About Temple:-
The Kateel temple of goddess Durga is located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, around 28 kilometers away from Manglore. The temple is established on the banks of river Nandini and located within the heart of the river.
The temple is called as “Kateela” which comprises of two words. The word “Kati” means centre and the word “Illa” mean area or place. As the place is in the centre of the river Nandini, it is called as “Kateela”.
The temple is great to visit at the rainy time when the surrounding becomes more green and beautiful.
Legend:-
The temple has an interesting story to for their devotees to remember. During the early days of Kalyuga, Earth was suffering from severe drought and starvation. This was all due to the demon Arunasura who escaped from the death and executed all the yajnas that would please devas. As a result, the devas got angrier on mankind and ultimately this lead to the destruction of the green earth. This devastated condition of earth needed to be healed again to save the mankind from the rage of the devas. A sage named Jabali decided to please the devas through his tough meditation, to save the mankind. Pleased with the Jabali, the Indra, leader of the devas asked him for the boon and in return Jabali asked for the prosperity of mankind and make earth once again lush green.
On this Indra, suggested Jabali to accompany the Kamdhenu, the holy cow that fulfils any wish, to the earth. But as the Kamdhenu was back at Varunaloka, Indra asked her daughter, Nandini to accompany the Jabali. But the egoistic cow refused to accompany the Jabali saying the land as “Land of sins”. Even after many pleadings from Jabali, she remained stubborn. This made the Jabali angrier and he cursed the Nandini to become a river. Realizing her mistake soon, Nandini asked for mercy to Jabali. It was impossible to take the curse back once said. Hence, he advised Nadini to please goddess Durga to break the spell from her. As Nandini followed this advice, the goddess Durga told her that she can’t undo the curse but can help her to break the curse. She would have to become a river but the goddess will break the spell after that by residing on the river as her daughter.
Nandini then accompanied the Jabali. Jabali performed the yajna that pleased devas and the earth was once again green and healed. After that the demon Arunasura was slaughtered by the goddess Durga and she appeared in the middle of the river as “Durgaparameshwari”. Since then, this temple is known as Durgaparameshwari temple.
Festivals & Celebrations:-
The temple has other temple too of Rakteshwari, Maha Ganpati, Shashtara etc. The temple celebrates Navratri and Laksha Deepotsava as their main festivals. Thousands of people visit this temple everyday and this number increases during the Laksha Deepotsava festival. The temple also serves free meals everyday to more than 2000 people.
How To Reach:-
By Road :- The district is well connected to other places by road, railways, air and even through water. The district has developed very good transport system as both Government and Private bus services have been flourishing here. All nooks and corners of the district could be reached by bus. The district is passed through NH 48 and NH 17 and this connects the district to other major towns in the country.
By Train :- The Konkan Railways from and to Mumbai, Kerala-Mangalore Railways and Bangalore-Hassan-Mangalore Railways are the major railway services here. The Railway station Mangalore central is about 26 Km which is in the heart of Mangalore city,Surathkal is about 20 Km,Mulki is about 14 Km.
By Air :- The Air port at Bajpe, just 16 kms from Mangalore city could connect the district with other major cities and other countries. Major airways services have been flying here.
Accomodation:- Hotels,rooms and rest rooms are available at reasonable cost near the temple.Online booking facility is also available.