The temple is considered significantly older than the 13th-century Sri Krishna Matha.
The deity's idol is carved from a single piece of black granite.
The temple follows the Tulu Nadu architectural style, heavily featuring sloping tiled roofs to withstand monsoon rains.
The goddess is worshipped here as a 'Gramadevata', or the protective deity of the surrounding villages.
The temple grounds contain smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, and the Naga deities.
Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple is a historic site in Udupi dedicated to Goddess Durga in her form as Mahishamardini. The temple is estimated to be over 1,200 years old, predating the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Its architecture reflects the traditional coastal Karnataka style with laterite stone and intricate wooden carvings. The primary idol is a unique granite carving of the goddess depicted in a standing posture, slaying the demon Mahishasura. The temple serves as a central cultural hub for the Kadiyali locality and hosts major annual festivals including the Brahmarathotsava. Renovations have integrated modern infrastructure while preserving the original sanctum sanctorum. It is considered one of the oldest Shakti Peethas in the region.
The outer temple courtyard providing a clear view of the traditional gopuram and the wooden carvings on the exterior walls.
Remove your footwear at the designated stands before entering the temple complex.
Visit during the 'Deepotsava' festival if you wish to see the temple illuminated by thousands of traditional oil lamps.
Keep a modest pace when walking through the corridors to respect those praying.
Avoid taking photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum or of the deity directly.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; silence is expected inside the inner sanctum.
