Raghunath Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Raghunath Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Raghunath 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 was constructed in 1590 CE by Balakini, son of Anantakini as per the inscription found in the pillar of this temple. 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

This temple follows dravidian style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and open mandapa. The antrala can be reached through balustrade staircase. The doorway of the antrala is flanked by two huge dvarapalas. The base of the doorjamb of the sanctum is carved with dvarapalas on either side. The dedicatory block of lintel of the sanctum doorway has an image of Gaja Lakshmi. The sanctum enshrines an image of Vishnu. The shikara over the sanctum is of two tiers.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bhatkal Railway Station and 1.5 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