Balakrishna Temple is one of the main attractions in the district of Udupi. The shrine features an image of Lord Krishna, which is believed to have been made by Viswakarma, a divine architect.
As per the legend, at the end of Dwapara Yuga, Krishna’s wife Rukmini and his mother Devaki used to enjoy childhood pranks of Krishna. It was then the divine architect created this image of Krishna, which was worshipped by Rukmini every day.
The shrine dates back to 13th century CE, which has a diffident structure. The silver sheets on the window are embossed with 24 different images of Krishna.
Balakrishna Temple
Pajaka Village
Pajaka village in Udupi is the birthplace and the hereditary home of Sri Madhavacharya who is a Dvaita philosopher. This place of natural beauty has a Banyan tree which was grown by Sri Madhva. The famed spot of this village is where the philosopher lifted two huge big stones and placed them over the pots and is also well known for the four ponds, the place from where he took water. The Madhva Mandira, a Vidyapeeta near the house is where the Vedas and Sanskrit are taught to the students and numerous pious activities take place.
Batte Vinayaka Temple
Batte Vinayaka Temple is one of the very old shrines in the district situated in Barkur. The shrine is visited by devotees in large number for paying homage during Sankashtahara Chaturdashi, Ganesha Chowthi and auspicious occasions related with Lord Ganapathi.
The statuette of Lord Ganesha facing towards north but leaning towards the west is the major highlight of the temple. The idol is covered with cloth around the waist and bells and plaited hair. The worship centre is frequented by drivers and vehicle owners.
Anantha Padmanabha Temple
Anantha Padmanabha Temple of Hebri in Karkala taluk is one of the valued shrines, located below the stretch of Agumbe Ghats. The temple is located on the river banks of Seethanadi. The shrine has sculptures of Kshethrapala, Khadga Ravana and Dhoomavathi.
There is a beautiful idol of black granite in a standing posture. As per the local myths, in the beginning of the 20th century, Hebri town was reduced to ashes in a fire accident, which was revived by the Lord. Gounothsava, an annual festival of five days from Kumbha Sankramana, is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Shri Krishna temple
Shri Krishna Temple Udupi is first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Thousands of pious devotees draw to Udupi Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glance of Lord Krishna.
This famous temple has a charming idol of Lord Krishna that is richly decorated with jewels. The unique characteristic of Shree Krishna Mutt temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The window is exquisitely engraved and silver – plated. It has been a custom in this temple to worship the Lord only through this window.
It is the core for education, social and spiritual activities in the district of South Canara. The reason for its renown is the statue of Sri Krishna installed by the great saint Sri Madhvacharya and the atonement and influence of Sri Vaadiraja yathivarenya. One more attraction of this temple is the ‘Kanakana Kindi’ -a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his fervent devotee, Kanakadasa.
There are mainly three temples in Udupi. Chandreshwara, Anantheshwara and Sri Krishna temple. Chandreshwara and Anatheshwara are the very old temples of Udupi.
The daily sevas and administration of the Krishna Mutt are administered by the Ashta Mathas. Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Krishna Matha. These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura.
Ambalpady
Ambalpady is famous for the Shri Janardana and Mahakali Temple which is a composite of many temples namely Mahakali Mandir, Janardana Pushkarani, Anjaneya temple, and Raghavendra Swamji’s Brandavan. Goddess Mahakali is worshipped more here than others as she is like a mother to the devotees, her children. Another point is that the Goddess Mahakali had visited this place to offer solutions to the problems of the devotees and to shelter the land. The place is named after the Goddess as Ambalpady means ‘Ammana Padi’. Even now Goddess Mahakali is being worshipped as a stone as was done at first and also as a wooden statue. It is said that Janardana Swamy came in search of Goddess Mahakali and determined to stay and protect the devotees. Lord Janardana is the main deity of Ambalpady and is worshipped along with Mata Mahakali.
Malpe beach
Beaches are well-liked for a reason as they give ample leisure opportunities for kids and adults alike. The Malpe Beach is one of a type, where you can fully enjoy the rest and peace that you require jointly with nature and relish every solitary moment.
The Malpe beach is identified for its delightful and attractive auburn sand and turquoise blue waters. It is lined with palm trees and the blue skies above append to the sight, providing an ideal picture. The vacation will be complete when you lie down on the sand and have every bit of the natural splendor around you, along with the chill air from the sea and shades from the palms. A small river, known as the Udayavara River, flows around the beach and this is also known as the Malpe River.
The activities that one can involve in the beach are copious and most of these activities are nature-based ones. The beach has many islands close by and it can be a wonderful experiences to timepiece these islands from up close.
Daria -Bahadurgad is the northernmost island here and Kari-Illada-Kallu is the southernmost island in the area. Daria-Gadara-Kalluthe is located between the northern most and the southernmost islands and the fourth island that is St. Mary’s Island, which is also called Thonse Paar.
St Mary Islands
St Mary Islands also known as Coconut Island and Thonse paar are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea of the coast of Malpe in Udupi. They are known for their characteristic geological formation of columnar basaltic lava.
The islands shape one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state, out of the 26 Geological Monuments of India affirmed by the Geological Survey of India in 2001. The monument is considered an important site for “Geo Tourism”.
In 1498, Vasco-da-Gama landed on one of these islands which he called `EI Padron de Santa Maria’. That reasoned the island got their present name. They are just a few scattered projections of rock mounting out of the western or Arabian Sea around Malpe.
The northern-most island is about a square mile in area and not more than 250 yards in width. It has coconut gardens which make it the shadiest of all the islands and provide it a true South Sea color. The island is noted for its renowned basalt rocks which Kulkunda, where a large cattle fair is held at the time of the have crystallized into columns and rips into hexagonal mosaic. Perchance, this is the only spot in India where basaltic rocks show up such peculiar formation. It is truly a geological monument and tourist’s heaven. The islands hold out possibilities of being developed into a popular holiday resort.
The only way to approach these islands is by boat. Regular boats ply from the Malpe Harbor to the islands. The frequency of these boats may differ depending on the amount of tourists. Accommodations are not obtainable at St. Mary’s Island.
Chandramoulishwar Temple
The Chandramoulishwar temple is Udupi’s aajya, or grandfather temple. Every celebration at the Krishna Temple always starts with a compulsory visit to this temple.
According to history, the Moon was once cursed by Daksha Prajapati. To get away from the curse, the Moon executed self-mortification. God was delighted and he came out before the Moon and set the Moon free from the curse. And so this place came to be known as Chandramoulishwar meaning Lord Shiva. The place has a famed temple by this name and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.