Udupi Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Udupi Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Karnataka 576101

Deity

Ananteshwara (Vishnu)

Introduction

• Udupi Anantheshwara Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ananteshwara Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu.
• Located in Udupi, Karnataka, India, the temple is unique in that it worships Parashurama in the form of Linga Swaroopa.
• It is considered the largest and one of the oldest temples in Udupi, where the deity, Vishnu, is enshrined in a Shivalingam.
• The temple is managed by Puttige Mutt, one of the Ashta Muttas of Udupi.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is situated in an area known as Parashurama Kshetra, believed to have been reclaimed from the sea by Parashurama.
• According to legends, a king named Ramabhoja worshipped Parashurama here in the form of Linga Swaroopa, which subsequently manifested on a silver seat. This city is referred to as Rajata Pitha in Sanskrit texts.
• Built during the 8th century CE under the reign of the Alupa dynasty, it is among the oldest temples in the Tulu Nadu region.
• An inscription refers to the temple’s deity as Mahadeva of Udupi, and the temple holds significance for its association with philosopher Madhvacharya, who taught his disciples within its complex.
• It is located adjacent to the more famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, established by Madhva.
• The temple features apsidal, inverted U-shaped architecture, with a designated sitting place marked by a stone slab where Madhvacharya is said to have regularly sat to discourse on Vedanta.
• It is customary for devotees to first pay homage to Anantheshwara before proceeding to Krishna’s shrine.

Special Features

• The temple’s architecture is oval in shape, showcasing a unique coastal style characterized by simplicity.
• The inner hall features a simple lotus flower design, while the sanctum resembles a facial mask that complements the upper phallic form of Shiva.
• Atop the small shikaram or vimanam, there is a small sculpture depicting two elephants showering the lingam, along with floral designs and two guardian figures.

Century/Period/Age

8th century C. E.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- Karnataka

Nearest Bus Station

Udupi

Nearest Railway Station

Udupi Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore.

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