Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi, Karnataka

Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi, Karnataka

Anantheshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udupi City in Udupi Taluk in Udupi District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is also known as Manjula Kshetra. This temple is considered as the biggest temple in Udupi. The temple is situated diagonally opposite to the main entrance of Sri Krishna Mutt and located to western side of the Chandramouleeswara Temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/anantheshwara-temple-udupi-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built in 8^th century CE by the Alupas and is considered among the oldest in the Tulu Nadu region. The temple is under the custody of the Kaniyur Matha of Udupi. This place was called as Shivalli / Shiva Halli / Shiva Belli / Rajatha Peetha Pura during ancient times.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and can be accessed through kallu mandapa and maha dvara. Dwaja Sthamba and Balipeedam can be seen at the entrance to this temple. A tall deepa stambha can be seen immediately after the maha dwara. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Anantheshwara in the form of Linga on a silver pedestal (Rajatha Peetha). The sanctum is in the form of Gajabrusta, the shape of an elephant in its sitting posture. 

As the temple is situated in high rainfall region, the roof of the entire temple structure is covered with clay tiles. Though, it is a Shiva temple, the utsava idol is Lord Anantha Padmanabha. There are four shrines of Durga and a shrine for Subramanya  in the temple. The disappearance spot of Madhwa can be seen in the temple premises. Chandramouleeswara Temple is situated adjacent to this temple on the eastern side.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Udupi City Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Udupi Railway Station and 54 Kms from Mangaluru Airport. Udupi is located at about 37 Kms from Kundapura, 37 Kms from Karkala, 54 Kms from Agumbe, 56 Kms from Mangaluru, 90 Kms from Sringeri, 104 Kms from Dharmasthala and 403 Kms from Bengaluru. Udupi is situated on Mangaluru to Kundapura route. Udupi is well connected to Karnataka and rest of India by road and railways.

Location