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Bharat Mandir
Shri  Anantheshwara Temple

Shri Anantheshwara Temple

ಶ್ರೀ ಅನಂತೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ

Lord Parasurama · Udupi, Karnataka

Ancient★ 4.826,000 reviews8,000 visits

About the temple

The oldest temple in Udupi town (older than the Sri Krishna Matha); built on the legendary Rajata Peetha (silver seat); sacred monument where the great philosopher Sri Madhvacharya imparted the Aitareya Upanishad to his disciples and disappeared in a shower of celestial flowers in 1317 CE. Traditional belief: Visiting Ananteshwar is a mandatory prelude before Sri Krishna darshan; bestows mastery of philosophy, eradication of ignorance, and liberation.

Temple information

Darshan timings
05:00 – 20:30
Established
8

Deity

Lord ParasuramaGanesha Family
Deity form
Ancient Swayambhu Shiva Lingam on a silver pedestal (Rajata Peetha) symbolizing Lord Parashurama
Religious tradition
Vedic Dvaita & Agamic Tradition; sacred site where Sri Madhvacharya taught and disappeared
Sanskrit name
श्री अनन्तेश्वर मन्दिरम्
Also known as
Udupi Ananteshwara Gudi, Rajatapeethapura Temple, Parasurama Kshethra Ananteshwar

Darshan hours

Daily
05:00 AM - 01:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Break timings
01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Special days
Madhva Navami, Maha Shivaratri, Paryaya: 04:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Festival timings
Open till 10:30 PM on Madhva Navami and Shivaratri

Aarti & rituals

Morning aarti
06:30 AM
Midday aarti
12:00 PM
Evening aarti
07:00 PM
Night aarti
8:15 PM
Special aarti days
Madhva Navami, Maha Shivaratri, Mondays, Ekadashi
Ritual schedule
Nirmalya Visarjana, Ksheerabhishekam, Bilvarchana, Madhva Peetha Namaskara, Sandhya Deeparadhana
Pooja timings
05:30 AM - 01:00 PM, 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Abhishek timings
06:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Special poojas
Available
Online pooja booking
Yes

History & heritage

Historical period
Medieval
Built by
Alupas of Coastal Karnataka; nurtured by Sri Madhvacharya and the Ashta Mathas of Udupi
Architect / builder
Traditional coastal stone and timber guild artisans
Construction materials
Laterite stone masonry, dressed black basalt sanctum, copper tile roofs, teakwood pillars
Historical events
In 1317 CE, Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya delivered his final discourse on the Mandukya/Aitareya Upanishad at this spot before departing from mortal vision
Renovations
Conserved under the management of the Ashta Mathas and Karnataka Muzrai Department
Archaeological importance
The ancient epicenter around which the sacred township of Udupi and Car Street developed
Legends
King Ramabhoja performed Ashwamedha sacrifice on a silver seat (Rajata Peetha) where Parashurama manifested in the Lingam
Inscriptions
Stone epigraphs dating from the 10th to 14th century recording grants by Alupa and Hoysala monarchs

Architecture

Architectural style
Dravidian
Architectural period
8th Century CE foundations with 13th-14th Century CE modifications
Structure
Traditional rectangular courtyard temple with inner sanctum, timber cloister hall, and sacred spot of Madhvacharya marked by a granite seat
Floors
1
Gopuram
Two-tiered sloping copper-clad roof shikhara with golden stupis
Mandapa
Pillared wooden hall supported by heavy teakwood pillars with carved bracket figures
Sculptural features
Swayambhu Shiva Lingam on silver-plated altar, carved stone Nandi, and the consecrated stone slab where Sri Madhvacharya sat
Artistic elements
Intricately carved wooden ceiling rafters, hanging brass deepas, and silver doorframes
Construction technique
Interlocking laterite block masonry with fine timber woodwork built for humid coastal climate
Unique features
Devotees visiting Udupi must first visit Chandramouleeshwara and Ananteshwar before entering the Sri Krishna temple

Festivals & events

Festival calendar
Magha Shukla Navami (Madhva Navami), Magha Bahula Chaturdashi (Shivaratri)
Special celebration days
Every Monday, Ekadashi, Purnima
Cultural events
Scholarly Vidwat Goshthis, Haridasa devotional singing, and classical Carnatic concerts
Annual events
Grand Rathotsavam around Car Street during festival months
Peak crowd season
October to February, especially during Paryaya (January) and Madhva Navami

Visitor information

  • ✓ Parking
  • ✓ Restrooms
  • ✓ Drinking water
  • ✓ Shoe keeping
  • ✓ Prasadam counter
  • ✓ Photography allowed
Parking capacity
100+ Vehicles
Parking fees
Approx. 20-50 INR
Donation counters
Yes
Donation methods
Cash, UPI, Bank Transfer
Prasadam
Vibhuti/Kumkum.