Shri Anantha Shayana Temple Karnataka

From Mangalore to Karwar, coastal Karnataka is home to an incredible number of ancient and exquisite temples. The majority of these are thousands of years old and have incredible historical value. The lovely location against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea's seashores/beaches and thick vegetation/hills is a visual feast. The temple management and the Purohits who perform the Pooja are truly inspirational. It's no surprise that the gods are extremely powerful. Many temples serve Annadanam (simple meal) for the worshippers.

Sri Ananthashayana Temple is a historic temple in Karkala, Karnataka located 37 kilometres from Udupi and 50 kilometres from Mangalore. This temple is located approximately 1 km from Sri Venkata Ramana Temple and Chaturmukha Basadi. Lord Ananthapadmanabha, another avatar of SriMahaVishnu, is honoured in this temple. Karkala, which was originally part of the Tulu kingdom, was formed by Karkala chiefs who are Santara descendants. They were known as Bairarasas and came from Humcha in the Shimoga district. They have been governing in this area since the early 14th century.

Sheshashayi Ananteshwara temple is another name for the Ananthapadmanabha temple, which was established in 1567 AD. The temple facing north is sandhara, with a sama-chaturasa garbhagriha devoid of sukanasi and a tirthamandapa with four pillars in front. Both the garbhagriha and the tirthamandapa have a two-tiered roof. Copper sheets cover the ceiling of the garbhagriha, and reliefs portraying gods and goddesses can be found on the raised neck part of the upper tier. Horizontal stone slabs are provided over the roof of the tirthamandapa and around the garbhagriha, which is an unusual feature. A pillared cloister encircles the entire complex, with a perforated entrance from the north. The southern wall is abutted by a modern shrine. Vishnu, who is sleeping on Adisesha's coils, is the major deity. In the sanctum's niches, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha surround the picture. Brahma sits on the lotus that sprouts from Vishnu's navel, while Lakshmi tends to Vishnu's feet.

The Legend

In the 15th century, this temple was a Jain Basadi. During this period, Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji visited Karkala and was warmly welcomed by the Jain King. Swamiji, on the other hand, has stated that he will only stay provided there is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The king accepted, but he lacked the Lord's idol. The swamiji then informed the King that at Nellikar, there is a Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy idol immersed in a little river. The idol was discovered in the river, much to the King's amazement, and the prathistapana was completed later.

As a result, the monarch gifted His Holiness Sringeri Swamiji his Basadi and placed a finely sculpted stone statue of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping pose. Lord Vishnu's majestic statue is carved from a single black stone, with Lord Brahma emerging from Vishnu's navel and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi standing at his feet.

The Archaeological Survey of India is in charge of safeguarding this temple. Lakshadeepotsava and Ananthapadmanabha Vrata are two annual five-day festivals. The Nompu has a local connotation. Rathasapthami is one of the many significant festivals that are commemorated with a sense of awe and pride.

How To Reach The Temple?

The nearest rail station to Karkala is in Udupi, which is 36 kilometres away, and a taxi can be booked to get there. The nearest domestic airport is Mangalore, which is 70 kilometres away, while Bengaluru International Airport is 370 kilometres away. Buses run from a few of the major cities in the area. These routes are served by both state-owned and expensive buses.

Temple Timings – 

Daily - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Temple Address :  

Holalu, Hadagalli, Karnataka, India 583217

The best time to visit the temple is during the months from September to March.