About

Udupi which was known” Odipu “, was the field of activity of Shrimad Ananda Theertha Bhagavatpada, exponent of “Dwaitha” school of philosophy. Gowda Saraswath Brahmin Community, was in existence from the days of Madhwacharya in Udupi, is a Historical fact. In spite of their migration, G. S. B. Community in general, was following the daily Dharmic rituals. The religious performances formed part of their daily life. The Gowda Saraswath Brahmins settled down in Udupi were not an exception.

The construction of an attractive temple on the land donated by a religious minded lady 123 years ago, though a fact confined to the pages of history, it clearly depicts unity as well their commitment towards the noble religious rituals. It was not an easy task to erect a religious place of worship during that economically weaker period in the beginning of twentieth century. The longest period of twelve years was availed for the construction of the structure of Temple, with strong Granite base and walls covered by elegant copper roof was par excellence, from the time of the blessing of the foundation stone by H. H. Shrimad Bhuvanendra Theertha Swamiji , the then Peethadhipathi of Shri Kashi Mutt Samsthan.

Monolithic Idol of the God who is adored for his kindness and praised by devotees as “Bhakthabheestha Pradayaka” was consecrated in the sactum sanctorium constructed from granite, by H. H. Shrimad Varadendra Theertha Swamiji on Wednesday 29th April 1896 i.e. Durmukukhi Samvatsara, Shalivahana Shaka 1818 coinciding with Vaishakha Dwiteeya according to Indian Calendar. Exponent of Dwaitha Philosophy, mastery over the Vedic literature coupled with wisdom par excellence of H. H. Shrimad Varadendra Theertha Swamiji can be understood from the Sanskrit sholokhas carved on the two stone pillars of the “Namaskara Mantap” are everlasting testimony. The Idol consecrated by H. H. Shrimad Varadendera Theertha Swmiji, a monolithic carved structure is in standing position, having the appearance of conferring blessings on the devotees, with its enchanting smile enshrined with kindness is of about three feet height. The separate base of granite stone is a carving monument itself of about one feet height. The idol is decorated with “Shila Prabhavali” around it, is master craftsmanship itself.

The religious practises of the temple starts early before sunrise and all the daily rituals till night are performed in accordance with the directions and guidance of H. H. Shrimad Vradendra Theertha Swamiji, fulfilling the tenets of Aagama Shastras.

The devotion and the religious bent of mind is attributable to the grace of the God , resulted in the increase of silver and Golden decorative ornaments coupled with silver mantap adorning the Idol, silver palanquin , silver lalaki, covering of Mahadwara of sanctum are some resultant of benevolent contribution of the individual donors. The administration of the Temple was looked after by an administrative body consisting of 9 eminent personalities of the community.

The sacred pond named as “Padma Sarovar” had been dug with sharing of each step by individual donors in fulfilment of much awaited necessity of the temple in consonance with the decision of the management; on the backside of the main structure of the temple, about 105 years earlier. With the lapse of time dwara palakas in front of sanctum, various decorative ornaments to the presiding deity and golden Kavacha for the “Vittala Rakhumayee”, which are worshipped during “Bhajana Sapthaha” are few worth naming among the number of such items offered by the devotees over years.

In the Place of old building in the outer portion of the main structure eye catching construction with the “Mahadwara” or main entrance to crown this beautiful “Gopuram” had been erected as per the advice of experts in structural Engineering. The much awaited and dire need of the society for community hall had become reality and dedicated to Samaj Bhandawas from the time of its inauguration by H. H. Srimad Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji on 9th May 1955. This multipurpose Hall named as Shri Vardendra Kalamandir has beome reality owing to volunteer work of dedication and generous contribution of the devotees in general.

H. H. Srimad Sachidananda Saraswathi Swamiji of Sri Kaivalya Mutt had inaugurated on 7th November 1958, the upstairs of the building on the banks of “Padma Sarovar” named as “Shri Sudhindra Theertha Sadana” which is result of co-operation and financial involvement of Samaj Bhandawas.

An ardent devotee Shri Tonse Devaraya Shanbhag had donated “Shri Sachidanand Saraswathi Sabha Sadan” duly constructed in fond memory of his parents. This had been dedicated by Dr T M A Pai, the then Managing Trustee on 20th April 1975.

It is evident from the annals of history that right from the days of the consideration of the Idol of Lord Sri Lakshmi Venkatesha by H. H. Srimad Varadendra Thirtha Swamiji in the year 1896, the active participation of Samaja bhandavas is root cause for the success of all the development.

All the activities including the religious performance, development in the sphere of renovation of buildings spiritual cultural programmes have successfully achieved because by untried cooperation and economical backup /support from Samaj bhandvas such sphere of activity and cooperation is not only attributes to routine functions connected with temple or organising the camps and also chaturmasa of Guruvaryas but also assistance to the management in the construction as well as the repair works of the eye catching structures.

To fulfil the increasing need of the society Sri Bhuvanendra mantap has been constructed and dedicated by H.H. Srimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji. Further the Sri Bhuvanendra Mantap had been renovated with additional construction of one more upper floor. By utilising the resources contributed by individual donors, dressed granite had been laid to the outer “Pradakshina Patha” of Garbha Gruha.

The consecration of Parivar deity’s can be attributed as one of the major event in the History of the temple. The female devotees voluntarily contributed towards consecration of the eye catching idol of Goddess Shri Mahalakshmi at the divine hands of H.H.Srimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji on 10th May 1977. This act of devotion has resulted in inspiring the likeminded devotees. Within a short span of one year with the monetary contribution as well active involvement of Sri Manjunath Prabhu, an entrepreneur from Bangalore; a monolithic idol of Lord Mahaganapathi in the right side of the sanctum sanctorum had been consecrated by H. H..Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji on 10th June 1978.

With the initiative and involvement of Shivaraya Ramakrishna Baliga and Sons, two idols of Shri Hanumantha and Shri Garuda carved beautifully in granite had been inaugurated and offered to the temple in the divine hands of H.H. Shrimath Vidhyadhirajaa Thirtha Swamiji of Sri Gokarn Parthagali Mutt on 10th May 1979. This has been materialised within 11 months from the “Prathishta” of Shri Mahaganapathi was an epitomisation of devotion as well as the best example of Gods grace.

With passage of time, the Suthu Pauli and the upper ceiling of Sanctum of parivardevas, it is apparent of the effect of Forty Years long spell on them. In addition, inadequate inner space in the “Garbha Gruha” of Parivar Deva’s is evident. The Naivedya Kaksha as well as the water well used for the pooja purpose too is depicting the effect of passage of time on them.

The upper roof of main Garbha Gruha was covered with copper and other portions requiring mending had been rectified during the Centenary celebrations in the year 1996. The Pradhana Shikhara Kalasha of Gold had been adorned on the top of the copper roof by H. H. Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji as part of the centenary celebrations. As per direction of His Holiness other religious performances according to the citations and directions of ”Padma Samhita” had not only resulted in sense of fulfilment but also resulted in a sense of achievement in the hearts of devotees.

108 days long Bhajana Sankeerthana, continuously for day and night from 13th April 2008 to 30th July 2008 to commemorate 108th year of “Bhajana saptha” which is celebrated during the auspicious month of Shravana as a festival for the 7 days since 1901. Golden Palanquin was offered to the lord on 11th April 2016 in the august presence of H. H. Srimad Samyamindra Teertha Swamiji, through the humble donations of the samaj bhandhavajs to celebrate the 120th years of prathistha of the presiding diety. Further, the week long performance of havanas, rendering of Parayanas and observance of religious rituals by active participation of community members to commenrate the 120th prathista vardhanthi during May 2016.