ALAY DARSHAN: KNOW YOUR TEMPLES
Sri Ananthashayana Temple is an ancient temple located in Karkala, Udupi district of Karnataka. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ananthapadmanabha, another form of SriMahaVishnu.
Karkala, once forming a part of the Tulu country, was founded by the Karkala chiefs that are the descendants of Santaras. They hailed from Humcha in Shimoga district and were called Bairarasas. They are found to be ruling in this area from early 14th century.
The Ananthapadmanabha temple built in 1567 AD, is also called Sheshashayi Ananteshwara temple. The temple facing North is sandhara and has a garbhagriha of sama-chaturasa type, devoid of sukanasi but fronted by a tirthamandapa with four pillars. The roof of the garbhagriha as well as the tirthamandapa is two-tiered. The roof over the garbhagriha is covered with copper sheets and the raised neck portion of the upper tier is made up of timber and has reliefs depicting gods and goddesses. Interestingly, horizontal stone slabs are provided over the roof of the tirthamandapa and around the garbhagriha. The whole complex is enclosed by a pillared cloister pierced with entrance from the north. A modern shrine abuts the southern wall. The main deity is Vishnu resting on the coils of Adisesha. The image is surrounded by Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha in the niches of the sanctum. Brahma rests on the lotus which issues from Vishnu’s navel and Lakshmi attends on Vishnu near the feet.
Legend
This temple was originally a Jain Basadi in 15th century. During that time, Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji came to Karkala and the Jain King gave him a warm welcome. But Swamiji said he will stay only if there is a temple with Lord Vishnu installed in it. The king agreed but didn’t have the idol of Lord.The swamiji then informed the King that there is an idol of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy immersed in a small river in Nellikar.To the King’s surprise the idol was found in the river and later the prathistapana was done.
Thus the king gave his Basadi to His Holiness Sringeri Swamiji and installed a magnificently sculpted stone idol of Lord Vishnu in sleeping position. The magnificent idol of Lord Vishnu is carved out of a single black stone with Lord Brahma coming out of Vishnu’s navel and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet.
This temple is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.
The annual festival of five days includes Lakshadeepotsava and Ananthapadmanabha Vrata. The local meaning is the Nompu. Rathasapthami is a few of the special occasions celebrated with glory and pride.
Namaskaram: This article is contributed by an author that wants to remain anonymous
Mrigshira 