Ananthashayana Temple was actually a Jain Basadi that was proposed by one of the Jain kings during the year 1567. The story of the history of the temple goes like when Shringeri Jagadguru Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji came to Karkala and the Jain King gave him a hearty welcome to his Basadi. Then Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji declined his invitation and said there is no idol to worship there. However, Swamiji kept a condition that he would reside here only if an image of Lord is placed in it. Thus the Jain King then gave the Basadi to Sri Narasimha Bharathi Swamiji and installed a stone sculptured Idol of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping form. Lord Vishnu`s reclining position is known as Ananthashayana.
The large idol is made of a single black stone and is very superlative and the idols displays Lord Brahma on the lotus coming out of Lord Vishnu`s navel, and his wives Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet. This sculpture was found in a lake near Nellikar village. The temple displays various statuaries all in the vicinity of Basadi. The Archaeological Survey of India today takes care of the temple.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is during the months from September to March.
Visiting Information
The closest rail line to reach Karkala is in Udupi and is at distance of 36 km and taxi can be hired to cover the further journey. The closest domestic airport is in Mangalore that is at distance of 70 km while Bengaluru International Airport is at distance of 370 km. The buses ply from few of the major nearby cities. Both state owned and luxurious buses ply on these routes.
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