Sri Ramakunjeshwara Temple

Ramamoorthi Bhat

Sri Ramakunjeshwara Temple

26 Dec 2023

Location: Karnataka / Dakshina Kannada / Kadaba / Ramakunja

Categories: Built Heritage,Traditional and Beliefs

In the picturesque setup of freely flowing paddy fields, there is a majestic hillock standing at about 400 meters high, named Delamgudda. At its summit, a grove of trees offers a breathtaking view. This is believed to have been Lord Shrirama's temporary sojourn during his vanavasa (exile) period. It was there that he worshipped Lord Shiva, later known as Ramakunjeshwara.

A poor Brahmin, along with his pregnant wife, used to ascend the hillock to offer daily pooja. Observing the couple's difficulty, Shiva descended to the level field through a cave. The entrance of the cave can still be seen today. On the 14th day makaramasa shuklapaksha lord Shiva visits the hillock. This is 3rd day of temple's annual utsava. In this temple lord Shrirama is also worshipped.

Besides, there is also an Agalu of about 10 feet high, a boundary around Ramakunja known as Pandavara Agalu' of Dwapara yuga. This is broken in many places.

Over time, the freely flowing paddy fields in this picturesque place, reminiscent of my childhood, have been replaced by betel nut palms, which require less labor.

Annual Utsav Video can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ncfnaHX0c