Legend Of Kadri Manjunatha Temple

According to the legend, Parashurama who lived in Sahyadri, killed the kshatriyas who were unkind and donated the lands to Kashyapa. He prayed to Lord Shiva to settle down. Lord Shiva assured Parashurama that if he performs a penance at Kadali (Kadri) kshetra, then Lord Shiva would reincarnate as Manjunatha for the welfare of the world. As per Lord Shiva's instructions, Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and formed a place for his penance.

Lord Shiva was pleased from Parashurama's penance and Lord Shiva appeared to him as Manjunatha along with his wife Goddess Parvathi and resided at Kadri for the welfare of the world.

Yielding to Parashurama's prayers Lord Shiva appeared to him as Manjunatha along with Goddess Parvathi and stayed at Kadri for the betterment of the world. As per the instructions of Lord Manjunatha, the Sapthakoti manthras become the seven sacred ponds.

In front of the temple, at a height there are 7 water ponds. There's a garden surrounding the ponds. There is a natural spring at an important location on the backside of the temple. It is called as Gomukha. The water from this spring is let into 7 ponds and devotees before entering the temple come here and wash themselves.

Festivals: Lakshadeepotsava and Pattanaje are the major festivals celebrated here in a great devotion.