Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple Udupi: Timings, History & Guide

The Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is one of the oldest temples in Udupi. It is a shrine to Goddess Durga in her form as Mahishamardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and stands in the Kadiyali area about 1.2 km from Udupi city centre and the Sri Krishna Matha. Local historians date the shrine's origins to around the 7th century, and news reports describe it as having a history of more than 1,200 years.

Kadiyali is in Udupi city, so you can visit it on the same day as Sri Krishna Matha and the Ambalpady Mahakali Temple. See all of them in our guide to Udupi temples, and find nearby Udupi homestays if you plan to stay.

In 2022 the temple completed a renovation of roughly ₹8 crore in the traditional Taulava (Tulu Nadu) style, including a rotating wooden roof that caught the attention of visitors and officials. This guide covers the Kadiyali temple timings, history, the goddess and her idol, festivals, sevas, dress code, how to reach, and other temples in Udupi you can visit on the same day.

Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple: Quick Facts

Kadiyali Temple Timings

The Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is usually open every day in two sessions:

For a quiet darshan at the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple, go early in the morning or in the evening on a weekday. Friday mornings and Navaratri evenings are the busiest times.

History of the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple

A 1,200-year-old Shakti shrine

The late historian and archaeologist Dr P. Gururaja Bhat, who studied the temples of coastal Karnataka, considered the shrine to be as ancient as the Sri Ananteshwara Temple in Udupi. Its origins are traced to around the 7th century, when the Chalukyas of Badami were the major power in the region. That would make it older than the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, which was founded by Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century.

The four Durga temples of King Rama Bhoja

According to Tulu Nadu folklore, King Rama Bhoja established four Durga temples around the Sri Ananteshwara Temple to protect the town. Kadiyali is one of them; the other three are at Bailoor, Kannarpady and Puttur. Devotees still visit these shrines together as a group of protective goddess temples around Udupi.

Link with the Krishna Matha and the Paryaya

The temple has a long connection with the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Swamijis about to take charge of the Krishna Matha in the biennial Paryaya visit Kadiyali to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga before they ascend the Paryaya peetha.

Goddess Mahishamardini and the Ancient Idol

Mahishamardini means “she who slew Mahisha”. In the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga defeats the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura after the gods combine their powers in her. She is worshipped as a protective mother who removes fear, obstacles and negative forces.

The idol in the sanctum of the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is a small black stone image carved in the Chalukyan style. The four-armed goddess holds a discus and conch in her upper hands, pierces Mahishasura with a trident and holds the demon by his tail. Her face stays calm even in battle, a detail devotees read as a sign that overcoming evil is effortless for the divine mother.

Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple Renovation and Rotating Roof

A major renovation of the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple took place between 2021 and 2022 under temple architect and engineer Nagesh Hegde, who headed the renovation committee. The work rebuilt the main shrine, the walls, the flagpost (kodimara) and the suttu pauli, the covered enclosure around the sanctum. The suttu pauli uses laterite stone with white stone windows. Shrines of Subrahmanya, Nandikeshwara and other associated deities were also completed.

Local craftsmen carved the woodwork on site. The best-known feature is the decorated rotating roof, which the then Chief Minister of Karnataka praised when he opened it on 1 June 2022. It is often described as the first revolving temple ceiling in Karnataka. Reports put the total renovation cost at about ₹8 crore, much of it raised from devotees, with many villagers volunteering their labour.

Brahmakalashotsava 2022

The renovation ended with the Brahmakalashotsava (reconsecration festival) held from 1 to 10 June 2022. Daily rituals included Ganayaga, Kalashabhisheka and Panchadurga Mantra Homa, followed by the Bali Utsava and a Rathotsava (chariot festival). More than 1.25 lakh devotees attended, and tens of thousands took part in the daily Anna Prasada.

Why Devotees Visit the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple

For many families in Udupi, the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is a household temple. Devotees come to offer prayers before weddings, house-warmings, exams, new jobs and long journeys, and return to fulfil vows when their prayers are answered. Because Mahishamardini is a protective form of Durga, people facing illness, fear or difficult times often pray here for strength.

The temple is also part of Udupi's wider spiritual geography. Pilgrims who come for the Sri Krishna Matha often add the Devi temples around the town, and Kadiyali, as the closest and one of the oldest, is a natural first stop. Its mix of ancient worship and newly carved Tulu Nadu architecture also makes it interesting for visitors who enjoy heritage and craftsmanship, not only for pilgrims.

Festivals at the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple

• Navaratri and Dussehra (September to October): The most important festival at the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple. Over nine nights the goddess is decorated with different alankaras, and the temple holds special poojas, bhajans and cultural programmes. Mahanavami and Vijayadashami draw the largest crowds.
• Fridays: Friday is sacred to the Devi. Expect special poojas, long queues and Anna Prasada (free meals) for devotees.
• Annual festival: The yearly jatre includes the Rathotsava (chariot festival), Bali Utsava and Ranga Pooja. Ask the temple office for the exact dates, which follow the Hindu calendar.

Poojas, Sevas and Anna Prasada

Devotees can book sevas at the temple counter. Commonly offered sevas at Devi temples in Udupi include:

• Kumkumarchane: an offering of kumkum with recitation of the goddess's names.
• Durga Namaskara Pooja: a popular Devi pooja in coastal Karnataka for protection and fulfilment of vows.
• Ranga Pooja: an evening pooja with many lamps.
• Chandika Homa: a fire ritual based on the Devi Mahatmya, usually booked in advance.
• Annadana: sponsoring a meal for devotees.

The seva list and charges are set by the temple management. Check them at the counter or with the temple office before you visit.

Visitor Guide and Dress Code

• Dress code: Wear modest traditional clothes. Men usually wear a dhoti or trousers with a shirt; women usually wear a saree, salwar kameez or long skirt. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
• Footwear: Leave footwear outside the temple, at the stand near the entrance.
• Photography: Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed. Ask before photographing the carved roof or interiors.
• Offerings: Flowers, fruit, coconut and kumkum are sold near the temple.
• Parking: Limited parking is available nearby. During festivals, use the city parking areas and walk or take an auto-rickshaw.
• Accessibility: The temple is at ground level, but expect crowds and some steps.

How to Reach the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple

• From Udupi city and the Krishna Matha: About 1.2 km. Walk, or take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
• By bus: City buses from the Udupi service and city bus stands pass near Kadiyali.
• By train: Udupi Railway Station on the Konkan Railway is about 3 km away.
• By air: Mangaluru International Airport is about 60 km away, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours.
• From Manipal: About 5 km by road.

Udupi Temple Trail: Temples to Visit with Kadiyali

Many pilgrims combine the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple with other famous temples in Udupi. Here is an easy plan:

• Udupi Sri Krishna Matha: Udupi's most famous temple, known for the Kanakana Kindi window and its prasada.
• Sri Janardhana Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady: a nearby shrine to Lord Janardhana and Goddess Mahakali.
• Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple: a well-known Ganesha temple near Kumbashi.
• Sri Amratheshwari Temple, Kota: the “mother of many children” temple.
• Kollur Sri Mookambika Devi Temple: one of Karnataka's most important Devi temples, a good day trip.
• Varanga Jain Temple: a Jain temple set in the middle of a lake.

Suggested half-day plan: Start with the morning darshan at the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple, then visit the Sri Krishna Matha and have lunch at the Matha. In the evening, relax at Malpe Beach. You can explore more on our temples in Udupi page.

Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple FAQs

What are the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple timings?

The temple is generally open from about 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM every day. Timings can change on Fridays and festival days.

How old is the Kadiyali temple in Udupi?

Its origins are traced to around the 7th century, and it is described as more than 1,200 years old, which makes it one of the oldest temples in Udupi.

How far is Kadiyali temple from Udupi Krishna Matha?

About 1.2 km. You can walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride.

What is special about the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple?

It has an ancient Chalukyan-style idol of Goddess Durga as Mahishamardini and a temple rebuilt in Taulava style in 2022, with a carved rotating wooden roof often described as the first of its kind in Karnataka.

Which is the best day to visit?

Fridays and the nine days of Navaratri are the most auspicious times. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entry is free; sevas and poojas have separate charges.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, modest traditional clothing is expected. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Is food served at the temple?

Anna Prasada (a free meal) is usually served to devotees, especially on Fridays and festival days.

Sources

• Daijiworld: 1,200-year-old Kadiyali temple renovation (2021)
• Daijiworld: CM visits renovated temple (2022)
• Daijiworld: Brahmakalashotsava concludes (2022)

Last updated: October 2026. Timings and seva details are set by the temple management and may change.