Sri Krishna temple, Udupi – part two (the outer prakaaram)

Part One 

As we exit the Krishna temple, there is an open auditorium, where cultural programs and discourses are held. Opposite to the open auditorium is a building named Gita Mandira. We go around the temple tank to re-enter Car Street. Immediately next to the Krishna temple is the shrine of Lord Chandramouleeshwara. This is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Lord with the crescent moon as his crown. Another version also says that the moon, Lord Chandra worshipped Shiva, and so he is called Chandramouleeshwara. The Lord is worshipped in the linga form. 

Around the entrance of this temple there are paintings depicting different stories associated with Lord Shiva, like Markandeya, the taming of Ganga, and Parvati worshipping the Linga. We accept teertha and prasadam, and step out. 

We exit and walk through Car Street to reach the next temple, which is a few feet away. There are small shops on the street that sell things like toys, holy beads and amulets, blocks of sandalwood, the stones to grind sandalwood, packets of dhoopa or sambrani, incense sticks, and images and pictures of deities. The tall wooden chariot is parked on the narrow street. 

Image courtesy - Vinayaraj via Wikimedia Commons

Next up ahead of us is the Anantheshwara temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is built in the shape of an elephant’s body. The structure is rounded behind similar to the round rear of an elephant. The Anantheshwara temple is slightly bigger in size, and seems to have more activity (compared to the shrine of Chandramouleeshwara). It is believed that Madhwacharya vanished from sight in this temple compound. 

We accept teertha and prasadam, and go further. There is a small passage to the left inside the temple, which leads to shrines of other deities. I pay my respects to Lord Someshwara (another form of Shiva), Lord Subramanya, and Lord Ayyappa.

Car street at dusk

We take a pradakshinam of the temple and walk around the tulasi plant before stepping out. It is dusk already, and light is dimming. Car Street is a lovely place for those who love the old world charm. There are several small shops around that sell books, prayer utensils, silverware, and keepsakes. We slowly step out of Car Street and hurry to the bus stand, at peace after worshipping Udupi Krishna.

I will be back with a new temple next week. Till then, take care, and stay devout!