.
Following this divine vision, the temple at Kompadavu came into existence, becoming the sacred abode of Lord Vishnumurthy. The locals believe that the idol of Lord Vishnu was self-manifested (swayambhu) or installed through divine guidance.
Over time, this region came to be known as “Kovalapura”, a spiritually powerful place where the energies of Shiva, Shakti, and Vishnu balance and protect the land. It is said that a pilgrimage to all three temples in one day brings great spiritual merit and fulfillment of sincere wishes.
Even today, this divine link is remembered and respected. Devotees often visit the Muchur, Nellitheertha, and Kompadavu temples together to complete the divine trinity circuit, which symbolizes the harmony of creation (Vishnu), preservation (Durga), and destruction (Shiva) in the universe.
Bhoota Worship
Apart from Lord Vishnu, this temple is also associated with Bhoota worship, a traditional spirit worship system in Tulu Nadu. Two major guardian spirits worshipped here are Vyaghra Chamundi and Rakteshwari. They are believed to protect the temple and the village from negative forces. Special pujas are held for them during temple festivals.
Festivals
The main annual festival of the Kompadavu Shri Vishnumurthy Temple is celebrated for four days during the Makara Purnima (January–February). It includes rituals, special pujas, Bhoota kola (spirit dance), and community feasts. The celebration draws devotees from nearby towns and villages. The temple is also active during Vishnu-related festivals such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Krishna Janmashtami, and Tulasi Vivaha.
