Shri Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple

As the tuk-tuk weaves its way through the curved, narrow streets of Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada, heading to the small town of Nandavara, one has to be mindful of traffic, both incoming vehicles and humans.

However, once you’ve reached your destination, the first thing you’ll want to do is soak in the sights. The lord can wait. Well, just a wee bit.

Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka Shankara Narayana, this historic Shri Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple is set right on the banks of the Netravati River in Nandavara.

It is not to say that the town doesn’t have a history. It does, and a very rich and regal one if one may so say. Known as Nandapura, this town once served as the capital of the Nanda dynasty for several centuries. It is thanks to the Nandas that this region once boasted so many palaces, a fort, and temples. And while most of them no longer exist today, except for the Veerabhadreshwara temple and the Shri Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple, it still has a laid-back, old-world charm to it.

Today, while scores of devotees throng this temple for its spiritual energy and to pay obeisance, what is also worth your time is to soak in the panoramic views of the Netravati River as its waters gently flow to the Arabian sea, not too far away.

While the temple had gone through years of neglect, it is now, thankfully, being rectified, and is currently being renovated, with many facilities being added. It has also become a central base for a variety of social welfare activities that the temple management undertakes for the people of this area.

Nandavara is located about 25 km from Mangalore or Puttur. While I am sure there are city buses that will get you to a nearby bus stop close to the temple, I did the easy thing and hopped onto a tuk-tuk. It is a fast, convenient, and fun way to commute around here.