Killa Durga Devi Temple is located near Maratha Colony, Koppadakeri, in the older fort area of Dharwad city in Karnataka. The word “Killa” means fort, and the temple sits close to the old fort walls in the heart of the town.
The Killa Durga Devi Temple in Dharwad is believed to be several centuries old, though exact historical records are not available. Local traditions and social sources suggest that the idol of the goddess, also called Marikamba Devi, may have been installed as early as 1689 AD, during the period when the Dharwad fort area was active.
The main deity worshipped here is Goddess Durga, shown as a strong mother and protector. Local posts describe the idol as about seven feet tall, having eight arms, and mounted on a tiger — a powerful image that draws many devotees. People come to the temple to seek protection, courage, and blessings for family welfare.
Killa Durga Devi Temple has a modest but traditional layout. The shrine sits within or adjacent to the older fort walls and is surrounded by a small courtyard and open spaces.
The complex includes a small mandapa (prayer/gathering area) and may have minor subsidiary shrines or places for offering. Large old trees and a small water body or pond are often found nearby, adding to the calm, sacred atmosphere. The present look of the temple is the result of several repairs and local style influences rather than one single ancient architectural plan.
Long ago, when the fort area near Dharwad felt vulnerable and people feared attacks or misfortune, the goddess Durga appeared in a dream to a devotee (or a group of villagers). In the dream, she asked for a temple in the fort area so that her presence could protect the city every day.
The devotees built a small shrine where she had appeared. While the building was being set up, the people saw many auspicious signs — clear weather, strange lights, and small miracles — and they took these as proof that the goddess approved. From that time, people believed the goddess stood guard over Dharwad, protecting the fort, its people, and their crops and homes.
Over the years, many devotees who faced danger or illness came here and felt their problems eased after worship. Because of these stories of protection and fulfilment, the temple became known as a strong Shakti place — a seat of divine energy. The temple’s location near the old fort makes devotees feel that the goddess is literally guarding the walls and the city’s heritage.
Local people believe that the temple has a “secret tunnel” connecting the temple to the pond or another nearby water source, used in ancient times.
(This is a folk legend handed down by local people; it is not preserved as a formal Purana text)
The biggest festival at the temple is Navratri. During the nine nights of Navratri, the shrine is decorated, special pujas and aartis are performed, and many devotees gather for continuous worship. During Navratri, the different types of alankaras each day attract the devotees.
The temple also sees higher footfall on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are considered especially auspicious for Durga worship. Devotees perform lemon aarti to have their wishes fulfilled and receive the blessings of the Goddess, offer flowers and sweets, and come to thank the goddess when their wishes are fulfilled.
