Adike Narayana Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Adike Narayana Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Adike Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bhatkal Town in Bhatkal Taluk in Uttara Kannada District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to have been built by an arecanut (Adike) merchant in 1550 CE. Bhatkal was named after the ninth century Jain grammarian Bhattakalanka Deva, who hailed from Haduvalli, the capital of the Saluvas. Bhatkal was also called as Bhatta Kala / Batikula / Bhatkala / Batikala during ancient times. Bhatkal was also mentioned as Vrittapura in a 16^th century CE inscription.

The Temple

The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and open mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa can be accessed through balustrade stairs. The mukha mandapa is supported by four pillars. Out of the four pillars, the two pillars at the front side are intricately carved with legends of Bhakta Prahalada. The sanctum enshrines an image of Adike Narayana in sambhaga posture. The superstructure over the mandapa and sanctum are lost completely. The exterior of the temple is devoid of any decoration. There is a stone screen around the temple like a compound wall. This stone screen is available on all sides except the southern portion.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Bhatkal Railway Station and 2.5 Kms from Bhatkal Bus Stand. Bhatkal is located at about 14 Kms from Murdeshwar, 21 Kms from Baindur, 37 Kms from Honnavar, 55 Kms from Kundapura, 88 Kms from Gokarna, 90 Kms from Udupi, 128 Kms from Karwar, 142 Kms from Mangaluru Airport and 144 Kms from Mangaluru. Bhatkal is situated on Karwar to Mangalore route (NH – 66). Bhatkal Railway Station is one of the major railway stations along the Konkan Railway line, which runs between Mumbai and Mangalore.

Location