 |
| wooden temple near Udipi, KA youtube.com |
 |
| Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple, near Udipi,KA, flicker.com |
 |
| Nandikeshwara Temple Udipi, KA www.enidhi.net |
The Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple, or Wooden Temple, is a unique and ancient site Kundapura in Udupi Taluk, West Karnataka, dating back around 1,000 years. Unlike typical Hindu temples, it lacks traditional structures like a sanctum or flagstaff, and it doesn’t follow Agama Shastra rituals or regular pooja protocols. Instead, this temple is renowned for its unusual collection of large, wooden statues representing Shiva’s army rather than deities. Only temple in south India to have idols made of matured jack Wood.
 |
| Nandikeshwara Temple Udipi, .enidhi.net |
 |
| Nandikeshwara Temple Udipi, www.enidhi.net |
The entire collection is crafted from aged jackfruit wood, and the statues are notable for their size and distinct attire and distinct color combination. These figures don’t resemble Hindu gods or goddesses but depict soldiers, including unique features like women warriors, which reflect the ancient community’s acknowledgment of women’s valor.
The soldiers wear various battle dress and headgear inspired by different cultures, such as Persian hats, Sikh turbans, and Maratha caps, suggesting a blend of warrior influences. Some figures even wield primitive weapons like swords, daggers, and old-fashioned guns.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the temple is the open hall where all the statues are displayed together, without individual shrines or enclosures. This arrangement adds to the site’s simplicity and uniqueness, as the figures are simply arranged in rows under a large, tiled roof. The statues are maintained by periodic repainting, as traditional rituals like anointing aren’t performed due to the wooden material.
Historically, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s army, believed to have miraculously protected the local ruler of Barkur from an invading force. The statues inside the temple represent Shiva’s defenders, while those outside depict enemy warriors. During the annual Sankranti festival in January, a wooden tiger statue is ceremoniously taken out, marking a popular event for devotees.
Additionally, the temple houses a rare representation of Goddess Durga on a five-headed Nandi, further enhancing its iconographic significance. The Mekekattu Nandikeshwara Temple stands as a fascinating blend of mythology, history, and artistic tradition native to this region, offering a rare insight into a form of devotion centered on Shiva’s protective forces rather than conventional worship.
This rare wooden temple is one of the very unique temples in Udupi with the presence of hundreds of mysterious wooden dolls inside the temple with neither puja protocols nor tradition bound Hindu temple rituals. It is a haven for visitors who need a change from their pursuit for excitement and fun.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/04/interesting-facts-of-mekekattu.html
https://www.enidhi.net/2011/05/mekkekattu-nandikeshwara-temple-dolls.html
.jpg)
