Anantheshwara Temple Udupi
An ancient 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, predating the Krishna Matha and deeply connected to Saint Madhvacharya.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful darshan & cooler temps
Anantheshwara Temple Udupi
Best Time
Peaceful darshan & cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient 8th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, predating the Krishna Matha and deeply connected to Saint Madhvacharya.
"A very divine temple, next to the famous Lord Krishna temple, with rich history and significance."
🎯 Temple Etiquette
Dress modestly and be respectful. Remove footwear before entering.
🚶♂️ Pre-Krishna Temple Visit
Visit Chandramouleshwara and Anantheshwara temples first for a complete pilgrimage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lord Anantheshwara
Worship Lord Vishnu in his Linga form, a unique representation of both Vishnu and Shiva.

Saint Madhvacharya's Shrine
Visit the sacred spot where the Dvaita philosopher Saint Madhvacharya stayed and wrote his influential scriptures.

Ancient Stone Architecture
Marvel at the enduring stone construction of this 8th-century temple, a testament to ancient craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visit Before Krishna Temple
Ancient History & Divinity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Temple Etiquette
Dress modestly and be respectful. Remove footwear before entering.
🚶♂️ Pre-Krishna Temple Visit
Visit Chandramouleshwara and Anantheshwara temples first for a complete pilgrimage.
📜 Historical Significance
Take time to learn about Saint Madhvacharya and the temple's rich history.
🕉️ Divine Atmosphere
Experience the peaceful and divine ambiance, perfect for reflection.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Temple Etiquette
Dress modestly and be respectful. Remove footwear before entering.
🚶♂️ Pre-Krishna Temple Visit
Visit Chandramouleshwara and Anantheshwara temples first for a complete pilgrimage.
📜 Historical Significance
Take time to learn about Saint Madhvacharya and the temple's rich history.
🕉️ Divine Atmosphere
Experience the peaceful and divine ambiance, perfect for reflection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Anantheshwara Temple for its divine and peaceful atmosphere, its deep historical significance, and its connection to Saint Madhvacharya. Many highlight the importance of visiting it before the Sri Krishna Matha for a complete pilgrimage experience. Some note that it's less crowded than the Krishna Temple, offering a more serene darshan.
"Om Namah Shivay!
This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadev.
Shri Madhavacharya stayed in this temple premesis in the twelth century. Peaceful and divine."
Yogesh Ray
"Beautiful, sacred Ananteshwar temple..
Just a few steps from our Udupi ShrinKrishna temple..
A must visit before visiting Udupi Krishna..
First visit Chandramouleshwar ji, then Ananteshwar temple, then, udupi Krishna..
This is the process for darshan"
Kini Prashantha
"A very divine temple. This is next to the famous Lord Krishna temple. Plan and visit this temple as this is where the Saint Madhavachary wrote many scriptures.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It has a rich history. The temple is constructed around 8th century.
They still recite Vedas and there is a shrine for Saint Madhavachary.
This place is maintained by the puthige mutt.
It is 2 mins walk from the main entrance of the Krishna temple and about 5-7 mins walk from the exit side of Krishna temple.
There is a lot of historical significance and worthwhile to spend time and learn about the same."
Nagarajan T V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anantheshwara Temple is conveniently located next to the famous Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi. It's a short walk from the main entrance of the Krishna temple and about 5-7 minutes from the exit side. Auto-rickshaws and local buses are readily available to reach the Udupi Krishna temple area.
Yes, it's very accessible, situated in the heart of Udupi's temple complex. You can easily walk to it from the Sri Krishna Matha.
Udupi is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 60 km away. From Mangalore, you can take a bus or taxi to Udupi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entry fee to visit the Anantheshwara Temple. Donations are welcome to support the temple's upkeep.
The temple is generally open from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check local timings upon arrival, but it's usually accessible for most of the day.
No, advance booking is not required for general darshan at the Anantheshwara Temple. It's a place of worship open to all.
Yes, you can visit during festivals, but expect larger crowds. The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with great fervor.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Anantheshwara. It's also historically significant as the place where Saint Madhvacharya stayed and wrote many scriptures.
It is customary to visit the Sri Chandramouleeshwara Temple first, followed by the Sri Anantheshwara Temple, and then the Sri Krishna Matha.
It's recommended to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask temple authorities. Generally, photography might be restricted inside the inner sanctum.
The Anantheshwara Temple is located very close to the Sri Krishna Matha and is traditionally visited before the Krishna Temple as part of the pilgrimage circuit.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple's ancient architecture and intricate carvings offer many photo opportunities. The exterior shots with the temple gopuram and the serene inner courtyard are particularly picturesque.
Photography of the main deity inside the sanctum is usually prohibited. Always respect the temple's rules regarding photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around religious sites to maintain sanctity and privacy. It's best to avoid using drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider explaining the stories of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Saint Madhvacharya in simple terms to make the visit more meaningful. The ancient stone architecture might also spark curiosity about history. Remember to carry water and snacks, as facilities might be limited within the immediate temple complex.
🙏 Devout Pilgrims
Take your time to absorb the divine energy of the temple, which predates the more famous Krishna Matha. The historical and spiritual connection to Saint Madhvacharya provides a profound context for your spiritual journey in Udupi.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Understanding the customary temple visit order also provides insight into local traditions and the historical significance of these sites. The temple's continuous use for centuries makes it a living monument to Udupi's enduring spiritual and cultural legacy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Divine Trinity: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma
Furthermore, the temple's narrative is intertwined with the cosmic creation story. A common depiction associated with Vishnu is his reclining posture on the serpent Ananta, with a lotus emerging from his navel, from which Lord Brahma, the creator, is seated. Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort, is often shown massaging his feet. This imagery, while sometimes associated with Vishnu's cosmic sleep, also highlights the interconnectedness of the divine trinity in Hindu cosmology.
This multifaceted representation makes the Anantheshwara Temple a place of deep spiritual contemplation, offering insights into various aspects of Hindu philosophy and mythology. Visitors often find the serene atmosphere conducive to understanding these complex divine narratives.
Saint Madhvacharya: A Spiritual Legacy
Visitors can find a dedicated shrine to Saint Madhvacharya within the temple complex, a place where devotees often offer prayers and reflect on his teachings. The temple is also believed to be the site where Saint Madhvacharya attained siddhi (liberation or disappearance). This profound association makes the Anantheshwara Temple a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual guidance and connection to this influential saint.
The temple's management, often by the Puthige Mutt, ensures that the legacy of Saint Madhvacharya is preserved and honored. The recitation of Vedas and the continuation of ancient traditions within the temple further enhance its spiritual aura, making it a living testament to centuries of religious and philosophical heritage.
Architectural Heritage and Rituals
Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple is a vibrant center of ongoing religious practices. Devotees continue to perform ancient rituals, including the recitation of Vedas, maintaining the sanctity and spiritual continuity of the site. The peaceful and divine feeling within the temple is often attributed to these age-old traditions and the dedicated maintenance by institutions like the Puthige Mutt.
It is customary for pilgrims to follow a specific sequence when visiting the main temples in Udupi. This ritualistic order typically involves visiting the Sri Chandramouleeshwara Temple first, followed by the Sri Anantheshwara Temple, and concluding with the Sri Krishna Matha. This practice underscores the interconnectedness of these sacred sites and the devotional journey of pilgrims.
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