This temple has a history of how Mangalore got its name. It is about 3 Kms from the city center. Goddess Mangala Devi, the divine mother was immensely pleased with the devotion of Bhargava and told him that she would dwell in his place as "Mangala Devi" to be worshipped by devotees. People started knowing this place as Mangalapura which later became Mangalore.

The word Mangalore is derived from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. The temple built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. The Goddess Mangala is worshiped as Shakti. The festival is celebrated during 9 days of Navaratri .