The Shri Anantha Shayana Temple is a Hindu temple located in Karkala, Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in the Anantha Shayana pose, reclining on the serpent Ananta Shesha. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Karnataka.
The temple was built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a large complex, with a main sanctum sanctorum, a pillared hall, and a number of smaller shrines. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Vishnu, which is carved out of a single block of black granite. The idol is about 18 feet long and 8 feet wide.
The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the morning or evening hours, when the weather is cooler.
To reach the temple, you can take a bus or taxi from Mangalore or Udupi. The temple is about 50 kilometers from Mangalore and 37 kilometers from Udupi.
Here are some of the things you can do at the temple:
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
- Take a darshan of the idol of Lord Vishnu.
- Visit the other shrines in the temple complex.
- Take a walk around the temple complex.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
If you are interested in Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites, then the Shri Anantha Shayana Temple is a must-visit destination.