Santappa Nayaka Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Santappa Nayaka Temple, Bhatkal, Karnataka

Santappa Nayaka 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 1555 CE by Santappa. 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 measures 32 feet in length and 16 feet in breadth. An 18 feet tall dwaja sthamba can be seen in front of the temple. The top portion of the sthamba has been lost completely. The temple consists of sanctum and mandapa. The temple is surrounded by stone lattice windows and has a sloping roof. The mandapa can be entered through balustrade staircase. The doorway of the mandapa is flanked by dvarapalas on either side. The sanctum enshrines an image of Lord Vishnu. Sculptures depicting social life are carved on the exterior pillars.

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