Kudupu town is situated very close to Mangaluru. The name Kudupu means a basket woven out of dried forest creeper.
Sri Ananta Padmanabha Temple is a major temple visited by thousands. The main deities of the temple are Ananta Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu), Subrahmanya (son of Lord Ganesha), and Vasuki Nagaraja (Serpent God). The temple is near Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha River.
In the main temple, Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy also popularly known as Vishnu is installed facing West. There is a huge Naga Bana (multiple Serpent god stone installations). There are more than 300 Serpent idols in the Naga Bana.
The architecture of the temple is the typical Dakshina Kannada with sloping tiled roof. There are remarkable details on the walls, pillars, and the roof. The materials used are stone, granite, and intricately carved wood. The roof carvings is very attractive as they are colorfully painted.
There are many shrines around the main temple dedicated to various deities like Naga Devaru (Serpent god), Subrhmanya Devaru, Shree Devi Ammanavaru (Lakshmi, consort of Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy), Maha Ganapati Devaru (Lord Ganesha), Jarandaya Daiva, Ayyappa Swamy, and Navagriha (9 planets).
On all the important days in the Hindu calendar, special poojas and celebrations are held in the temple. Ashlesha Bali is an important Seva (service) conducted in the temple.
Legend says that a Brahmin by name Kedar meditated to Lord Subramanya for an offspring. The intensity of the meditation was such that Lord Vishnu had to request Lord Subrmanya to grant the Brahmin’s wishes. But, Lord Subramany informed that Kedar could never have children but he will get salvation. Lord Subramnay appeared before Kedar and blessed him and his wife became pregnant but produced 3 eggs. The stunned Kedar was informed to place the eggs in the same place where he meditated as the 3 eggs represented, of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Mahashesha and Lord Subramanya. As instructed Kedar put the eggs in a basket known as Kudupu and placed it where he had meditated and achieved salvation. An anthill grew over it and the temples were constructed around it by King Shurasena.
King Shurasena’s hands were restored by the divine intervention of Lord Ananta Padmanabha. He had to build the temple in a day, and he could do it except for the Mugilu (ornamental top portion of the sanctum sanctorum).
Festivals:
The annual festival is celebrated in the month of December or January. The Brahmakalashotsava festival is celebrated in the month of February.
The other festivals celebrated in the temple are Subrahmanya Shashthi, Kiru Shashthi, and Nagara Panchami.
Places of interest nearby:
Ajjina Saana
Kudupu Katte
Pilikula Nisargadhama
Shri Amrutheshwara Temple, Kettikal
Vamanjoor
Kulashekara
Mudushedde
Polali
Gurupura
Place statistics:
Type of place: Temple
Situated: Kudupu village, Dakshina Kannada
Distance: 10 Km from Mangalore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: There are some staying options in Kudupu
