Kundapur
|
|
Kundapur, the headquarter town of the Kundapura taluk is about 36 kilometres from Udupi, Karnataka, India. This name can be traced to the Kundeshvara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river. Kundapur is also described as the 'town of the sun'. It has another old temple, that of Mahalingeshwara. It was the principal port of the Rajas of Baindoor who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagara power. The Portuguese settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British. There was once a tank of fresh water near the town in which was bred a special type of fish said to have been exclusively reserved for Tipu Sultan.
Kundapura taluk is a land of beckoning palms and green lagoons, a unique coastal strip attracting people from far and near. The abode of holy deities, thick forest and beautiful rivers, Kundapura has been hailed as a rare health resort. History reveals that the name derives from Kunda meaning jasmine, owing to the abundance of jasmine-trees in the area. According to others, Kunda means 'pillar', and here refers to the traditional method of constructing houses. The taluk of Kundapura is well blessed with more rivers than any other taluk of South Kanara. It has a 45 kilometres long sea coast on the western side extending up to its northern boundary. The bridge at Gangoli is the longest in Udupi district. The Kundapur taluk has played a significant role in evolving the Yakshagana dance-drama of the northern school known as Badagutittu.
places of interest in Kundapur taluk
Sri Vinayaka (Ganesh) Temple at Anegudde, between Kota and Koteshwara towns. The area where the temple stands is called Kubhashi. Among the several temples in Kubhashi Anegudde, Sri Vinayaka Temple is the oldest, and it is also the most popular in this region.
Missing image
Anegudde.jpg
Image:Anegudde.jpg
It is considered as the creation of sage Parashurama. With the passage of time the area where the temple is situated has been called in different names. According to the legends when drought hit this area sage Agastya came here to perform Yajna to please the rain god. During the yajna, the Asura Kumbha started bothering the sages. To rescue the sages Bhima killed the demon with the help of the sword gifted by lord Ganesha. It attracts several thousand visitors every day.
Basrur - Many temples are located here on the southern banks of the river Varahi.
Hoovinakere - It is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya.
Koteshwara - The Koteshwara temple is a historical and religious centre.
Hattiangadi has another well-known temple of Lord Ganapatti (Ganesh), and many other ancient temples besides.
Kirimanjeshwara - Located about 22 km from Kundapur, it has the Kirimanjeshwara temple amidst beautiful surroundings. There is another old temple called the Agastyeshwara temple, named after Sage Agastya.
Shankaranarayana - Located about 32 km to the east of Kundapur, it is traditionally called Krodha Kshetra and is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
Kollur is one of the Shakti Pithas established by Shankaracharya. Kodachadri hill at the backdrop is trekkers' paradise. Ottinene - This is a sunset point on the seashore. The Kshitija Nature Resort, a beach, and sunset point are the favourite spots with travellers here.
Natural beauty
Kundapur is the only taluk of the district that has gaurs in its forests. They are very powerful animals and move in herds of ten or so. Leopards sometimes prove destructive to livestock and wild boars to agriculture, mainly in the forest areas.
Missing image
Maravanthe_beach.jpg
Image:Maravanthe_beach.jpg
Maravanthe, about nine km. north of Kundapura is one of the most beautiful spots along the east coast of South Kanara. The river Sauparnika, running closely parallel to the coast, offers an unusual sight. National Highway 17 runs over the narrow strip that separates it from the Arabian Sea. A visit to Maravanthe, with its beach of unparalleled beauty, proves to be truly memorable. Bathe in the sea, bask on the beach. Row in the river. Watch the sun-rise and the sun-set.
Kamalashile - It is a nature lover's spot, as it is infested with streams, thick forests and much more. The holy temple of Brahmi Durgapareshwari is located here.
Trasi - A beautiful seashore, 12 km north from Kundapura.
Arisinagundi - A waterfall at the feet of Kodachadri hills.