Shankarnarayana temple is situated in Shankaranarayana village, which was earlier known as Golikatte. This remote village is tucked amidst coconut and arcanut plantations surrounded by the Western Ghats.
Lord Shankarnarayana is the presiding deity here. Shankar and Narayana are jointly worshiped here. This is one of the seven holy places (Parashurama Kshetra) created by the great sage Parashurama. The seven holy places are Subrahmanya, Udupi, Kumbhakaashi, Koteshwara, Shankaranarayana, Kolluru, and Gokarna. These seven holy places are compared to the seven Rama Kshetra, which are, Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanthika, and Puri.
The legend depicts that Shakranarayana was known as Kroda named after Kroda Maharshi. The demons Kharasura and Rattasura were ill-treating common people and Kroda Maharshi meditated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Both the Lords came together and slayed the demons. The hill beside the temple is where Kroda Maharshi meditated and the hill is known as Kroda Giri. A 6 feet wide cave in which Kroda Maharshi meditated is known as Kroda Guhe.
The main deity is in the form of self-formed Linga (Udbhava Linga) about one feet below the ground. The Garbhagudi (Sanctum Sanctorum) is built around it. Only the mirror image of the Linga can be seen. Shankara Linga, which is round is on the right and Narayana Linga is flat with foot print of the cow is on the left.
The cow is believed to be that of Kamadhenu who stood dripping milk over the Linga. There is water called as Suddhamrita Theertha all around the Linga throughout the year. The silver-plated idols of Lord Shankara and Lord Narayana are also installed inside the Garbhagudi.
The holy tank called as Koti Theertha and is in front of the temple.
Panchamukhi Veeranjaneya is an ancient idol, which was revived, renovated, and re-installed in the presence of Sri Bhagavan Sri Shreedhara Swamy on 7th April 1955. On special occasions Ranga Pooje is performed to this idol.
Another beautiful and mesmerizing idol is the Belli Shankaranarayana installed in the north-east direction. This idol is made of silver and is 6 feet in height. The proportions and the glow on the face is so fascinating, it is very difficult to come away from praying at this place.
Shankaranaraya Jaatre, which is the annual fair is held every year on January 16th and attracts large number of people from the surrounding villages.
Around 1.5 Km from here is Sri Sambasadashiva Temple.
Place statistics:
Type of place: Ancient temple
Situated: Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka
Distance: 35 Km from Udupi
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Nil
