Shri Ananthapadmanabha Kudupu Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Shree Ananthapadmanabha Temple - Mythology (Story from Purana)

Once there was a Brahmin Vedic scholar called 'Kedar' who was very orthodox, kind and religious follower. But he was extremely worried of not having a child. Thinking of that the blessing of Saint is ultimate resort for having a child he wandered everywhere searching one such saint. Finally his search fructified when he came contacted with one such holy Saint called 'Shringa Muni' near a small river 'Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha' in midst of a big forest. He prostrated before a saint and placed his reason for worries. Hearing this a saint told him to stay there and start penance regarding Lord Subramanya who would fulfill your wishes. Saint also detailed him about the holiness of that place and the river.

Kedar accepted the advise of the saint and stood there and started a rigorous penance regarding Lord Subramanya with great concentration of mind and devotion. In penance he forgot all about his surroundings and himself. It continued for many years. As his penance became so intense it created a sort of immense heat in the surrounding and it spread everywhere even up to heaven. Devatas, humans, animals found it very hard to sustain. Everybody began to worry about the future if it continues like this. Worried about his penance Devatas went to Satyaloka to see Lord Brahma and told him the situation. Thinking of that Lord Mahavishnu only could redress the problem Lord Brahma accompanied by Devatas met him and detailed him with all about the situation. Hearing this Lord Mahavishnu said that Kedar is meditating regarding Lord Subramanya and only he could give remedy to this problem. Lord Mahavishnu promised Brahma and Devatas that he will meet Subramanya and accordingly he met him and told that Kedar is meditating upon him with a single desire of having a child that could be fulfilled by him only. He also asked Lord Subramanya to appear before Kedar and bless him with a child. But Lord Subramanya told that there is no child in the fate of Kedar and he is eligible only for salvation. But on the request of Lord Mahavishnu, Subramanya appeared before Kedar and blessed him with children. Kedar is so happy and expecting a child he settled near that Bhadra Thirtha River itself duly meditating and worshiping Lord Subramanya.

After some day wife of Kedar saw a serpent laying eggs and thought even snakes have good fortune of having children and worried too much about her fate comparing to that serpent. Year passed and Kedar's wife became pregnant and couple becomes very happy expecting a child. But after nine months, to their and everybody's surprise Kedar's wife delivered three eggs which was more looking like serpent eggs. Devatas thought these eggs are nothing but an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Mahashesha and Lord Subramanya and became very happy.

But Kedar was not happy. Even after rigorous penance if God blessed him with these eggs as children it is nothing but fate and a result of past action. That time he heard a divine voice coming from ether saying that these eggs are nothing but an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Mahashesha and Lord Subramanya for the sake of betterment of the world. It also realized him that he does not have further children and advised him to erect the eggs secretly at the place where he did penance upon Lord Subramanya. It blessed a place and River as a holy spot and whoever takes bath in the river will be blessed with children and freed from all sickness and sin. A divine voice also advised him to stay in that holy place worshiping Lord Anantha Padmanabha (another name of Lord Mahavishnu) and blessed him with salvation at the end...

Shree Ananthapadmanabha Temple Kudupu Temple is situated in Kudupu village, which is 10 Kms away from Mangalore City, in the Mangalore-Moodabidri route. This temple is dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabha (another form of Lord Vishnu) and famous for serpent worship.Annual festival Shashti is a famous religious ceremony falls in December. Also Nagarapanchami, a worship of sacrificing the milk to Lord Naga is celebrated with great devotion.

Temple surroundings:

Main deity Lord Anantha Padmanabha in the main sanctum is faced towards west. Naga Bana (place of serpent deity) though situated in eastern portion of the temple it is also faced towards west. There are more than three hundred of Serpent Idols in this Naga Bana. Holy pond Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha is situated left side of the temple. In front of the temple there is one small shrine dedicated to Sub-deity Jarandaya. Inside behind the main sanctum there lies Sub-deity Shree Devi and Lord Mahaganapathi in southern portion. A holy anthill situated inside the temple beside which there is a stone idol of Lord Subramanya and either side of the main sanctum there are stone idols dedicated to Jaya and Vijaya (statues of divine watchmen). Out side in front of the temple there lies one Valmika Mantapa either side of which there are Shrines of Ayyappan and Navagriha.

After some day wife of Kedar saw a serpent laying eggs and thought even snakes have good fortune of having children and worried too much about her fate comparing to that serpent. Year passed and Kedar's wife became pregnant and couple becomes very happy expecting a child. But after nine months, to their and everybody's surprise Kedar's wife delivered three eggs which was more looking like serpent eggs. Devatas thought these eggs are nothing but an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Mahashesha and Lord Subramanya and became very happy.

But Kedar was not happy. Even after rigorous penance if God blessed him with these eggs as children it is nothing but fate and a result of past action. That time he heard a divine voice coming from ether saying that these eggs are nothing but an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Mahashesha and Lord Subramanya for the sake of betterment of the world. It also realized him that he does not have further children and advised him to erect the eggs secretly at the place where he did penance upon Lord Subramanya. It blessed a place and River as a holy spot and whoever takes bath in the river will be blessed with children and freed from all sickness and sin. A divine voice also advised him to stay in that holy place worshiping Lord Anantha Padmanabha (another name of Lord Mahavishnu) and blessed him with salvation at the end of his life.

Hearing this voice Kedar became so happy and he kept those eggs in a basket weaved with forest creeps called Kudupu in local language and kept secretly in the place where he meditated upon Lord Subramanya. He spent his rest of life meditating upon Lord Anantha Padmanabha and attained salvation at the end of his life. Now in that place an anthill was grown and the place is well known as Shree Kshetra Kudupu. A small river called Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha resides near the...

Shri Ananthapadmanabha Kudupu Temple, located near Mangalore, is a revered spiritual destination for devotees of Lord Ananthapadmanabha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and the worship of the serpent deity, Naga. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings, the temple exudes an aura of serenity and devotion, making it a perfect place for spiritual seekers and devotees alike.

One of the most significant aspects of this temple is the Naga worship, a practice deeply rooted in South Indian tradition. The temple is known for its sacred rituals dedicated to the serpent gods, often referred to as Sarpa Samskara, Naga Prathishta, and Ashlesha Bali. These rituals are performed with great devotion by families seeking blessings for the well-being of their households and to alleviate any doshas (curses) related to serpent deities, often believed to bring about negative effects if not propitiated. The presence of the Naga idols around the temple's precincts highlights the importance of this worship in the lives of the devotees.

Shri Ananthapadmanabha Kudupu Temple has a rich historical significance and an air of divine energy that can be felt the moment you step into its holy premises. The main deity, Lord Ananthapadmanabha, is a beautiful representation of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent, Adishesha. The deity's divine presence fills the hearts of devotees with peace and reverence.

The temple is also known for its grandeur during festivals, especially Subramanya Shrashti, which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya (another form of the Naga deity). During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special rituals are performed, attracting large crowds of devotees. The temple's yearly festival, Brahmakalasha Utsava, is another major event, drawing pilgrims from across the region.

Apart from the spiritual experience, the temple is a peaceful retreat for those seeking to escape the chaos of everyday life. The sound of the temple bells, the chanting of hymns, and the soothing environment create a perfect atmosphere for prayer and meditation. Devotees often participate in the various sevas (offerings) to seek the blessings of Lord Ananthapadmanabha and the serpent gods for health, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.

Visiting Shri Ananthapadmanabha Kudupu Temple is not just a religious experience but a deeply spiritual journey. The combination of Naga worship and devotion to Lord Vishnu creates a unique, harmonious blend of traditions that are both ancient and meaningful, making this temple a must-visit for those looking to connect with their...