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Brihadishvara Temple – Timings, Significance, and History

September 11, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Tamil Nadu Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the banks of the river Cauvery(Kaveri) and has a rich historical heritage. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful architectural places in the sub-continent.

Brihadishvara Temple is also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyār Kōvil.

Brihadishvara Temple is also a testimony to the achievements and the progress that the Chola dynasty had achieved during that time. The temple has a Tamil architecture and it reflects the power of the King Raja Raja Chola I who had built it during the 1010 A.D.

Intro — King Raja Raja Chola I built the temple during the 1010 A.D.

Brihadishvara Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Shiva
Location	Thanjavur, Chennai.
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM–12:30 PM 4:00 PM–8:30 PM
Entry Fees	Special darshan tickets for Rs 5/- on Sundays for a quicker visit.
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darshanam, Kumbabhishekam.

The major reason for the construction of the temple refers to the fact that it can be used for royal celebrations and to exhibit the king’s vision. The minute details and the intricacy that has gone into forming this temple speak volumes about the Dravidian style.

And interestingly, the auspicious shrine has been built following the rules of axial and symmetrical geometry. The engineering part is so accurate that all the components of this holy place are aligned axially.

Brihadishvara Temple Timings

Here’re the timings of Brihadishvara Temple:

Timings	From	To
Morning	6 AM	12:30 PM
Evening	4 PM	9 PM

There are special darshan tickets for Rs 5 each that can be purchased during Sundays for a quicker visit. The temple becomes extremely crowded during Sundays.

Poojas and Rituals at Brihadishvara Temple

The deity is worshiped four times a day. Following are the timings of the poojas:-

Poojas	Timings
Kala Sandhi or Morning Pooja	8:30 A.M.
Utchi Kalam or the mid-noon Pooja	12 P.M.
Sayaratchai or evening Pooja	5:30 P.M.
Artha Jamam or night Pooja	8:30 P.M.

Each of the pooja or rituals consists of three steps namely, ‘Alangaram’(decoration), ‘Neivethanam’ (food offering) and ‘Deepa Aradanai’ (waving of lamps).
There are many weekly, monthly and fortnightly poojas that are observed in this temple.
The pooja timings are subjected to alter during festivals.

What is the significance of the Brihadishvara Temple?

The significance of the temple:-

Brihadishvara Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
An approximate of 130,000 tons of granite was used in the formation of this temple.
The holy shrine has a temple tower (vimana) which is built at a height of 216 feet. Being the tallest in the world, it symbolizes Mount Peru. ‘Gopuras’ or the two gateways are located at the eastern entrance of the temple.
The temple’s entrance has a large statue of Nandi (sacred bull) that measures about 16 feet in length and 13 feet in height. The statue has been carved out of a single stone.
‘Kumbam’ is the topmost component of the holy shrine and weighs about 60 tons. It has been also carved out from single granite stone.
A huge idol of Lord Shiva with three eyes is present inside the temple along with the 108 dance forms or ‘karmas‘.
The exterior part on the other end is decorated with sculptures. There are 250 lingams in the entire temple compound.
This famous sanctuary is made up of a pillared hall and an assembly hall which is known as mandapas and many sub-shrines.
- The inner part of the mandapas is highly significant and is divided into various categories with the help of sculptures and pilasters.
Being one of the rarest temples in India, the idols of ‘Ashta-Dikpaalakas’ or guardians of directions can be found here. The six feet effigies of Agni, Varuna, Indra, Yama, Isana, Kubera and Nirriti are placed in a separate temple.
Being a masterpiece in itself, the shadow of the tower over the gateway of the shrine never falls on the ground, more significantly in the premises of the temple.
The altar situated at the entrance of this holy shrine has two idols of Lord Ganesha. When a person taps on any one of the idols, a sound occurs that travels towards the other idol slanting through the stone at one end and the metal to another.

significance 1 — The entrance of this holy shrine has two idols of Lord Ganesha.

There are many pillars of the temple that produce such musical sounds.
In order to mark the 1000th year anniversary of the Brihadishvara Temple, the state government of Tamil Nadu organized Bharathanatyam Yajna, a classical dance show under Padma Subramanian, a noted dancer.

significance 2 — Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, an Indian Classical Bharata Natayam Dancer.

What are the of the legends of Brihadishvara Temple?

The legends of Brihadishvara Temple are:-

A popular legend about this temple refers to the Cholas who received help from a yogi named Karuvayur. This yogi had the idea of building a powerful energy center in a temple.
- However, owing to some disagreements over certain aspects of the temple, the Cholas abandoned the yogi and faced with a predicament of the big linga of Shiva not fitting into the Peetha.
- It is then that the Cholas asked the yogi for help. Karuvayur spat in his spittoon and asked them to keep it inside the Peetha so that the linga fits.
- Although it fitted Peetha yet it became cursed forever which sent the dynasty to ruins.

What is the history of the Brihadishvara Temple?

The history of the temple states that:-

BrihadishvaraTemple or ‘Big Temple’ is located at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It was designed by Sama Varma.
The deity was initially named as ‘Rajarajeshwar’. It was the Marathas who gave it the name Brihadeeshwara or the Great Ishwara.
This holy shrine had been constructed to add charm to the throne of the Chola dynasty by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman or Raja Raja Chola I in fulfillment to a command made to him in a dream.
It is on the 275^th day of his 25^th regal year did the King handed over a gold-plated Kalasam to mark the final sanctification of crowning the vimana.
A large number of artists, musicians, and merchants visited this holy shrine. Additionally, it also served as a major platform for the dancers who practiced Bharatha Natyam dance form.
The temple displays the emperor’s vision of power and his relationship to the universal order. The King was linked to its deity Shiva and the normal rituals of the deities were echoed by the king.
The sheer brilliance of this place of worship points to the perfection that the Cholas had with regard to the sculpture, painting and bronze casting of the idols.

Brihadishvara Temple Food Timings

After the mid-noon ritual, devotees are offered prasad.
Pilgrims can present their offerings to the deity during the pooja timings.

Festivals celebrated at Brihadishvara Temple:-

Festivals celebrated at the temple are:-

Arudra Darshanam– Arudra Darshanam is one of the biggest festivals that is observed in this temple. The holy shrine is a Chidambaram temple or a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is meant to celebrate the cosmic dance of Shiva.
Maha Shivaratri– Maha Shivaratri is an annual festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm during the month of February-March.
Kumbabhishekam– Kumbabhishekam refers to a yearly festival when the dome and the gopuram are bathed with the sanctified divine waters. While Kumba denotes the Vimana or the Shikhara of the temple, Abhishekam is a ritual of bathing.
- According to the Hindu calendar, in the month of Visaka, an annual celebration is celebrated in this holy shrine for nine days. During this auspicious occasion, pilgrims bath their deity with fragrance soaked water of Champaka flowers.

How to Reach the Brihadishvara Temple?

Air– The nearest airport is situated at Trichy(65KM).
Train– It is one of the easiest and convenient ways to reach Thanjavur. As the city has its own railway station, it is well connected with other major cities in India.
Road– Traveling to Thanjavur is also a good alternative. It is linked with all the towns of Tamil Nadu along with Ernakulum, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Even Bangalore has proper connectivity with Thanjavur.

Where to stay near the Brihadishvara Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple are:-

Thanjavur is one of the district headquarters of Tamil Nadu is located at 322 km away from Chennai.
- There are various hotels in and around Thanjavur for tourists of all ages. So, if you are traveling on a modest budget, there are retiring rooms available at the Thanjavur railway station.

Apart from that, there are many luxurious hotels with all the modern amenities including private restaurants as well. Devotees can choose their preferences and accordingly can book their rooms in advance.

Where to eat near the Brihadishvara Temple?

Food lovers can prepare themselves for scrumptious lunch with the traditional South Indian food. From spicy curries to sambhar, rasam, and curd, there are a lot of options to choose from the dishes served there.
For people who love non-vegetarian food, there are many Chinese and Mughlai restaurants as well.
Tourists generally love gorging on the baked fishes and lassi before they leave Thanjavur. The food joints are moderately priced located at major tourist points.

What are some temples near the Brihadishvara Temple?

Some of the temples nearby are:

Thiruvayaru Temple– This holy shrine was built at the place where Thyagaraja, the famous saint resided. He is believed to attain Samadhi at this location. A music festival is organized every year in the month of January, to celebrate the life of this great saint composer. It is located at a distance of 13 km from the main city.
Darasuram Airavatesvar Temple– Darasuram is a small town, 8 km away from Kumbakonam is famous for the Airavatheswar Temple. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola II. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
Kumbakonam– It takes around 42 km to reach this beautiful temple city of Kumbakonam. The city is famous for the Sarangapani temple which was built by the Nayak kings. The Ramaswamy temple depicts the paintings of Ramayana and is the only shrine where Lord Hanuman is playing a veena instead of reading the Ramayana.
Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple- This sacred destination is only 6.5 km from the Thanjavur town. It is located in Punnai Nallur village. The temple was built by the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur.
Thirukandiyur– Being located at a distance of 10 km, it has temples of Brahmasirekandeswarar and Harshavimochana Perumal.
Swamimalai– It is referred to as one of the six Abodes that are dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
Darasuram – The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by Rajendra Chola.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Brihadishvara Temple-

How much time is required to explore the temple fully?

One hour is required to explore the temple fully.

What are the timings of the temple?

6:00 AM–12:30 PM, 4:00 PM–8:30 PM are the timings of the temple.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the temple.

When was Brihadishvara Temple built?

Brihadishvara Temple built in 1,009 c. 1010 .

Who constructed Brihadishvara Temple?

Raja Raja Chola constructed Brihadishvara Temple.

Why Brihadishvara Temple Temple is so famous?

Brihadishvara Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.

If you have any questions about the Brihadishvara Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Muktinath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 23 Comments Filed Under: Muktinath, Nepal Temples Tagged With: Nepal Temples

The Muktinath Temple is one of the holiest temples located in the Muktinath Valley in Mustang, Nepal. The word Muktinath comes from two words: Mukti meaning salvation and Nath meaning God. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it serves as a religious symbiosis between the Hindus and the Vaishnavites.

Book Your Travel – Muktinath Yatra Tour Package Nepal

Muktinath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Muktinath (Lord Vishnu)
Location	Mustang, Nepal
Entry Fee	Free
Tours	Muktinath Tour
Timings	5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit	September to October

https://youtu.be/p0v_d0y-7Z4

Muktinath Temple, Nepal, Video

What are the timings of Muktinath Temple?

Muktinath Temple opens at 5 AM in the morning and closes at 8:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

Here are the timings of the Muktinath Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM	12:00 PM
Evening Darshan	2:00 PM	9:00 PM
Seva Sankalpa	8:00 AM	9:00 AM
Tirtha Prasad	1:00 PM	3:00 PM
Pooja Timings	6:30 PM	8:30 PM

What is the significance of the Muktinath Temple?

The significance of the Muktinath Temple is that it is believed that one who visits this temple attains salvation or Moksha. Moksha means freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It helps one get rid of all their sins in this place.

Muktinath is called ‘Mukti Kshetra’ in Hinduism, which means the ‘place of liberation or moksha’. This temple is considered to be 106th amongst the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu, which is considered sacred by the Vaishnava sect. The Muktinath Temple is believed to be one of the eight most blessed temples of the Vaishnavas. The other seven temples are Pushkar, Badrinath, Tirupati, Thotadri, Srirangam, and Srimushnam. It is also one of the ‘Shakti Peetha’. The Buddhists call the temple Chumig Gyatsa, which means “Hundred Waters” in Tibetan.

Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are the three Supreme Gods and are also known as the Holy Trinity. Brahma is known as the Creator, Vishnu, the Protector, and Shiva or Maheshwara, the Destroyer. Vaishnavites consider Vishnu as the Supreme Lord. Vaishnavites believe that Lord Vishnu holds the entire world as a Lotus in his hand. Lord Vishnu is merciful and he blesses one salvation.

Muktinath Temple is considered very important for Buddhists as well. This is because Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this place for some time. Tibetan Buddhists consider Muktinath an important place for Dakinis. It is one of the 24 Tantric places for them.

What is the history of Muktinath Temple?

As per the beliefs of Hindus, Lord Vishnu due to the curse of Brinda converted into Shaligram. Brinda was the wife of Jalandhar. This is the place where he was rid of the curse and got salvation. Therefore, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the Muktinath here. Muktinath means God of Salvation. Buddhist worship Lord Vishnu as Avalokiteshwara here.

As per the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), meditated at Muktinath on his way to Tibet.

How to reach the Muktinath Temple?

The Muktinath Temple is located at an elevation of 3710 meters at the foot of Thorong La Pass. Although travelling to Muktinath is difficult, it is a wonderful experience. The trip involves traveling in a Jeep for quite a lot of time. It involves a bit of trekking as well. One can also choose to travel on a mountain flight.

Here’s how you can reach the temple.

Air: There are mountain flights from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps available to Muktinath.
Road: There are Jeeps available from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, there are Jeeps to Muktinath. Travelling to Muktinath by road is an adventurous trip. This is because of the conditions of the roads that are quite bumpy.

For those unable to trek all the way to the temple, there is an option to travel by choppers from Pokhara to Jomsom. Have a look at our Helicopter Ride Yatra from Pokhara to Jomsom.

What is the best season to travel to Muktinath Temple?

The best season to travel to Muktinath Temple is:

Autumn: This is the best time to visit Muktinath. September, October, and November cover autumn. This season is neither too hot nor too cold. The trekking trails are available for trekking. The weather is clear and dry and offers an excellent view of the snowcapped mountains in the blue sky. The monsoon rain washed away the pollution and dust. This is the peak season in Nepal.
Spring: This is the second-best season in Nepal. The temperature is moderate and the views of the mountains are excellent. March, April, and May cover this season.
Summer: Since this is the rainy season, road tour to Muktinath will be difficult. However, this is the best trekking season. June, July and August cover this season.
Winter: Muktinath region is covered by snow in these months. December, January, and February cover these months. It is preferable to use mountain flights to view Muktinath during these months.

Planning to visit the temples in Nepal? Have a look at our Pashupatinath & Muktinath Tour Package.

What are some temples nearby?

Some temples near Muktinath Temple are:

Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal. This temple worships Nepal’s national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. It is situated near the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of supreme importance in Nepal. This temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the time of Mahashivratri, Teej, etc. The 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is considered to be the body and Pashupatinath is considered the head to the body.
Manakamana Temple: ‘Manakamana’ originates from two words, ‘Mana’ meaning heart or mind and ‘Kamana’ meaning wish. Therefore, Manakamana means ‘the heart’s wish’. this temple is present in the Gorkha district of Nepal is in dedication to the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. Bhagwati is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati – Shiva’s consort.

Muktinath Tour Cost

If you have any questions about the Muktinath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Kadri Manjunath Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and Significance

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 8 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Kadri Manjunath Temple of Sri Manjunatha is located in Kadri, Mangalore. Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the best examples of religious harmony, where people from two faiths, Hinduism and Buddhism worship together with the deity of Lord Shiva as Lord Manjunatha.

Kadri Manjunath Temple – Facts

Darshan Timings	6:30 AM – 2:00 PM 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Poojas	Rudrabhishek, Mahapuja, Karthika Puja and Belli Rathotsava
Location	Mangalore, Karnataka
Tours	Mangalore Temple Tour
Deity	Lord Shiva
Significance	One of the seven Teerthas
Entry Fee	General Darshan: Free.
Dress Code	Traditional wear
Photography	Not Allowed
Parking	Free
Festivals	Kadirotsava, Karthika Masam, Navaratri, and Sivaratri.

The divine temple of Kadri Manjunath in Mangalore

The Annadana Seva is provided to all visiting devotees between 12:30 PM to 2 PM.

Kadri Manjunath Temple Puja Timings

Pujas and Rituals	Timings
Morning Temple Opening	5:40 AM
Rudrabhishek	7:30 AM
Rudrabhishek	11:00 AM
Ekadasa Rudrabhishek	11:30 AM
Maha Puja	12:00 PM
Evening Temple Opening	4:00 PM
Rudrabhishek	7:30 PM
Karthika Puja	7:45 PM
Belli Rathotsava	8:00 PM

Puja and Rituals at Kadri Manjunath Temple — The Inner sanctum Mahapuja in Kadri Manjunath Temple by the Priest.

Poojas and Rituals at Kadri Manjunath Temple

Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam – The Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam Pooja is performed for all the eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. After the aavahan sthaapna, the Laghu-nyasam is recited. Then Rudra Trishati is recited. Abhishekam is done to each of the 11 Rudras with all the 11 Dravyas prescribed in the Shiv Purana.
Shata Rudrabhishekam – The Pooja is considered to be extremely auspicious and sacred. It is believed that by performing the Pooja, one can obtain protection and fulfillment of the wishes from God.
Bilva Archana – The Archana is performed for the deity with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
Karpoora Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord with Camphor known as the Karpoora on behalf of the devotee.
Panchamrutha Abhisheka – The deity is bathed with five holy “Amrit” or Nectar. They are Milk, Honey, Curd, Sugar, and Ghee.
Sahasranama Archana – The Lord is worshiped by reciting his 1008 names and singing chants praising him on behalf of the devotee.
Navagraha Shanti Homam – The Homam is performed for devotees who want o remove the ill-effects of placement of planets in their horoscope. It helps in removing obstacles from achieving the goal.
Shukra-Aditya Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Shukra Dasha ending and Ravi Dasha beginning. This is mainly performed for a happy marital life and good parental health.
Kuja-Rahu Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Kuja Dasha ending and Rahu Dasha’s beginning.
Rahu – Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti Homam – This unique Homam is recommended for people whose horoscopes have Rahu Dasha ending and Guru Dasha’s beginning.
Ranga Pooja – The Goddess is worshiped with either 24 rows of Deepams or with 64 rows of Deepams on behalf of the devotee.
Sathyanarayana Pooja – The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Pooja can be performed on any day but is believed to be extremely auspicious if performed on the eve of Chithra Pournami. The Pooja is performed to attain peace, prosperity, to remove obstacles and to be free from the negative thoughts.
Mrityunjaya Homam – This Pooja is done to increase longevity and immortality of the person. The devotee asks for forgiveness from Lord Shiva and asks for a long healthy and prosperous life.

Dress Code at Kadri Manjunath Temple –

Devoteees in traditional dresscode in Kadri Manjunath Temple — Devotees and Small Kids dressed up traditionally for the festivals and puja in Kadri Manjunath Temple.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple does not prescribe to any strict dress code but it is recommended to wear decent clothes. Shorts, Bermudas, Miniskirts, and Beachwear are to be avoided for the visit.

The water’s source in Gaumukha cannot be traced to date. However, devotees believe that River Ganga herself flows into these Theerthas from Varanasi.

Significance of Kadri Manjunath Temple

The Kadri Manjunath Temple is one of the foremost examples of the confluence of diverse religious beliefs and their peaceful practice. The presiding deity is called Lord Manjunathaswamy in the Vaishnavite style. Sri Lokeshwara or Trilokeshwar in Shaivite style and as Sri Avalokitesvara in Buddhist style.
The presiding deity, Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva is depicted in a unique Buddhist form. The deity has three faces, six arms, and a Mukut or a Crown depicting Dhyani Buddha.
The idol is made of the Panchaloha element. The Panchaloha is traditionally an alloy of five metals. The composition of the alloy was kept as a secret for several centuries and is often mentioned in the Shilpa Shastras. The metals involved were later found out to be a mix of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, and Lead.
It is believed that worshiping idols made of the Panchaloha material imparts balance, self-confidence, health, fortune, and peace of mind.
The Theerthas of most of the Temples in India is either located on par or below the Temple elevation. However, in Kadri Manjunath Temple, the seven main Theerthas is located 20 feet above the Temple’s location. Water collects into this seven holy theerthas from the Gaumukha, a cow’s mouth shaped cavern.
The town of Kadri is the biggest center of worship for the Natha cult or sampradaya. Macchendra Natha, a disciple of Adinatha along with his disciple Gorakh Natha made Kadiri Vihara their home in the 10th century. They discovered the Kundalini system of Yoga.
The caves surrounding the vicinity of the Kadri Manjunath Temple are called Pandava Caves and it is believed that the Pandavas resided here during their period of exile.

The interesting and unique fact about the Kadri Manjunath Temple is that it was a major Buddhist center of worship till the 10th century.

The History and Legends attached with Kadri Manjunath Temple

The legend goes by that Parashurama accomplished his goals by destroying the 21 generations of Kshatriyas all over the country. He than donated the land won to Sage Kashyapa. He wanted to do penance to Lord Shiva to redeem himself of the sins of killing Kshatriyas.
However, he did not know where to perform the penance as he had donated everything to Sage Kashyapa. Hence, he requested Lord Shiva for land, who appeared before him and asked him to proceed with his worship in Kadalivana.
Kadalivana was immersed in the ocean. He asked Lord Varuna (King of oceans) to release Kadalivana who refused to let go of the region. Parashurama took his ax, roared and threw it into the ocean. Afraid, Lord Varuna relieved the land to Parashurama as requested.
Another legend that establishes the Kadri Manjunath Temple origins states that the famous Sage Matsyendranatha (believed to be an incarnation of Shiva), his queen Mangala (incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and Sage Gorakhnatha visited Kadri. Impressed by the historical importance of the region, he wanted to establish a Shiva Linga at the place.
He instructed Gorakhnatha to obtain a Linga from Kashi for the purpose. Gorakhnatha was delayed in bringing the Linga to the place. Sage Matsyendranatha did penance for the appearance of the Linga. Eventually, Lord Shiva granted him his wish and appeared as an Udbhavalinga. The Linga brought by Sage Gorakhnatha was eventually taken by Sri Annappa Swamy to Dharmasthala.

A bronze image of a Buddha can be found on a Garuda vehicle of Lord Vishnu. This Temple represents in totality, the transition stage of Buddhism being absorbed into Hinduism.

The architecture of Kadri Manjunath Temple

According to legends, Parashurama located Kadalivana and observed the presence of one Rasakoopa (well) there. As promised, Lord Shiva appeared as a Linga in the well. He ordered Parashurama to construct a Temple with the help of Vishwakarma (God of Architecture). Accordingly, Vishwakarma constructed the Temple and the town.
The Manjunatha temple complex is square-shaped and is located on a hill. The figure of Sage Matsyendranatha graces the southern portion of the Temple. An idol of Sringinathas having a three hooded Naga overlooking it can be seen behind the figure of the Sage.
Similarly, on the western side, the 6 feet tall statue of Sage Gorakhanath can be found. The Deepasthambha can be found on the northern side of the complex.
The Kadri Manjunath Temple is believed to be built sometime during the 12th-13th century. The records show that the solid granite structure was renovated in the 14th century.
The Kadri Manjunath Temple architectural style resembles that of the Vijayanagara style of construction. A partially faded script in the kitchen of the Temple states that a King (whose name cannot be read) donated land for the construction and renovation of the Temple.
The earliest reference to the region of Kadri Temple can be seen in an engraving on the pedestal of the beautiful idol of Sri Lokeshwara. The inscription dated 968 AD states that King Kundavarma of the Alupa dynasty installed the idol in the Kadarika Vihara.
In Buddhist traditions, “Kadarika” means “hillside pasture land” and “Vihara” refers to a name given by Buddhists to any settlement. This inscription gave proof that a Buddhist settlement existed at the place in the 10th century.

Statues and Idols Present in Kadri Manjunath Temple — Different Statues and bronze idols of Gods that can be seen in Kadri Manjunath Temple.

There are several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayyappa, Kateel Durga Parameshwari, Goddess Manjushri, Lord Ganapathi, and Vyasa Muni that can be found in the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at Kadri Manjunath Temple

Festivals in Kadri Manjunath Temple — The celebrations held in Kadri Manjunath Temple with much pomp and glory during the festive season.

Annual Festival – This Kadri Manjunath Temple festival is celebrated in a grand manner for nine days. The festivities begin in January on the day of Makara Sankranthi.

The first day comprises of an early morning Abhishekam to the Lord and a Dhwajarohana event in the evening. The Temple flag is raised indicating the beginning of the 9-day extravaganza. The Garudarohana will take place after the flag-raising ceremony is over.
On the first and the seventh day, a unique ritual called the Kanchil takes place. In this ritual, small kids dressed up as brides and grooms perform a parade in front of God.
The procession with the idol starts at 7 PM every evening and proceeds to Bikarnekatte, Mallikatte, Mundanakatte and then to Konchadi on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth day respectively. After the end of the procession, Mahapooja, Nithyabali, and Bhootha Bali will be performed on all the nine days.
The Maharathothsava will be held on the eighth day of the festival. Poojas like the Ratha Kalasha Pooja and the Mahapooja are performed in the morning. The Ratha Yatra starts at 6 PM. After the procession ends, Mahapooja, Bhoothabali, and the Shayana Pooja are performed for God.
The Lord will be placed in the Theertha Mandapam and given a ritualistic bath in the morning. Mahapooja and the Thulabhara Seva will be performed. The flag is brought down indicating the end of the celebrations.

Krishna Janmashtami – A Sandalwood statue of Lord Krishna is taken around in a procession to Gopala Krishna Mutt in the evening. The next day at 6 PM, the idol is brought back to the Temple with great enthusiasm. The Handi festival consisting of Mosuru or Buttermilk is broken by enthusiastic participants.
Sri Ganesh Chaturthi – The morning of the day marks the beginning of the Ganahoma with 108 coconuts. Special Modaka, made of Coconut, Arecanut, and jaggery are offered to Lord Ganapathi.
Maha Shivaratri – The festival is celebrated in February or March. The festival signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit’s episode in mythology. The day is celebrated with great reverence.
Sowramana Ugadi – On this auspicious day, Mahapooja will be done for the Lord. Vegetables will be offered to the Lord in the evening followed by a reading of the Panchanga (predictions for the New Year).

Some of the other occasions celebrated are Dhanupooja, Laksha Deepothsava, Karthik Somavara, Narakachaturdashi, Navaratri, and Rugupakarma.

How to reach Kadri Manjunath Temple by Road, Rail, and Air

Kadri has located just 4 km from the Mangalore city center.

By Air – The city of Mangalore is connected to all the major cities of India as well as the surrounding countries due to the presence of the Bajpe International Airport. The Airport lies at a distance of 10 km from the city center.
By Train – There are two main stations in Mangalore – Mangalore Junction and Mangalore Central. Trains from almost all major cities either stop or terminate here. Mangalore is well connected to cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vizag, Trivandrum and many more.
By Road – Mangalore is well connected by roads and highways. One can board buses from Bengaluru, Goa, Chennai, Karwar, Pune, and Mysore.

The Temple is further sanctified by the seven holy Theerthas presents at an elevation from the main sanctum. The main Theertha is called Gomukha Bhagirathi Theertha.

Where to stay in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Place to stay in Kadri Manjunath Temple — The Kadri Manjunath Temple, Dharamsthala for devotees to stay and rest.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple administration operated one guest house consisting of 21 single rooms and 3 double rooms which can be booked by the devotees.
A large number of private hotels are available for accommodating pilgrims and tourists alike. The rooms may range from standard to AC suites in five-star hotels.
A large number of Government offices also operate guest houses in the city which can be booked by contacting them. Mangalore is a coastal city and offers beautiful beaches. Hence, resorts are abundant here.

Devotees keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special Poojas are performed for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.

Where to eat in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Food in Kadri Manjunath Temple for devotees and tourist — Devotees can have a meal organized by the Temple or association or eat at the various south Indian restaurants close to Kadri Manjunath Temple.

The Kadri Manjunath Temple provides Annadana to all devotees from 12:30 PM to 2 PM.
Besides the Kadri Manjunath Temple, several other private restaurants are available throughout the bustling city of Mangalore.
The city offers a wide variety of cuisines like Konkani, Seafood, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian and Thai.
Several popular food joints are Hotel Narayana for Seafood, Hotel Guthu for authentic local cuisine and Chutneys for North Indian Vegetarian and Giri Manja for Seafood.

Nearby Temples in Kadri Manjunath Temple-

Temples near Kadri Manjunath — Different significant temples that devotees can visit near Kadri Manjunath Temple.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple – The Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathi dates back to 800 years and can be visited in the heart of the city. The Temple has been mentioned in several Puranas like the Sthalapurana. Sri Dashabhuja Mahaganapati, Sri Sharabeshwara, and Siddhi Lakshmi are the presiding deities of the Temple.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple – The Temple dedicated to Lord Gokarnanatheshwara, another form of Lord Shiva is situated at Kudroli, 5 km away from the city center. The Saint Sri Narayana Guru consecrated the Shiva Linga at the Temple in 1912. The Gopuram is 60 feet high and is decorated with beautiful divine sculptures depicting several Gods and Goddesses.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple – The famous and sacred shrine dedicated to Sri Durga Parameshwari is situated in Kateel, 26 km from Mangalore. The Temple is located on the banks of the River Nandini. Several legends are associated with the Temple, which is mentioned in the Puranas themselves.
Kudupu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple – The Temple is located just 12 km away from the Mangalore city center. The presiding deities of the Temple are Lord Anantha (Lord Shiva) and Lord Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu). The Temple is known for Serpent worship. The deity Sri Anantha Padmanabha faces west.
Thousand Pillars Jain Temple – The Temple is located at a distance of 37 km in Moodbidri. The presiding deity of the Jain Temple is Sri Chandranath Swamy. The Temple dates back to 1430 AD. A 2.5-meter high statue of Sri Chandranath Swamy is worshiped here. The style of architecture resembles the Vijayanagara construction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kadri Manjunath Temple

Are online tickets available for Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the counter for the same day Pooja. Online booking is not available for any of this poojas.

What are the preferable dress codes for devotees visiting Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Preferable dress codes for –
Men: White Pancha, Dhoti/ Kurta, Pyjama
Women: Saree with blouse/Punjabi Dress with Dupatta/ Chudidhar with Dupatta/ Half Saree.

What is the climate condition in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The climate is tropical in Kadri Manjunath Temple. It has significant rainfall most months, with a short dry season.

What is the closest airport to Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The closest airport for devotees and tourist is situated at Gaggal which is around 50 km away from Kadri Temple.

What is Maha rathothsava that is held in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

Maha manmaharathothsava or chariot uthsava is popular for its mass feeding. Devotees all over the world assemble to seek the blessings of Lord Shree Manjunatha and to be a part of the grand ceremony.

What is the main event that is celebrated in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The main event here is Lakshadeepotsava, when a 9-day fair is held.

What are the facilities available for tourist in Kadri Manjunath Temple?

The facilities available for tourists and devotees are Food Stalls, Accommodation, Washrooms, Lockers

Salihundam Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 2, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Buddha Temples

Salihundam is a village in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. It was known as Salivatika, which means rice emporium. Salihundam lies on top of a hill on the south bank of the Vamsadhara River. It features ruins of a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex on a hillock amidst scenic surroundings. It is about 9 miles from Srikakulam.

Salihundam is famous for numerous Buddhist stupas. These were discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy, in the year 1919. Salihundam shows evidence that during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, Buddhism thrived in the local area of it. Therefore, it has become one of the main Buddhist excavation sites.

What is the history of Salihundam?

There are numerous Buddhist stupas on a hill in Salihundam. These hills are present amid picturesque surroundings.
Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy erected this Stupa in the year 1919.
During digging performed by the state authorities, four stupas, Relic caskets, and architectural shrines were discovered.
One of the main Buddhist excavations stands there as an evidence that the religion thrived at this place during 2nd to 3rd century.

What is the significance of Salihundam?

The significance of Salihundam is that it holds a lot of archaeological importance owing to the existence of ancient monuments. There are a number of Buddhist stupas and a huge monastic complex. These are present amidst scenic surroundings. here’s distinct evidence of the presence of the ‘Vajrayana’ cult. Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other far-eastern countries from here.

How to reach this place?

Road: The nearest town is Srikakulam. Srikakulam is 17 km from Salihundam. There are good road connections from Srikakulam to this place.
Train: There is no railway station near to Salihundam in less than 10 km. The major railway station is Vishakapatnam Rail Way Station. It is at a distance of 117 KM.

What are the timings of the Stupa?

The Stupa remains open for visitors from 6 AM to 9 PM.

What is the entry fees of the Stupa?

The entry fees to the Stupa varies from Zero to 10 rupees.

What are some temples nearby?

Simhachalam Temple is located nearby in Vizag.

Udupi Krishna Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

February 1, 2024, Sasidhar Darla 8 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Krishna Temples, Mukti Sthala

Udupi Krishna Temple (one of the Seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka), dedicated to Lord Krishna is in the town of Udupi, Karnataka. The temple complex is also a Matha where the priests live and perform their daily duties. Vaishnavite Saint Madhwacharya, somewhere during the 13th century constructed the temple.

What are the timings of Udupi Krishna Temple?

Udupi Krishna temple can be visited from 5 am till 11 am in the morning and then from 5 pm till 9 pm. However, the timings change during festivals and other special occasions. Here are the timings of Udupi Krishna Temple:

Ritual	Timings
Temple opening hours	4:30 am
Nirmalya Visarjana Puja	4:50 am
Ushakala Puja	6 am
Akshya patra-Gopuja	6:15 am
Vishwaroopa Darshana	6:20 am
Panchamritabhisheka	6:30 am
Udvartana Puja	7:00 am
Kalasha Puja	7:30 am
Teertha Puja	7:40 am
Alankara Puja	8:30 am
Avasara Sanakadi Puja	10:30 am
Mahapuja	11:00 am
Chamara Seva	7:00 pm
Ratripuja	7:30 pm
Rangapuja	7:40 pm
Utsava	8:00 pm
Thottilu Puja	8:30 pm
Kolalu Seva	8:40 pm
Ekanta Seva	8:50 pm

Food being served at Udupi Krishna Temple

What is the significance of Udupi Krishna Temple?

The significance of Udupi Krishna Temple is that it is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. The other six are Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana, and Gokarna. These places are together the Parashurama Kshetras. Devotees believe that these Temples were built on land of Parashurama from the sea.

The actual darshan of the Lord is through a grilled window known as the Navagraha Kitiki or as the Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka’s window). The window has nine squares, each dedicated to the nine planets. Also, the window is covered on all sides with silver plating with carvings depicting the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.

The main idol of Lord Krishna shows him as a small boy holding a churning rod on the right hand and rope on the left hand. This representation of Lord Krishna can be seen nowhere in India but Udupi.

LORD KRISHNA OF UDUPI

The murti of Lord Krishna is unique and vibrant

The lamps that are kept near the main idol of Lord Krishna were first lighted by Sri Madhawacharya in the 13th century and are still kept burning.

The idols of Lord Mukhyapradana (Anjaneya or Hanuman) and Garuda kept in the Udupi Krishna Temple in their respective shrines were brought here from Ayodhya and installed.

It is believed that Chandra (The Moon God) did penance in Udupi to release him from the curse of Daksha Prajapati. Lord Shiva was impressed by his devotion and relieved him of the curse of Daksha.

A small shrine for Goddess Bhagirathi (Ganga) is in the southwest corner of the Madhava Sarovar. When the young Madhwacharya could not visit Badrinath, River Ganga herself flowed south to the Temple and gave him a darshan. A white stream of water emerged from the South West corner. Therefore a shrine of River Ganga was eventually built.

It is not closed in the afternoon. The holy trip to Udupi Krishna Temple is complete after visiting the Anatheshwara Temple and the Chandramouleeshwara temple before visiting the Udupi Krishna Temple. Aarti and Archana items are available in shops near the main entrance.

Devotees worship the idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a small boy. They believe that Saint Madhwacharya anointed his eight disciples to take care of the functioning of the Temple and to propagate his philosophy and studies.

These eight disciples created their own Matha and presently rotate their responsibilities every two years. The eight Mathas that run the Temple Administration are Palimar Mutt, Krishna Mutt, Kaniyour Mutt, Sode Mutt, Puttige Mutt, Admar Mutt, Shirur Mutt, and Pejawar Mutt.

The Udupi Krishna Temple complex resembles an Ashram with a huge Tank or Sarovar popular as the Madhav Sarovar. The main temple has a Mandap and the Garbhagriha. The main door of the sanctum is not open and visitors can view God only trough a meshed window that contains figures of Avatars of Lord Vishnu. Smaller shrines for Lord Hanuman famous here as Lord Mukhyaprana, Garuda and to Saint Madhwacharya are also there.

What is the history of Udupi Krishna Temple?

According to history, a popular legend is associated with Udupi Krishna Temple. An ardent devotee of Lord Krishna by the name of Kanaka Dasa arrived in Udupi in the early 16th century. As per ancient scriptures, Udupi was popular as Sivalli or as Rajathapeetapuram.

The place was pious even before the construction of the Krishna Temple due to the existence of the Anantheshwara Temple and the Chandramouleeshwara Temple.

The story of how the Udupi Krishna Temple came into existence is a very interesting one. There is a description of the events in the Madhava Vijaya, a biography of the Saint Madhwacharya and in a seventeenth century work by Sri Raghuvarya Thirtha.

As per Sri Raghuvarya Thirtha, Lord Krishna’s birth mother Devaki often complained to the Lord about being unable to witness the childhood of her beloved son Krishna. She wished that Lord make her happy and fortunate like mother Yashoda. Lord Krishna assumed the form of a small boy and played with Devaki. When churning butter, Krishna broke the churn and ate the lumps of butter.

He also snatched the churning rope from Devaki and started playing with it. Rukmini Devi, Wife of Krishna wanted to preserve the memory and had an idol made depicting Lord Krishna holding a churning rod and rope. She worshiped the idol regularly. After Lord Krishna departed to heaven, Arjuna moved the idol to Rukminivana and worshiped it with Chandana. With passage of time, a thick layer of clay deposited on the idol until the merchants boarded it into a vessel mistaking it for a ballast.

What is the dress code for Udupi Krishna Temple?

The male devotees should not wear shirts and vests inside the Udupi Krishna Temple complex. Also, they should avoid short pants and the Bermudas. We also request female devotees to dress traditional ethnic wear.

What are the poojas and rituals performed at Udupi Krishna Temple?

A sequence of fourteen Poojas is performed for the deity every day. They are:

Nirmalya Visarjana

The priest performs the Pooja at 5:30 AM every morning. In addition, he removes the decorations, ornaments, apparels and flowers offered to the God on the previous day. Then he bathes the idol. Finally he offers Naivedyam made from Tulasi, Bengal gram, Curd, Puffed Rice, jaggery, Ginger and coconut, Betel leaves and Ghee.

Ushakala Pooja

First of all the priest performs the Abhishekam of the deity at 6 am with the holy water stored in silver vessels. Then he conducts Eight Aartis and offers Sandal paste, Tulasi, Rice, Milk, Curd, coconut, Banana, and Betel Leaves.

Akshaya Patra and co – Pooja

The priest performs the Seva at 6:15 AM. He then worships a cow selected from the Cowshed. Then he distributes Rice and Jaggery to the cows.

Panchamrita Pooja

The Pooja starts at 6:30 AM. Both the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana are worshiped with the Panchamrit. After removing the sandal paste and flowers, in the Surya Saale of the Temple, the priest showers the idol with Gold coins. Then he bathes Lord Krishna with Ghee, Milk, Honey, Curd and Sugar. Finally, he offers 32 tender coconuts to the deity along with the Bananas.

Udvartana Pooja

The Pooja starts at 7 AM. The priest bathes the idol in perfumed water. Then, he offers tender coconuts, milk and butter and finally raises the Aarti.

Kalasha Pooja

The ritual occurs at 7:30 AM. The priest keeps gold Kalasas in front of the idol and performs pooja. Then, he offers cooked rice to the God which he later offers to Garuda. After the offering, the priest disperses the cooked rice into the Madhava Sarovar as feed for the Fishes.

Theertha Pooja

The Pooja takes place at 7:40 AM. First of all, the priest uses the holy water from the gold vessel for the main Abhishek. Then he dries the idol with a clean piece of cloth and decorates it with Tulasi garlands, flowers, and Sandal paste. Finally, he gives the holy water from this Abhishek as Theertham to the devotees. Hence this puja is known as The Theertha Pooja.

Alankara Pooja

The Pooja takes place at 8:30 AM. The priest decorates the idol with Gold ornaments and Silk clothing. Then he offers Tulasi garlands to the God. Finally he offers Rice, Sweets, Milk, Curds, Coconuts, Bananas and Betel leaves to the God amidst the singing of hymns and songs by the Matha musicians.

Avasara Pooja

The priest performs an Aarti to the God after offering Rice and Coconuts. This Pooja happens at 10:30 AM.

Maha Pooja

This Pooja is the most important Pooja of the day and the head of the Matha himself performs it at 11 AM. He offers rice, Tulasi, and sandal paste to the God amidst the chantings of Vishnu Ssahasranama, Krishna Stotra, and Brahma Stotra.

The Naivedya articles such as pots of cooked rice, sweets, and eatables, payasam, panchakajjaya, coconuts, plantains, betel leaves etc. are placed before the God. The priest comes out of the Sanctum and closes the door. Devotees believe that Madhwacharya himself makes the offerings to the God. After some time, the priests return and perform Aartis. Finally after firing two country Guns, signaling the occurrence of the Pooja, the people of the Town begin eating their meal.

Sri Mukhyaprana Pooja

The Naivedyams offered to Sri Krishna during the Maha puja are offered again to Sri Mukhyaprana. The Priest then performs the Aarti.

Sri Madhwacharya Pooja

The same Naivedyam is then offered to Sri Madhwacharya.

Simhasana Pooja

The Simhasana is offered the Naivedyam.

Pradakshina Namaskara

The priest goes around the idol four times and then proceeds to the Madhav Sarovar where he worships Goddess Bhagirathi. He dispers the offerings in the Sarovar. Then he proceeds to the Vrindavana and then to the Cowshed where he feeds the Cows. Afterwards he returns to the Simhasana where he distributes the Theertham to other priests and devotees. Finally he proceeds to the dining hall.

Chamara Seva

This Pooja takes place at 7 PM. Pooja is offered to sacred books and the Vigraha. Kirtans and bhajans are sung by the Udupi Krishna Temple musicians. Two huge baskets of puffed rice and Jaggery are offered to the God and an Aarti is raised.

Ratri Pooja

The usual Naivedyam consisting of pots of cooked rice, ghee, jaggery, tender coconut and milk is offered. Aarti is raised on this occasion as the music and chanting of hymns continues. This Pooja occurs at 7:30 PM.

Ranga Pooja

This service to God happens at 7:40 PM. The priest spreads four pots of Panchakajjaya on Banana leaves in a line in front of Sri Mukyaprana. Then he lights rows of lamps on either side and performs an Aarti. The devotees take the Utsava Murthi around the Matha and make offerings. The also recite songs and kirtans.

Ekantha Seva

This Pooja happens at 8:50 PM. The Utsava murti is laid down on a golden cradle. Aarti is raised and lullabies are sung. The blowing of a Conch indicates the end of rituals for the day.

Besides these daily rituals, as a devotee, a number of Sevas can be offered to the God. Some of them are Akhanda Saptotsava, Laksha Deepotsava, Maha Puja Rathotsava, Sarva Seva, Annadanam, Ksheera Abhishek, Nanda Deepa, Godaana, Sahasranamarchana, Ashtotta Archana, Karpoora Mangal Aarti and Vaayustuti Parayana.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Udupi Krishna Temple are:

The Saptosava

Devotees celebrate the unique festival in the Udupi Krishna Temple in a grand manner for a period of seven days. The festival begins five days before the Makara Sankranama or Makara Sankranthi in January. During the first five days of the festival, they place the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana on the Garuda ratha and idols of Lord Anantheshwara and Chandreshwara on the Mahapuja ratha. Then they take the two Rathas around the town.

Rathotsava

Ratho Utsava beiing celebrated at Udupi Krishna Temple

With great gallore and glory, the Rathoutsava gets celebrated at Udupi

On the day of Makara Sankranthi, the sixth day, the priests place Utsava Murthis of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana in a golden palanquin and take them to the Madhava Sarovar. There they place them in a decorated float and take them around the Sarovar. This Utsava is the Teppotsava. Devotees believe that Sri Madhwacharya installed the idol of Lord Krishna in the sanctum on the day of Makara Sankranthi.

Afterwards the priests take the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Mukhyaprana, Lord Anantheshwara and Lord Chandreshwara to the three chariots. Then they place the idol of Lord Krishna on the main beautifully decorated Brahma Ratha. They place the idol of Lord Mukhyaprana in the Garuda Ratha and the idols of Chandreshwara and Anantheshwara in the Mahapuja Ratha.

Thousands of devotees pull the three chariots chanting the names of the Lord. After the Rathas reach the Temple, the priests take the idols to the Vasantha Mahal where they place the God in a cradle and perform the Pooja for him. After the Poojas, they take the idols to the sanctum where the Flute Seva and Ekantha Seva takes place signaling the end of the day.

Churnotsava

On the last day, after the Mahapuja, the devotees bring Utsava Murthis of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprayana in a gold palanquin to the main chariot named Brahma Ratha. The priests perform Mangala Aarti for the Lords and then offers sweets and fruits.

One should observe that during this ritual; a Garuda always revolves around the chariot from above. Then the chariots go around the Ratha street and then to the Madhava Sarovar. After that, the priests bathe the Lord. Then all the priests and people take a dip in the Sarovar. The unique feature is that the priests offer flowers smeared with a gold paste to the Lord and then disperse them into the crowd. Hence, the name of the occasion became Churnotsava.

Shri Krishna Jayanti

The auspicious day occurs in August – September. The devotees and the priests observe a complete fast for the entire day. On the next day morning, a large number of guests are fed with special offerings like milk sweets.

A clay image of Sri Krishna is taken around the town in a Ratha and the Handi ceremony is celebrated with great energy. Handi is the process of breaking clay pots that hang between buildings and poles. Devotees take out a parade in which people dress as animals, masked figures and entertain the crowd. Then they submerge the idol in the Madhava Sarovar signaling the end of the celebrations.

Mesha Sankranti

The Hindu New Year usually falls in the month of April. The festival is popular Vishu (Kerala), Puthandu (Tamil), Baisakhi (Punjab), and Bihu (Assam) and devotees celebrate it by taking out a Ratha Yatra of Lord Krishna and then doing a Pooja in a cradle.

Vasantotsava

The day marks the beginning of the spring season and usually celebrated in March – April. The special Pooja and Prasadam take place for two months during the period. A Ratha Yatra for the God takes place every night starting from the day of Akshaya Tritiya and ending on the Vaisakha Poornima in May.

Sri Madhava Navami

Devotees believe that this is the day on which Saint Madhwacharya disappeared from mortal sight. Special Poojas take place for the Saint at the Anathasana Temple. People also believe that he is still present as a holy spirit. The mass feeding of Brahmins, as well as recitation of the Madhwavijaya (biography of Madhwacharya), takes place.

Holi Kamadahana

The auspicious and festive day of Holi occurs in March. On this day, a procession of Lord Krishna starts from the Temple till Kadiyali and back. An effigy of Lord Kamadeva (God of Love) is burnt in accordance of the mythological tale where he sacrifices himself so that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati fall in love after the death of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva.

Devotees smear themselves with colored water and paste and revel in the festival. Devotees also believe that Holi was Lord Krishna’s favorite festival and they celebrate it with enthusiasm, especially in Mathura and Dwarka. (Learn more about Dwarka Somnath Tour Package)

Besides the above festivals devotees celebrate Ram Navami, Narasimha Jayanti, Bhagirathi Jayanti, Chaturmasa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Deepavali, Subramanya Shashti, and Gurusamaradhana with great spiritual significance and fervor.

The Tulasi Vrindavana Festival – In the month of Karthik (November – December), the priest decorates and worships a sacred Tulasi plant and a lamp post in the North of the Temple by singing holy songs and recitals for a period of twelve days.

Janmasthami at Udupi Krishna Temple

How to reach Udupi Krishna Temple?

Here’s how to reach Udupi Krishna Temple:

Air – Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport 59 km away from the town.
Train – Udupi is an important railway station in the Konkan Railway route. Trains are available from cities like Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Kohlapur, Trivandrum and Madgaon.
Road – KSRTC operated regular buses from Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Mysore.

Where to stay nearby?

The holy town of Udupi is bustling with small hotels and lodges that offer the devotees a decent option to stay overnight.

Hotel Sri Krishna Residency: This hotel is located in an area with shops 2 km from the 13th-century Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Hindu temple, 4 km from Udupi train station and 9 km from Padukare Beach along the Laccadive Sea.
Rukmini Residency: Located in a commercial area with shops as well as restaurants, this hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple. It is only 3 km away from the train station.
Hotel Sriram Residency: This supremely furnished deluxe hotel is a 4-minute walk from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Hindu temple and 8 km from Malpe Beach.

Where to eat nearby?

The Bhojana Saale in the northern part of the Udupi Krishna Temple is where the devotees are fed. One can eat the Prasadam served at the Temple kitchen. Several restaurants serve delicious Udupi cuisine (mainly Idlis, Dosas, Vada, Sambhar) along with North Indian cuisine as well.

One can also find Non-vegetarian food, especially seafood in restaurants.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Udupi Krishna Temple are:

Chandramouleeshwara Temple

The Temple is just opposite to the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. Some believe that this is the place where Chandra did his penance and Lord Shiva relieved him of the curse of Daksha which stated that Chandra will keep decreasing in size and eventually disappear. Lord Shiva gave a boon that he will decrease in size for 15 days and then increase for 15 days in a month. The Temple is for Lord Shiva.

Devotees also believe that the Linga changes color from black in the morning, blue at noon and white at night. Some also believe that one must visit the Chandramouleeshwara Temple and the Anantheshwara Temple before visiting the Krishna Temple.

Anatheshwara Temple

The Temple legend says that Sage Parashurama retrieved the land from the sea and made his devotee Ramabhoja as the King. During the plowing of the land to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna, he accidently killed a snake. To relieve the sin, he made a silver peetham known as Rajatha Peetham in Kannada with images of a snake carved on it.

Shri Janardhana Mahakali Temple

The Temple is in Ambalpay area in Udupi, about 3 km away from the Sri Krishna Temple. The presiding deity of the beautiful temple is Goddess Mahakali. Devotees also believe that she came down to Earth as a guardian for the town and eventually Janardhana Swamy followed her.

Batte Vinayaka Temple

The temple is one of the oldest temples in the district, constructed by the Barkur kingdom. The unique feature of the temple is that the idol of Lord Ganapathi is facing the North but leaning towards West.

Sri Mahishamardhini Temple

The Temple is in Kadiyali. The temple’s history dates back to around 1200 years. The idol of Mahishamardhini is in a standing posture with four arms. She holds the Prayaga chakra on one hand and the Shanka on the other. The idol also depicts her piercing the head of the demon Mahishasura.

Visit the Udupi Krishna Temple

This year if you wish to seek the holy blessings of the Lord Krishna, then visit his shrine to bring peace to your mind.