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Photo: Matrix Dharwad, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This is a temple dedicated to Parashurama, another incarnation of Vishnu, and according to legend, the creator of the landmass encompassing Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kerala. The temple dates back to the 8th century.
Udupi Anantheshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ananteshwara Parashurama. The Anantheshwara temple is located in Udupi, India. The temple is a unique temple where Parashurama is worshipped in the form of Linga. Writer Roshen Dalal says, "According to texts, the city formed part of Parashurama Kshetra, the area is said to be claimed by Parashurama from the sea. Legends state that a king named Ramabhoja worshipped Parashurama here in the form of Linga, which then manifests on a silver seat. Thus in Sanskrit texts, the city is known as Rajata Pitha". Madhva Brahmins are priests in this temple. They have been following poojas and rituals in the temples as per Madhva Sampradaya and Tantra Sara Sangraha written by Madhvacharya for the past 700 years.
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A complex of temples and monasteries located near the Madhva Sarovara, or Madhvacharya's pond.
The main temple is constructed in the architectural style typical in Kerala and Dakshina Kannada, with multiple layers around the inner sanctum sanctorum, with no massive sikhara over it as is found elsewhere in South India. There are shrines to subordinate deities including Garuda and Hanuman. On special occasions, the temple area is beautifully decorated with flowers and lamps.
Offerings can be made and "prasadam" can be bought inside. The temple offers free lunch to everyone at three dining halls, or Bhojana Shaalas.
Kanaka's Window
The unusual feature of Udupi's Krishna temple is that the statue faces west, and away from the devotees. To catch a glimpse of the deity, you need to make your way to Kanaka's window. The reason for this, apparently, is that a lower-caste devotee named Kanakadasa was denied entry into the temple, so he tried worshiping from a small window outside it. The Lord was so pleased at his devotion that He turned around to face the window. The window is now named after him, and a massive Gopura (or tower) has since been built over it.
Right next to the Krishna temple is this temple dedicated to Shiva, to whom, according to legend, the moon (Chandra) prayed at this spot.
Madhva Sarovara is right next to the temple and is accessible from both inside and outside of it. has a "mantapa" or canopy at its centre, and the pond is often beautifully lit. A bath at the sarovara may or may not be possible. Inquire before taking the plunge.
A small cliff that overlooks the Suwarna river. From this point, you can get a beautiful view of the sea as well as the mountains. Very popular with Manipal University students.
Visit Malpe beach where you can take fantastic pictures of the sunset in the background of St Mary's island. Nice clean beach, not inundated by tourists.