Anantheshwara Hindu Temple, Udupi

1880 - Udupi Anantheshwara Hindu Temple, Udupi (Udipi), Karnataka

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ananteshwar Temple is an ancient 8th-century temple believed to be the oldest in the region. The temple complex also houses Chandramouleshwara and Krishna Temples. The main shrine is made of stone and has a recently installed silver door frame. A Hindu philosopher, Madhavacharya, trained and taught his disciples in the temple complex.

This place was anciently known as Sivalli. Locals also called it Siva-belli and sometimes even Rajathapeetha Pura. History has it that Ramabhoja who was an ardent follower of Lord Parashurama was crowned the king of this place, hence, the name Rajathapeetha Pura.

Once, Ramabhoja wished to perform a Yajna. In the process of performing the Yajna a snake was sighted and got killed by mistake. To free himself from Sarpa Dosha (sin of killing a snake), the king decided to make a Silver Pedestal (Rajatha Peetha) which would have images of snakes carved on it, as instructed by Lord Parashurama.

Another story says that Lord Shiva occupied the silver pedestal in the form of a Linga. It is also said that Lord Parashurama was requested by Lord Shiva to enshrine the Linga in the form Lord Anantha. This is how the name Anantheshwara came into existence. This is how the story of the temple of Anantheshwara coming into being.