Exploring Mangalore : Surathkal Beach and Shipwreck | Mangalore Tourist Places

Описание: Exploring Mangalore : Surathkal Beach and Shipwreck | Mangalore Tourist Places #manglore #karnataka

Surathkal Beach, also known as NITK Beach, is a serene coastal gem located in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Nestled approximately 19 kilometers north of Mangalore Junction Railway Station and a short distance from Surathkal railway station, this beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle. Named after its proximity to the prestigious National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal Beach is popular among students and locals alike.

Surathkal Beach stretches over a considerable length along the Arabian Sea, known for its striking blue waters and golden sands. The beach is clean and well-maintained, thanks to the efforts of the local community and authorities. Its unspoiled condition and low tourist footfall make it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and a close connection with nature.

One of the most striking features of Surathkal Beach is the lighthouse. Standing tall and proud, the lighthouse serves as both a navigational aid for ships and a significant landmark that adds to the beach's charm. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the Arabian Sea. The sight of the sun setting over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the waters, is truly mesmerizing.

The beach is also characterized by its unique rock formations. These rocks, scattered along the shoreline, create a dramatic contrast with the sandy beach and add to its rugged beauty. The interplay of the rocks, sand, and sea provides excellent opportunities for photography and nature walks.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The name 'Surathkal' has its roots in local mythology and religious history. The name is derived from 'Shiradakal,' a term in Kannada that means 'headstone.' This is linked to the nearby Sadashiva Mahaganapati Temple, an ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built around a fragment of the atma-linga, a powerful divine symbol that fell in Surathkal.

Legend has it that Ravana, the asura king of Lanka, performed intense penance to obtain the atma-linga from Lord Shiva, which could bestow immortality. Shiva granted Ravana's wish with the condition that the linga should not touch the ground until it reached Lanka. Narada, the divine sage, sensing the potential threat of Ravana's immortality, sought the help of Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. Through divine intervention, Ganesha, disguised as a Brahmin boy, tricked Ravana into placing the linga on the ground, leading to its fragmentation. The top portion of this linga is believed to have landed in Surathkal, giving rise to the Sadashiva Temple.

Sadashiva Mahaganapati Temple

The Sadashiva Mahaganapati Temple is not just a place of worship but a site of immense cultural heritage. The temple, perched on a hillock, offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees and visitors. The temple is surrounded by ponds shaped like a conch, wheel, mace, and lotus, symbolizing different aspects of Hindu mythology. Special prayers and rituals, particularly during the Shivaratri festival, draw numerous devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the mythological story of the atma-linga. According to the legend, the top portion of the atma-linga fell in Surathkal, where the temple now stands. The temple has been built around this headstone, while other pieces of the linga are believed to have fallen in different locations, leading to the construction of other significant temples like the Murudeshwara Temple.

The temple's architecture is a testament to traditional South Indian temple design, featuring intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. The main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped with great reverence, and the temple rituals are performed with devotion and precision.

Bhagvati Prem Dredger

Surathkal Beach is also home to the remnants of the dredger Bhagvati Prem, which was beached by the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) to prevent it from sinking. This 114-meter-long vessel adds a touch of intrigue to the beach, with ongoing efforts to auction and remove it due to environmental concerns.

The Bhagvati Prem was deployed for dredging NMPT waters but began experiencing flooding in its engine room. To avoid sinking, NMPT decided to beach the vessel on Surathkal Beach. This situation highlights the challenges of managing maritime assets and the importance of environmental conservation.
The presence of the Bhagvati Prem has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding beach erosion and potential damage to the beach's ecosystem. Experts from the College of Fisheries in Mangalore have conducted surveys to assess the impact and recommend the vessel's removal.