Kundurumotte Sri Chowtti Mariamma Tayi Temple is located on Stuart Hill in Madikeri town, the headquarters of Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka. The temple stands on a hillock, locally called “Kundurumotte.” Its elevated position makes it a visible landmark.
The exact historical date of construction is not recorded, but the worship of Mariamma in Kodagu is an ancient tradition that goes back several centuries. Locals believe that the goddess has been worshipped on Kundurumotte hill from time immemorial. The current temple structure has been renovated in recent times, but the faith and rituals are very old.
The presiding goddess is Sri Mariamma, also called Chowtti Mariamma Tayi by the local people. She is a powerful form of Shakti and is believed to protect devotees from diseases, natural calamities, and misfortunes. In Madikeri, she is worshipped as the guardian mother who grants good health, prosperity, and fertility. The idol of Mariamma is decorated daily with flowers, turmeric, and kumkum, which symbolize purity and strength.
The temple is small and traditional in style. The sanctum houses the idol of Goddess Mariamma, and the surrounding hall allows devotees to gather and offer prayers. The hill-top setting gives the temple a special charm, with greenery all around and views of Madikeri town below. While the main structure is modest, the decorations during festivals — with lights, flowers, and vibrant colors — make the temple very attractive.
The temple’s history is rooted in local traditions of goddess worship. Mariamma temples are found in many parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, often serving as the grama devata (village guardian). The people of Madikeri believe that their ancestors began worshipping Chowtti Mariamma to seek protection from epidemics and hardships. Over time, this temple on Kundurumotte hill became one of the most respected shrines of Madikeri.
Long ago, the people of Madikeri lived in fear of strange illnesses, fevers, and smallpox-like diseases. Whenever such outbreaks spread, families would lose many loved ones. The people prayed to various gods, but the sufferings did not stop. At that time, it is believed that Goddess Mariamma appeared in the dreams of a local devotee. She told him that she would protect the people if they built a small shrine for her on Kundurumotte hill.
The devotee gathered the villagers, and they all went to the hilltop. There, they felt a strong divine presence and decided to install a stone and worship it as Chowtti Mariamma Tayi. From that time onwards, the goddess became the guardian mother of Madikeri.
It is said that after the temple was established, the outbreaks of diseases began to reduce. People who prayed with turmeric, neem leaves, and flowers were blessed with good health. Whenever someone fell sick, the family members would go up the hill, offer prayers, and soon the sick person would recover. Thus, Mariamma came to be known as the healer and protector of the community.
Another local belief says that Mariamma is very powerful and quick to respond to the calls of her devotees. If someone is in danger or suffering, they pray to her with a vow. Once their wish is fulfilled, they return to the temple with offerings such as coconuts, sarees, and turmeric. This tradition of offering vows and fulfilling them has continued till today.
During Madikeri Dasara, people believe that the spirit of Mariamma leaves the temple in the form of the karaga and blesses the entire town by going through the streets. This is why her role in the Dasara procession is considered very important.
Because of these legends, the hill and the temple are seen as sacred. Even though the structure has been renovated many times, the belief that Goddess Mariamma lives at Kundurumotte and guards the people of Madikeri remains strong and unshaken.
The temple is most vibrant during festivals. Tuesdays and Fridays see special pujas, while the annual jatra draws large crowds with rituals and cultural events. During Madikeri Dasara, the temple’s Mariamma karaga joins the grand procession, adding spiritual energy and attracting devotees from across Kodagu.
