Surathkal

Surathkal(kn:ಸುರತ್ಕಲ್)" is an area (locality) within the city of Mangaluru. It is a municipality merged with Mangaluru City Corporation. It lies between Gurupura (Phalguni) and Pavanje (Nandini) rivers. It is the northern suburb and can be considered as the northernmost area of Mangaluru until Mukka. Surathkal has a railway station on Konkan railway route which connects cities of Mumbai to Mangaluru. Surathkal is 8 km north of New Mangalore seaport, 4 km west of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited and 16 km west of Mangalore International Airport This region has developed educationally, industrially and commercially can be regarded as one of the crucial localities in Mangaluru and coastal Karnataka. The only NIT of Karnataka is situated here which is adjacent to the national highway NH 66. Mukka a popular name in Indian surfing is also situated close to Surathkal. Surathkal beach is well known for its cleanliness and well maintained like other beaches in Mangaluru.

==Etymology== According to legend, the name Surathkal is derived from "shiradakal" meaning "headstone" in both Kannada and Tulu. The famous Sadashiva Mahaganapathi temple on the shores of Arabian Sea (Lakshadweepa Samudra) is said to be built around the linga that a Rakshasa by name Kharasura carried on his head. Another legend is that when Ravana threw in fit of rage the atma shivalinga, some of the pieces from shivalinga fell at place where Sadashiva temple is situated at present. Noted historian Padoor Gururaj Bhat is of opinion the temple might have been constructed around 11 C.E. (11 A.D).