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Historical Places in & around Barkur
BARKUR
Barkur is about16kms.
North of Udupi, Barkur was once the capital of the Alupa Rulers and a
province of the Vijaynagar Empire. Remnants of the two forts built by
these rulers are still visible. Amongst the many temples built over the
years, are the Panchalingeshwara Temple (8th Century
A.D.), Batte Vinayaka Temple (9th – 10th
Century A.D.) and the Ganapathi Shrine of Moodukeri (13th
– 14th Century A.D.) UDUPI DISTRICT
The Sapphire Coast
The coastal district
of Udupi, with its palm fringed coastline, dotted with bays and
estuaries, sheltered by the soaring western Ghats, is studded with spots
of great scenic beauty. Sarojini Naidu, India’s eminent poetess, as
“Nandanavana”, “Garden of Pleasure”, has aptly described it. It
as also renowned for its pilgrimage centers, as well as its literary
traditions and rich cultural heritage. The Alupa Kings
ruled it, since the early period of the Christian era, till the end of
the 14th century. From the 14th to the 16th
centuries the area came under the governance of the Vijayanagar dynasty.
But the strongest influence was that of the Portuguese, who
arrived on the coast in the 15th Century. Haider Ali
and Tipu Sultan held away until 1799 when the British
forces defeated Tipu Sultan. The district is well known for its fabulous
costumed, musical dance drama form, Yakshagana and Kambala –
Buffalo Race, a sport popular among the community of cultivators of
wetlands. Udupi
Located 60 kms. North
of Mangalore, Udupi is one of the most sacred spots in India, visited by
pilgrims from all over the country. The importance of the place dates
from the time of Madhwacharya, the 13th century
religious leader, who is said to have founded the temple and placed the
image of Shri Krishna in it. Myth has it that the idol was obtained from
a ship that was about to be wrecked on the coast, but rescued by the
great saint. Madhwacharya lived and preached here and established eight
mutts (monasteries) (They are – Palimaru, Puttige, Pejavar, Shiroor,
Sodhe Vadhiraja, Admar, Kaniyoor, Krishnapura) in the area. According to
legend, the idol of Shri Krishna is believed to have turned around to
give darshan (divine vision) through a hole in the temple wall, “Kanakana
Kindi”, to the poet-devotee Kanakadasa, who was not allowed
to enter the temple. The Shri Krishna temple has an elaborate system of
poojas that begin early in the morning and end late at night. The eight
mutts take turn in administering the temple and the famous “Paryaya
Festival” held once in two years in January, marks the handling over
ritual. It is a colourful spectacle drawing thousands of pilgrims from
far and wide. Ambalapadi
Situated 4 kms. From
Udupi is the temple of Janardhana, renovated in stone in 1571, with the
400 year old, attractive idol of Janardhana and Mahakali
Temple with the five-foot wooden image of Kali. Udyawara
Located 5 kms.
Northwest of Udupi, Udyawara
was the seat of the rulers of Alupa from about the 8th
century. The Palace and Fort area contain some of the earliest monuments
of the district. The Bhairava Temple, built on a large rock,
containing ten pillars is the main attraction. The Sthamba Kallu, stone
pillars bearing inscriptions, date to the 7th century A.D. Saligrama
Located 20 kms. North
of Udupi, this has been religious and cultural centre for a long time.
The temple of Yoga Narasihma is believed to be 1000 years old. Mandarthi
Located 25 kms. North
of Udupi, is the Durga Parameshwari Temple, an ancient center for
Shakti worship. Besides the stone icons of Mahishasuramardhini and
Chamundeshwari, it has nine old masks, depicting the different
manifestations of the goddess. Makki Katte
Located 28 kms. North
of Udupi in the village of Siriar, this place is supposed to be the site
of penance, done by Rishi Jambukeshwara. It is also famous for “Brahmasthana”,
with its wooden “Bootha” idols ranging from 2ft. to 20ft. The
Bootha Spirits, often, family spirits, that guard the village and public
health, are propitiated by ritual dances. Kollur
Located 80 kms. North
of Udupi, The Mookambika Temple located at the foothills of the Kodachadri
Hills, is one of the most important centers of Shakti worship in
South India. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have consecrated the deity,
Mookambika, slayer of the demon, Mookasura, on a Sri Chakra, which is
installed in a copper roofed gold crested temple that is said to be 1000
years old. Kodachadri Hills
These hills (4411 ft.)
constitute one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka and part of this
region is designated as the Mookambika Nature Reserve. Kollur is an
ideal base to explore the hills. The Mookambika Nature Camp, a park 4
kms. South of Kollur, is a tranquil place, from where one can go on
rambles into the forest by trekking for 4-5 hours. Arisinagundi
The waterfall at the
foot of the Kodachadri Hills, is a favourite with trekkers. Belakal Teertha
This sacred pond
attracts thousands of devotees for an annual holy dip. It is also
favourite spot for trekkers. Kudlu Teertha
About 50 kms. from
Udupi, 15 kms. From Hebri, is the Kudlu Teertha where the river seetha
cascades from a height of 150ft. This picturesque locale makes a fine
picnic spot as well as trekkers delight.
Jomlu Teertha
Situated 42 kms. from
Udupi 10 kms. from Hebri. This cascade of Seetha river creates a
beautiful picnic spot.
Thrasi
9 kms. to the north of
Kundapur, situated near the national highway is a fine beach. Maravanthe Beach
About 12 kms. north of
Kundapur and 15 kms. from Udupi, this is one of the most beautiful spots
of the district. A drive along the west coast highway at sunset,
bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Sauparnika River to the
east, with the Kodachadri Hills in the background, is an unforgettable
experience. Hattiangadi
About 8 kms.
north-east of Kundapur, on the northen bank of the river Varahi, is
Hattiangadi, with its ancient temples and basadis. The Lokanatha Temple
dating to 9th century A.D. has smaller shrines including the
famous Ganapathi Shrine. Onttimane
40 kms. north of
Kundapur, 2 kms. from national highway, this is a scenic spot on the
beach to view sunsets. Pajaka (Kunjarugiri) 9 kms. south-east of
Udupi, is the birthplace of the Dwaita philosopher-saint Madhwacharya.
An image of his has been set up at the place where he was born, known as
“Madhwa Matha”. Several spots nearby are associated with his
miracles. Nearby is the temple of Goddess Durga Parameshwari, in
Kunjarugiri, which was installed 2500 years ago. Kaapu
12 kms. south of Udupi,
Kaup has a lovely beach as well as an old 100 ft. lighthouse that is the
guiding star for navigators. Mariyammana Gudi is famous in Udupi
district. Padubidri
26 kms. south of Udupi,
Padubidri has a Mahalingeshwara Temple, a Mahaganapathi Temple
and a Brahmasthana. A religious festival called “dakke bali”
is held once in two years. Perdoor
20 kms. east of Udupi,
is an ancient centre, with the Sri Anantha Pabmanabha Temple.
this area is well known for the Yakshagana dance drama form, which is
here, also known as Perdur Mela. Kamlashile
32 kms. from Kundapur,
Kamlashile is famous for its temple Durga Parameshwari. A car
festival of the temple is held around the month of April. Karkala
30 kms. south-east of
Udupi and 52 kms. north-east of Mangalore, is Karkala, an important Jain
pilgrimage centre. The towering 42 ft. monolith of Gomateshwara,
completed in 1432, is major attraction. The Chaturmukha Basadi,
completed in 1586, has four identical entries from all sides, life size
statues of three Teerthankaras and several smaller images. The
Mahamastabhisheka held once in 12 years to Gomateshwara. Attur
8 kms. from Karkala,
is the St. Lawrence Church, built in 1845. People from all
religions participate in the religious function held every year in
January. The village has a fine temple of Mahalingeshwara with a
copper plated garbhagriha (sanctum). Bajagoli
The Jodukere Kambala
also known as the Lava Kusha Kambala (buffalo race) started in 1970 at
Bajagoli in Karkala taluk, takes place on the first Sunday of February,
every year, on the fields of Bettu Gadde, which are 140 meters and 15
meters wide. A modern gallery has been built for spectators. Malpe7 kms. west of Udupi,
at the mouth of Malpe river is the natural harbour of Malpe, and
important fishing centre. Malpe has the Balarama temple as well as the
oldest tile factory set up by Basel Mission. St. Mary’s Island
Close to Malpe, this
is said to be the site where Vasco Da Gama first landed in India,
which he called “El Padron de Santa Maris”. The island is
noted for its unique basalt rock formations and is a popular excursion
for locals and day-trippers. Manipal
Located 5 kms. to the
east of Udupi, Manipal is today an important, progressive educational
and medical centre. The Academy of General Education, founded in 1942,
runs the numerous educational institutions. Manipal has a modern temple
dedicated to Venugopalkrishna, whose structure has features of a
church and mosque. End Point is a very
popular picnic spot here. The M.G.M. College
here has an institute of Yakshagana, a musical dance drama form,
with elaborate colourful costumes Hasta Shilpa (Heritage
Village) A unique experience
awaits the visitor at Manipal. An ingenious effort to recreate the
majestic ambience of ancient wooden houses, the finest examples of
woodcraft used to construct houses in the district. These houses are so
well produced that one may not believe that they are old, old enough to
be the fore runners of carving. Some of the houses are hundreds of years
old and the visitor will not be able to forego his impulse to spend a
day or two in these edifices. Udupi District
Area
: 3,575 Sq. kms Location
: Located between 13degree 05’ & 13degree
55’ North latitude &
74degree 40’ & 75degree 07’ East longitude. Population
: 11,09,494
(1991 Census) Climate
: March to May – Max. 34 degree cel Min. 29
degree cel.
June to Aug - Max. 27 degree cel Min. 24 degree cel. Airport
: Nearest Airport is Mangalore (60 kms). Rail
:
The Konkan Railway connects Udupi with towns on the Konkan coast.
Road
:
Regular bus services are available to Udupi
from Mangalore and
other towns and cities
in Karnakata We are thankful to The
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. for giving this
information in bringing this script.If any mistakes in this you are
mostly welcome to suggest. SantheGudde
Cricketers,Barkur
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Barkur, located in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka, India. 576 210 |
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Copyright Kishoo, Barkur 2002. |
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