Nestled 34 miles north of Mangalore, Udupi is a hub for travellers and devotees alike due to its various attractions, and the Chandramouleshwara Temple in Udupi happens to be one of the biggest attractions for devotees and travellers, due to its history and its architecture. It was built between the 7th and 8th Centuries and constructed below ground level. Some of its features include two Shiva lingams, sculpted walls and pillars of black granite, images of Ganesha and Jaalandhra dancing and stone inscriptions. Overall, it promises a spiritual and healing experience to all who enter travellers and devotees alike.
Chandramouleshwara Temple In Udupi: A Treat For Shiva Devotees
From travellers to devotees, the temple opens its door to all. Hence this place is a must-visit for all. Even non-Hindus can visit the temple and admire it for its architectural splendour, but they must wear Indian clothes as per the instructions given by the temple management. As zealots, architectural enthusiasts, and history buffs alike, you can have a wholesome experience here. So, seek blessings and divinity from God.
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History of the Chandramouleshwara Temple
The Chandramouleshwara Temple’s history is unique. Inscriptions on the temple walls and pillars indicate craftsmanship and architecture of the 7th—8th century, and the temple was also believed to have been built then. Due to its antique appearance, it is often referred to as Udupi’s rajya. There is a prominent belief that one must visit this temple before visiting the Krishna Temple. It is an excellent example of Chalukya architecture.
Chandramouleshwara Temple In Udupi: Legends
The word Udupi has multiple origins, one of which is that it derives from the Tullu word Odipu. Another belief is that it is named after the Moon God Chandra, based on Sanskrit etymology. In Sanskrit, Udu means ‘star’, and Pa means ‘leader’. The Moon God, Chandra Deva, was traditionally considered the leader of the stars, and hence, this place came to be known as Udupi.
Ancient Hindu legends that have abounded in Tulu Nadu or the areas around Udupi have it that the Moon God, also known as Chandra in Hinduism, was cursed by Daksha Prajapati at one point. To redeem himself from this curse, the Moon God Chandra gave the penance of Lord Shiva on the banks of a pond called Chandra Pushkarini. Once Shiva was satisfied with Chandra’s penance, he appeared before him and redeemed him of the curse from Daksha. Hence, at this point, Shiva came to be known as Chandramouleshwara, and eventually, a temple was built to honour Shiva, which came to be known as the Chandramouleshwara temple.
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Marvel The Architecture Of Chandramouleshwara Temple
The Chandramouleshwara temple in Udipi is an excellent example of the stunning form of architecture employed by the South Indians at Udipi. An ornate and striking gopuram or temple tower, pillared halls and beautiful carvings are throughout. The inner sanctum sanctorum, or the garba griha of the temple, is spacious and large. It contains the main Shiva Linga of Chandramouleshwara. There are numerous smaller shrines to other deities around the main shrine, such as shrines of Ganesha and other gods and deities relevant to Lord Shiva. The carvings on the temple walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology and various deities, siddhas and mythical creatures.
Furthermore, the architecture of this temple goes back to about the 7th or the 8th century AD. The temple has four doors to allow entry across all the four directions. There are two large Shiva lingams in all, within this temple. The ornately sculpted walls and the large pillars of black granite make this temple an architectural marvel for visitors, whether they are devotees or travellers. The temple has an image of a Ganesha in the dancing form, as well as an image of Jalandhara. Sadly, there are no records available about who built this temple, despite the temple having been built by great architects, artisans and sculptors.
How to Reach Chandramouleshwara Temple In Udupi
Udupi is a well-connected upcoming town on the east coast of Southern India.
By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the closest airport to Udupi. It is well-connected to all cities and towns in India and the world.
By Road: Udupi is about 55 km from Mangalore. The highway runs along the western coast of India and takes about 1 hour to travel by road.
By Train: Udupi railway station is the closest station and takes one straight into the heart of Udupi. The station code is UD.
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Chandramouleshwara Temple In Udupi: Timings
Traveller Tip: If you want to visit the temple when there are fewer or no crowds, make a trip to the temple early in the morning. The crowds can start catching up as time passes.
Best Time To Visit: During the winter months spanning from October to March and from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Time required: Approximately 60 minutes is required to explore the whole temple. If you are a devotee, you can opt to perform some poojas and rituals at the temple by contacting the temple administration at their office.
Further Read: Temples To Visit In Udupi
The Chandramouleshwara temple in Udupi, near Mangalore in Karnataka, is a splendid example of ancient Indian temple architecture and a well-respected Shiva temple amongst the Hindus because it was worshipped by the Moon god himself. Visit this temple on your trip to Karnataka to soak yourself in Udupi’s cultural and spiritual delights!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chandramouleshwara Temple In Udupi
What is the story of the Chandramouleshwara Temple Udupi?
According to the legend Daksh Prajapati was cursed by the Moon God, hence to redeem himself, he prayed to Lord Shiva on the banks of Chandra Pushkarini. Pleased with this, Lord Shiva appeared, lifting the curse. From that day onwards, he came to be known as Chandramouleshwara, and the temple was built to honour him.
What is the history of the Chandramouleshwara Temple?
The temple is believed to have been built between the 7th- 8th Century in the Chalukya Dynasty. It is 900 years old and is filled with beautiful inscriptions. This temple was built to honour Lord Shiva
Who is Chandramouleshwara?
Chandramouleshwara is the name given to Lord Shiva after he lifted the curse on Daksh Prajaapati. It translates to ‘one who wears the moon on his head
What is the speciality of Udupi Temple?
The temple is unique for its worship pattern which consists of morning and evening worship. In the morning, priests perform abhishekam, a ritual bathing of the shiva linga with sacred substances such as milk, honey and water. The evening worship consists of an aarti, with lamps being waved in front of the deity.
What are the rules of Udupi Temple?
Visitors are required to remove their footwear at the entrance of the temple. There is a preferred dress code for both men and women, men are expected to wear dhoti or pyjamas with upper wear, and women are expected to wear a saree or a half saree with a blouse or a churidar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.
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