Udupi Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

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

Diety

Ananteshwara (Vishnu)

Introduction

Udupi Anantheshwara Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ananteshwara Parashurama (an avatar of Vishnu). The Anantheshwara temple is located in Udupi, Karnataka, India. The temple is a unique temple where Parashurama is worshipped in the form of Linga Swaroopa Alive with rituals and fire sacrifices; Ananteshwara is the biggest and one of the oldest temples of Udupi. The deity here is Vishnu, enshrined in a Shivalingam. The temple is managed by Puttige mutt (One of the Ashta mutt of Udupi).

Puranic Significance

“According to texts, the city formed part of Parashurama Kshetra, the area is said to be claimed by Parashurama from the sea. Legends state that a king name Ramabhoja worshipped Parashurama here in the form of Linga Swaroopa, which then manifests itself on a silver seat. Thus in Sanskrit texts, the city is known as Rajata Pitha”. It was built during the reign of the Alupas in the 8th century C. E. and is considered among the oldest in the Tulu Nadu region. In an inscription the temple’s deity is referred to as Mahadeva of Udupi. The temple is known for its association with philosopher Madhvacharya who taught his disciples within its complex. The temple is adjacent to the more famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha established by Madhva. It is built in the apsidal, inverted U shaped, type of architecture. Inside the temple is a sitting place, a stone slab, on which Madhvacharya regularly sat and discoursed on Vedanta. It is customary to first offer homage to Ananteshwara before proceeding to Krishna’s shrine.

Special Features

The temple architecture is in oval shape, Architecture is little unique and coastal style with simplicity. The inner hall has one simple lotus flower and the sanctum seems to be the facial mask added to the upper phallic form of shiva. On the small shikaram or vimanam there’s small sculpture of two elephants showering the lingam and some floral designs along with two guardians.