temples
Ankola has many temples such as Honna Raka Temple, Mahamaya, Venkataramana Temple, and Shantadurga (known as Bhumidevathe), Shree Varamahaganapati Temple Shetgeri, Eeshwara devasthana. Migrated Konkani Saraswats are said to have brought with their Kuladevtas with them.
Some of the migrated Goan Deities are Lakshmi Narayan Mahamaya(Nagve Mahmamaya) from the Nagve village in Salcette Goa, Kundodari Mahamaya (Kudteri Mahamaya) from Curtorim in Salcette Goa, and the Aryadurga temple from the Anjediva (Aryadweep) island of Goa. The Shantadurga temple is assumed to be the gram devta of the village
Aryadurga Temple
It is said that, originally Sri Araydurga Devi temple was located on Anjadeev Island near Karwar. During the Portuguese rule the temple was destroyed. So, the devotees had to shift to the neighboring place Ankola.
The Devasthan Mandali provides facility of multi purpose hall, rooms for stay and canteen.
Mahamaya Temple
Built in 16th C. it is one of the important temples at Ankola city. The temple holds the deities of Shri Mahamayi, Shri Laxmi Narayana along with the idols of Eshwara, Parwathi and Ganapathi. During Mahanavami and Vijaya dashami special worship and celebrations are held.
During Navaratri, the temple has special sevas like Chowri Pooja when a large heap of cooked rice with huge vades will be offered to the deities. In many ways it is a unique temple. Marble flooring, copper plate roof, gold kalashas, and beautiful sanctum sanctorum and with 500 feet long halls the temple is the most spacious one in the whole of the district.
The Devasthan Mandali provides facility of multi purpose hall, rooms for stay and canteen.
Shantadurga Temple
Shantadurga Temple is one of the famous temple in Ankola.
Shantadurga devi is popularly known locally as Bhoomitayee.
An annual mela called ‘Bandihabba’ (ಬಂಡಿಹಬ್ಬ) is celebrated on Buddha Poornima in the month of May. This is an important festival celebrated over a period of nine days. On the ninth day, the mela is conducted near Shantadurga temple and people from around the town and village throng to the temple in joyous celebration.This deity participates in the Dodda Kartikotsava a grand procession of five deities.
The sweet Khaaji (ಖಾಜಿ) is very attractive sweet at this time and you can find many outlets which they sell fresh sweet.
The Devasthan Mandali provides facility of multi purpose hall, rooms for stay and canteen.
Kundodhari Mahamaya Temple
Shri Kundodari Mahamaya Chamundershwari Devi temple was installed in Shedgeri village of south west region of Ankola Taluk around 500 years ago.
During that time, leading role in this divine cause and service has been played by the kulavis belonging to Bhat, Kamat, Mantri, Nayak, Pai families of the G.S.B Community. Working in the team spirirt were the Devalis(a class of temple servants) and Kharvis( fishermen), equally devoted to the divine cause.
The Devasthan Mandali provides facility of multi purpose hall, rooms for stay and canteen.
Courtesy: http://www.shreekundodari.org/
Venkatraman Temple
Known as Ankola “Dodda Devaru”. Long back the place temple now was thick forest. A person noticed a cow standing at one place and droping a milk. When they dig at that place they found the shape of “ling Saligram”. The temple is built at that place.
The festivals Karthik, Hanum Jayanti and Namadhari Dahikal is yearly festivals celebrated very grand.
Venkatraman Ratotsava is known “Ankola Teru” is famous here. This Teru Utsava was stop during British rule and started again some where in 90’s
Kote Devasthan
Honnaraka Temple
It is around 600 year old temple. As it is known by ancestors, the “Honna” and “Raka” god worshiped by the farmer family. Still the same family handles pooja activities.
Later the deities from surrounding village and various community started following the god. The “Bandihabba” also celebrated here.
The other temples are Ganapathi Temple on KC Road, Veer Vitthal Temple, Kadambeshwar Temple, Kankaneshwar Temple, Shankar Narayan Temple, Sundar Narayan Temple, Narayan Temple.
Mosque
According to history, approximately 400 years ago “Sufi Saint” named Hazarat Khdri Bagdadi belonging to Iraq landed to Ankola through Sea route.
The Bobruwada village Hazarat Khadri Mosque is still visited by people of Islamic Sufi Heritage.
Jamiya Mosque is the oldest one built by Bijapur Adil Shahi Around 200 years old Rehamaniya Mosque is located on Kittur Chennamma Road. .
Churches
Holy Rosery Church
This is the oldest church belonging to Catholic Christian built by Zesuit Missionary during 17th century.
In the year of 1899 and 1984, the church was reconstructed beautifully. Belonging to Karwar Catholic church, daily mass are performed by Catholic Christians.
St.Paul Marthoma Church
St.Marthoma Church belonging to Protestant Christian located on Dinakar Desai Road. This church also named as Missionary Church.
The church is linked to “Christa Mitra Ashram” organizes various social activities like Orphanage, Hospital, Counseling Centers etc. Among them Missionary Hospital is popularly known at Ankola.