12.724974.8874Kasargod, Kerala

TEMPLE

Srimad Anantheshwara Temple - Guide to Manjeshwar's Sacred Shrine

An ancient and revered temple in the coastal town of Manjeshwar, a major pilgrimage center for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community.

Kasargod, Kerala1-2 hours5:30 AM – 8:00 PMFree EntryPhotography OK

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Best Season:The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and humidity is lower. This period is ideal for exploring the temple and the surrounding areas comfortably. Avoid the summer months of April and May due to high heat and humidity. The monsoon season, from June to September, experiences heavy rainfall which might disrupt travel plans. Visiting during the annual Rathotsava (Car Festival) offers a unique cultural experience, but expect large crowds.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Manjeshwar?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Srimad Anantheshwara Temple is a significant pilgrimage site located in the coastal town of Manjeshwar. Primarily revered by the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, the temple is dedicated to Lord Anantheshwara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex also houses shrines for Lord Bhadra Narasimha and Lord Subramanya. Visitors enter a traditional Kerala-style temple structure with a copper-plated roof and a spacious outer courtyard. The main sanctum is serene, and daily rituals are performed with precision. A unique feature is the temple tank, or 'tirtha', which is believed to have underground springs. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, especially during the morning and evening prayer times when hymns are chanted. The town of Manjeshwar itself is interesting, positioned at the border of Kerala and Karnataka, showing a mix of languages like Tulu, Konkani, and Malayalam, which adds a distinct cultural layer to the experience.

Primary pilgrimage site for Gowda Saraswat Brahmins (GSB)

Deity of Lord Anantheshwara (Shiva)

Shrine of Bhadra Narasimha

Traditional Kerala and coastal Karnataka temple architecture

Annual 'Rathotsava' or Car Festival

A sacred temple tank with supposed underground springs

Cultural confluence of Tulu, Konkani and Malayalam languages

Ideal For

PilgrimsHistory enthusiastsCultural explorersFamiliesSolo travelersSenior citizens

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

November-December during the annual Rathotsava, major festival days, and public holidays.

Moderate

October, January-March, and on weekends.

Low Season

April-June due to heat, and July-September during the heavy monsoon season.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

5:30 AM — 8:00 PM

Open all days. Temple typically closes in the afternoon between 12:30 and 17:00. Timings may change during festivals and special occasions. It is best to verify locally before visiting.

Entry to the temple is free for all visitors. However, donations are accepted. There are fees for special pujas and offerings, which can be inquired about at the temple office.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Srimath Anantheshwar Temple, Temple Road, Manjeshwar

Coordinates

12.7249, 74.8874

Nearest City

Kasargod

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), located about 25 km away. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to reach Manjeshwar by taxi from th...

By Train

Manjeshwar Railway Station (MJS) is the closest station, about 2 km from the temple. It is on the Mangalore-Shoranur line, but not all express trains stop here....

By Road

Manjeshwar is situated on National Highway 66, which connects Mumbai to Kanyakumari. It is well-connected by road to Kasaragod (25 km) and Mangalore (22 km). Re...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of local transport and are easily available to get to the temple from the bus stop or railway station. Taxis can also be hir...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The history of the Srimad Anantheshwara Temple is believed to stretch back over a thousand years. It is considered one of the most ancient and important temples for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community. According to legend, the idol of the deity was installed here long ago. The temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries, with significant rebuilding efforts recorded in the 16th and 18th centuries. It has served as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the community, preserving traditions, rituals, and scriptures. The temple also holds historical importance in the migration and settlement patterns of the GSB community along the Konkan coast.

Significance

This temple holds immense religious importance as the primary spiritual center, or 'Kashi,' for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin community. It is one of the three main sites of worship for the community, along with temples in Kashi and Gokarna. The temple's unique combination of deities and its specific rituals make it a focal point for pilgrimages, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings. Its location in a region where multiple cultures and languages meet gives it a distinct cultural significance. The temple is also noted for its traditional architectural style and its role in preserving ancient Vedic traditions.

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Visit during the morning hours (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM) for a quieter experience and to witness the morning 'pujas'.

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and festival days.

Carry a water bottle, as the coastal climate can be humid.

Dress modestly

men are often expected to remove their shirts before entering the inner sanctum, a common practice in Kerala temples.

Photography is generally not allowed inside the main prayer hall or near the deities.

Speak softly and maintain a respectful demeanor within the temple complex.

Combine your visit with Kanwatheertha Beach, which is just a few kilometers away.

The annual Car Festival, usually in November/December, is a major event but attracts very large crowds.

Safety Tips

Be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas during festivals.

The temple floors can be slippery, particularly during the monsoon. Walk carefully.

Stay hydrated, as the coastal climate is often humid.

Follow all instructions given by the temple authorities for a smooth visit.

If you are not familiar with the rituals, observe silently and do not disturb the worshippers.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

Rules & Restrictions

Remove shoes at the entrance

Modest dress code required

no shorts or revealing clothing

Photography and videography are prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum

Maintain silence within the main temple area

Mobile phones should be switched off or in silent mode

Non-Hindus may have restricted access to the inner sanctum in some cases

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Kanwatheertha Beach - 3 km

Ananthapura Lake Temple - 20 km

Uppala - 10 km

Someshwara Beach, Mangalore - 15 km

Bekal Fort - 50 km

Malik Deenar Mosque, Kasaragod - 27 km

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Srimad Anantheshwara Temple - Guide to Manjeshwar's Sacred Shrine

Why Visit Manjeshwar?

Best Time to Visit

Entry Fees & Timings

Location & Directions

How to Reach

By Air

By Train

By Road

Local Transport

History & Significance

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Tips

Safety Tips

Rules & Restrictions

Nearby Attractions

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