Shankaranarayana temple

Karnataka , Udupi, Bengaluru

In the Sahyadri valleys, projecting the rare confluence of Hari and Hara, Vishnu and Shiva, stands the Shankar Narayan temple. This is one of the seven temples believed to have created by Saint Parashurama. The huge bell inside the temple was given by Tipu Sultan. Some of the silver idols in the temple have been donated by kings of the yesteryears.

Legend

According to the mythology, to vanquish two demons Kharasura and Rattasura Sage Kroda Maharshi performed penance to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. They, satisfied with the penance appeared at this place as Shankaranarayana and conquered Kharasura and Rattasura. The hilltop where Krodha Maharshi performed penance is named as Kroda Giri.

This temple is part of Mukti Kshetra Darshan.

Architecture

After the entrance to the temple stands the golden Kodimaram and sculptures of the Gods on either side of it. The huge mural painting on the top depicts the stories from mythology. Inside the sanctum are the silver plated of idols of Lord Shankara and Lord Narayana. Udbhava Linga is placed just ahead of these deities. The doors to the sanctum are carved with various forms of Vishnu and Shiva. There are smaller shrines of Ganapathi, Gowri-Lakshmi, Partheshwara, Anjaneya and Krishna. There is a Koti theertha next to the temple.

Picture courtesy: www.shankaranarayana.org

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 7.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM
Devotees coming to this temple first make pradikshana of the Koti theertha before the darshan of Lord Shankaranarayana

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

January - Shankaranarayana Jaatre (two days after Makara Sankranti)

Culture

Shankaranarayana is a small village in Kundapura taluk, situated amidst coconut, arecanut plantations and the forest of Western Ghats. Well connected with Udupi, Kundapur and Kollur, the village is well equipped with all facilities like banks, hospitals and educational institutions.