Located about 60km from Mangalore, the pilgrimage town of Udupi was the abode of Madhavacharya, the renowned Sanskrit philosopher and scholar. Besides the famous Krishna Temple and a cluster of mutts, Udupi is also well known for its delectable vegetarian delicacies.
The Krishna Temple, founded by the famous 13th-century Vaishnava teacher Madhava, is the major sacred site in Udupi. A unique feature of temple is the 'Kanakana Kindi' - a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa, a saint-minstrel. The Paryaya festival, when incumbent priests hand over their responsibilities to other pontiff, attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country every alternate year.
Udupi has been made famous by the eponymous eateries that serve delicious vegetarian food. The popular masala dosas and idlis figure prominently in the menu mainly comprising traditional South Indian vegetation food. These restaurants, with their affordable rates, quick turnover and simple but good food, have rapidly proliferated all over India.
Places to See:
Krishna Temple
One of the very famous religious sites in Udupi, Krishna Temple enshrines the deity of Lord Krishna. Set up by the great sage Sri Madhvacharya, the temple has an interesting anecdote connected to it. As per lengend, Kanakadasa, an ardent believer and worshipper of Lord Krishna, was not allowed into the temple. Pleased by the devotion of the devotee, the Lord turned the Krishna statue in a direction which allowed the disciple to regard his Lord’s heavenly form, through a little window at the back of the matha. This window is termed as ‘Kanakana Kindi’ and is an attractive feature of the temple.
Anantheshwar Temple
Located in Manjeshwar, Anantheshwar Temple is well-known as ‘Manjula Kshetra’ and ‘The temple of 18 towns’. The temple has a long heritage that dates back to a thousand years. It is believed that Parasurama upon recovering land from the sea, coroneted his devotee Ramabhoja as a ruler. Unintentionally, he once wiped out a snake. To get himself off from sarpa dosha, he then made a silver peetham with a snake cut out on it. Ramabhoja then installed Parasurama in the linga swaroopam and revered him as Anantheswara. Thus, the temple of Anantheshwar came into being.
Kaup Beach
Located 12 kms southwards of Udupi is Kaup Beach - one of the most beautiful beaches in South India. A lovely site boasting of undisturbed serenity and tranquility, Kaup beach is situated on the coastal belt. For photographers, it is nothing less than a paradise on earth. The 100ft lighthouse on the rocks makes way to be an ideal place to let the camera go on a roll. The place is utmost romantic and blissful.
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