Sirsi Marikamba Temple, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada

Sirsi is a popular and small town located in Uttara Kannada district. Sirsi is surrounded with picturesque thick deciduous forest and the region is popular for a large number of waterfalls.

The 16th century Marikamba temple in Sirsi is main attraction and it is one of the important seats of shakti worship in Karnataka. Sri Marikamba Temple houses a huge idol of Goddess, which is about seven feet tall.

As per the legend, the image of the deity was found in a pond on the outskirts of the town and with the consent of Sadashiva Rao II, the then king of Sonda, it was installed in 1611.

Goddess Marikamba of Sirsi is both Mari (terror) as well as Maremma (savior). Goddess is Mari (terror) in anger & Mother in love. That is why she is called as 'Marikamba'.

Sirsi Marikamba temple is temple famous for its Kavi art. The Sirsi Marikamba temple is decorated with Kavi art on both sides of its walls. Close to the Marikamba temple are the temples dedicated to Maha Ganapati and Shri Gopalakrishna.

The 319-year-old temple fair is held once in two years. Goddess Marikamba is carried from the temple to a place called 'Marikamba gadduge' on a beautiful wooden 'Ratha' and the goddess will be kept seated there for seven days. Markikamba fair is one of the biggest 'Car festivals' in Karnataka. People from all over Karnataka visit Sirsi to see this festival.

Usually Marikamba fairs are followed by animal sacrifice. The uniqueness of Sirsi Marikamba fair is the fair passes off without animal sacrifice.

Distance from Sirsi
Hubli: 102 km
Bangalore: 425
Haveri: 75 km

How to get there:

Nearest Airport: Hubli

Nearest Railhead: Hubli, Haveri

Road: Sirsi is well connected by roads.

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