

| Last Updated:: 27/06/2016









Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests (elevation - 1,343 metres above sea level) in the Western Ghats in Shivamogga Dist., Karnataka. It is declared as natural heritage site by Government Karnataka and it is 10th highest peak of Karnataka. Located in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, Kodachadri is home to many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. It is also famous for its wonderful sunrise and sunset.



The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi" which means hill of Kutaja flowers and "Adri" a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. Kutaja in Sanskrit means Girimallika or Jasmine of the hill. The hilly region that is full of 'Jasmine of the hills' plants is "Kutajadri". It is also called "Kutachadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha"



Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since early prehistory. Several monolithic structures or menhirs were built here in prehistoric times. Rocks with dimensions greater than 12 feet were used in their construction. These large structures can be found just 20 Kilometers outside of Nagara-Nilsakal. A temple dedicated to the Ancient Mother Goddess Mookambika is located near the top of the peak. The temple is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and it is said to stand where thousands of years ago Mookambika fought and killed the demon Mookasura.



Believed to be one among the seven pilgrim centers created by Parashurama, this temple attracts thousands of devotees not only from South India but from all around the country. 




Further up, on the hilltop is the Sarvajnapeetam is situated. Sarvajnapeetam is a rock structure where Idol of Sri Sankaracharya worshiped. This is the place where he is said to have immersed himself into deep meditation and received the ultimate knowledge and dissolved into the universe The entire structure is made of rock and its roof has various yantras and chakras carved and resembles a 'Meru' - a three dimensional form of the mystic design called the 'Srichakram'. One has to descent steeply on the western side of the hill to reach a holy cave called Chitramoola were Sri Sankaracharya did meditation to please goddess Mookambika. There is also a Ganapati Cave with an ancient idol of Lord Ganesha is near the trekking path to Sarvajna peetha. Behind the idol; there is a tunnel, which leads to Kollur.