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SIRSI MARIKAMBA TEMPLE

Shri Sirsi Marikamba Temple is a highly revered shrine at Sirsi, in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka and about 21 km from Kumta. This 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. 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'.

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.

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.