Karkala

Vibrant in activities and dynamic in environment, Karkala, a historical town and pilgrim center for Jains and Hindus is a peaceful Udipi district in Karnataka. Its name is derived from the Kannada word karikallu which means black stones.

Karkala is a tranquil town very well known for the Jain Basadis and the gigantic monolithic statue of Bahubali, which stands majestically in the heart of the city. Another main attraction here is the huge Chaturmukha Basti, a wonderful site. Karkala is a center of bubbling activity where agility and dedication combine to take a remarkable form. The visitors will be over whelmed with young zealous sculptors etching beautiful figures and bringing life to stones.

Karkala, historically known as Pandyanagari or city of Pandya, was ruled in early 14th century by the chief having name Veera Pandya of Bhairarasa family, hailed from Humcha in Shimoga district. Being secular even at that time of point, these rulers equally considered all religions, although they were themselves dedicated Jains. The Goud-Saraswats who were fleeing from Portuguese harassment were welcomed by Karkala and the large temple of Venkataramana is built in this serene city during the common era 1537.

Anantha Padmanabha temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, ChaturmukhaBasadi and Neminath Basadi at Hiriangadi, assumed to be built as early as 16th century, are some of other temple attractions here. All these temples have fascinating histories and are celebrated for architectural brilliance. The visitors throng to the temple of Venkataramana during the festival of lights to see fantastic view of lights. This temple is attractive to many people and many find it irresistible to visit the temple regularly and receive the Lord's blessings.

The famous single stone statue of 42-foot high Gomateswara, also called as Lord Bahubali, is located very close. There are about 18 Jain shrines here, apart from several other temples, mosques and churches in and around Karkala. Karkala has many places of worship like the Jama Masjid at Salmaar, the Attur Church of St. Lawrence which was assumed to be built some centuries ago and Padutirupathi Sreenivasa Temple supposed to be more than 550 years old. Anekere Lake and Ramasamudra pond are some other scenic attarctions here.

Karkala offers the tourists abundantly the cultural and religious heritage of South India and is a place worth visiting.