Narasimha Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Narasimha Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Narasimha 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

This temple was built in 1538 CE with donation from Narasimha Kini. 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 with circumbulatory path, mandapa and front porch. The front porch is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The mandapa can be entered through balustrade staircase. The ceiling of the mandapa depicts ashta dikpalas on their respective cardinal points. The mandapa and the sanctum are surrounded by stone lattice windows. The doorway of the sanctum is guarded by two dvarapalas on either side. The sanctum enshrines a black stone image of Vishnu in standing posture.

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