Kundapur

For the 2012 Malayalam film, see Kundapura (film).

This article is about the Town in India. For its namesake Taluk, see Kundapura Taluk.

Kundapura
town
Clockwise from top: Kundapur River, Main Road, Kollur Mookambika temple, Shastri Circle, Anegudde Sri Vinayaka temple, Coconut Tree.
Country	India
State	Karnataka
Region	Kundapura-->
District	Udupi
Zone	Kundapura
Municipality	Kundapura Town Municipal Council
Settled	1912
Headquarters	Udupi
Area
• Total	23.06 km2 (8.90 sq mi)
Elevation	80 m (260 ft)
Population  (2001)
• Total	28,595
• Density	2,415.11/km2 (6,255.1/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Kannada
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	576 201
Telephone code	91-(0)8254
Vehicle registration	KA-20
Nearest city	Udupi, Brahmavara
Sex ratio	1.09 ♂/♀
Legislature type	Bicameral
Lok Sabha constituency	Udupi Loksabha Constituency(15th)
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Kundapura Vidhansabha Kshethra(124th)
Website	www.kundapurtown.gov.in

Kundapura/kʊŋðɑːpʊrɑː/ is a coastal town in the Indian state of Karnataka. A taluka of the Udupi district, and 36 km (22 mi) from Udupi city, Kundapura is administered by Kundapura Town Municipal Council.

History

Kodi Beach at Kundapura

View from Kundapura Light House

Lake near Sri Kundeshwara temple

Anegudde Sri Vinayaka temple, Kumbashi

The name Kundapura can be traced to the Kundeshvara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river The name of the town may be derived from Kundavarma who ruled the area. Kunda means 'pillar' in Kannada, which refers to the traditional method of constructing houses. Pura means town. Kundapura is surrounded by water from three sides. To the north lies the Panchagangavali river. To the east lies the Kalaghar river. To the west lie the Kodi back waters and the Arabian Sea, leaving the south side as the main connecting land mass. All connecting roads to Kundapura enter the city from southern direction. North side of the town is vast backwaters of Panchagangavali river and it can be crossed by boat only.

Historical Port

Kundapura and Basrur were historical ports, and mainly good quality rice was exported from this port to Persia, Arabia and Zanzibar.

Access

Kundapura is well connected to other parts of the country by National Highway 17. This Highway connects cities and towns of different states as follows: Panvel, Mahad, Khed, Chiplun, Hatkhamba (Ratnagiri), Rajapur, Kankavali, Kudal, Sawantwadi, Panaji, Margao, Karwar, Kumta, Bhatkal, Kundapura, Udupi, Surathkal, Mangalore, KasaraGod, Taliparamba, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikkode, Kottakkal, Ponnani, Kodungallur, North Paravur and Edappally in Kochi.

The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, situated at Bajpe around 100 kilometres (62 mi) from Kundapura. A national highway connects this town to Karwar, Mangalore, Udupi etc.

SH52 is the main State Highway that connects to Shimoga District. It has 84 km length and passes through Koni, Basrur, Kandlur, Siddapura, Hosangadi, Balebare, Nagara and Thirthahalli. Kundapura also has better connectivity to Malenadu (Chikamagalore District) via different roads and State Highways.

Kundapura is also connected to the Konkan Railway, which runs from Mumbai to Mangalore. Kundapura railway station is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the town. Kundapura Railway Station (KUDA) is a much convenient aligning station for 3 famous ancient temples. Vinayaka temple, Anegudde (7 km), Shri Mookambika Devi temple, Kollur (38 km), Shri Sharadamba temple or Aadi Shankaracharya Peeta/Mata, Shringeri (79 km) are all on its rail line.

Demographics

As of the 2001 India census,

• Kundapura had a population of 28,595.
• Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%.
• Literacy rate of 92%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 94%, and female literacy is 88%.
• 9% of the population are under 6 years of age.

River behind Kundapur bus stop

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Communities, Languages and culture

The Town mainly consists of Hindus comprising of many communities like Bunts, Vokkaligas, Namadhari Naiks, Mogaveeras, Billavas, Kota Brahmins, Havyaka Brahmins, Shivalli Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Daivajnas, Kunabis, Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins, Christians and Muslims.

The town mainly consists of Kannadigas who speak Kundagannada. Others are Konkanis and Tuluvas. The Goud Saraswat Brahmins who fled Goa during the Portuguese arrival in the 16th century arrived by Boat in Basrur and settled in Kundapura and surrounding villages. These people together with the Kudubi tribe speak Konkani Language. A dialect of Kannada called Kundaganna or Kundapura Kannada is predominantly spoken in Kundapura town and Kundapura Taluk. Tulu is also spoken by some people (By 5% of the Population of Kundapura). Though most of The Tuluvas are from Mangalore and Udupi city.

Places of interest in Kundapura taluk

• Kundeswara temple is where Kundapura gets its name from. This temple was built by Kundavarma.
• Anegudde Vinayaka temple

One of the most famous and oldest temples of undivided South Kanara District. Located at the southern side of Kundapura on NH-66 (From Kundapura city 4 km and Kundpura Station ~8 km). Among the several temples in Kumbhashi Anegudde, Sri Vinayaka temple is the oldest and the most popular. This Ganesh temple is on a small hillock, giving the name Anegudde, "Ane" meaning elephant and "Gudde" meaning a hillock. People believe that God Vinayaka will solve their problems, hence the place is known as “Mukti Stalas” which means “Place of salvation”. The "Garba griha" or the main sanctum has the Lord Vinayaka in Chaturbuja (with 4 arms) sculpted on a huge rock-like structure covered in silver armour. Two arms indicate “Varada Hasta” granting boons, and two arms indicate salvation. There are many sculptures related to Bhargava Purana.

• Shri Mookambika Devi temple

Devotees from all over South India visit this temple. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centres created by Parashurama, a Hindu mythological figure. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Parvathi, wife of Shiva. While the other pilgrim centres created by Parashurama are devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganesha, this is the only one devoted to goddess Parvathi.

• Mekekattu Nadhikeshwara temple is a historical place. Located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Kundapura, it falls within the boundaries of Udupi Taluk but is culturally connected to Kundapura. It is near to Barkuru in Shiriyara village. Legend says it was created by sage Parashurama just like all the other places of coastal Karnataka. With the passage of time, the area where the temple is situated has been called by different names. It attracts several visitors every year, particularly during the annual festival, hasara and sedi. The most striking features of the Mekkekattu temple include a large collection of coloured wooden idols, some of which measure up to 10 feet in height. Most of the wooden statues are clad in warrior dresses, giving an impression that the entire row of wooden statues were created to remember an incidence of war that might have taken place during 1600-1700 AD (no historic evidence of this war is found yet, but it can be linked to the Mogul/Bahamani Invasion). Some of the statues look like Muslim soldiers while others look like Maratha soldiers. Some of them even held a replica of an old gun or swords, posed as if ready for war. All wooden statues are given local mythological names. Yettinahatti, very near to Mekke kattu, is an interesting place where bulls are worshiped, and may have some historical links with Mekke Kattu. There is also a small place called Karuvina Hatti about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Udupi via Brahmavara – Barkur, Shiriyara.
• Guddattu Vinayaka temple is situated on the border of Kundapur and Udupi taluks. Guddattu is a place of natural beauty. The History of Guddattu Sri Vinayaka temple runs back for about 1700 years. The natural rock formation similar to Ganesh Idols is seen inside a small cave and the natural formation of the cave is such that, around a thousand Koda of water collects naturally and submerges the Ganesh Idol. It is said that the three foot idol of Lord Vinayaka emerged by itself, attaching to a big rock. The black and grey stone structure of Lord Ganapathi is in sitting position. His trunk is towards the right and the eyes and legs are clearly visible. The pooja of Ayarkoda is performed by devotees with much faith and devotion. The new rock temple is constructed here, adjacent to a huge granite rock, which looks like a sleeping elephant. This temple is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Udupi via Brahmavara – Barkur, Shiriyara and about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Kundapura via Koteshwara – Hunsemakhi -Guddeangady.
• Herikudru (kudru means island) is a beautiful river island near Kundapura. Herikudru is connected with NH-66 which passes through the island. Herikudru is around 2 km from Kundapur city. The island is full of coconut trees which are fully surrounded by water. There is one more sub-island nearby called Kamastar Kudru.
• Padukone is a coastal village located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) north of the taluk center. Part of the village is surrounded by the Souparnika River and one has to cross this river in an old wooden boat from Maraswami to get to the village. Padukone village is surrounded by coconut trees and kudru.
• Basrur - Many temples on the southern banks of the Varahi River are located in Basrur. Historically, Basrur is the center of Kundapura Taluk. The area has many historical structures. Traders from foreign countries used to bring their boats and ships to Basrur, a natural harbour, and trade their goods for pepper and good quality rice. During the 19th and 20th century, Basrur was famous for singing and dancing lady communities that devoted their lives to singing, entertainment and attending the fancy needs of rich gentlemen.
• Uppinakudru or salt island, is located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of Kundapura. It is a taluk headquarter in Udupi District.
• Hoovinakere is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached the Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya.
• Koteshwara - The Koteshwara temple is a historical and religious centre. The lake adjacent to the temple is larger than the temple itself. One of the many legends of this lake is that there is an underground tunnel to Vandaru Kambala Gadde which runs for 20 kilometres (12 mi). The Pattabhiramachandra temple, Mariyamma temple, and Kodandarama temple are located in the same area as well.
• Hattiangadi has another famous temple of Lord Ganapathi, and many other ancient temples as well.
• Gopadi or Gopady is a small village located between Koteshwara and Kumbhashi. The Kantheshwara temple is a temple where one sees the"Udhbhava Linga". Gopady has a sea shore and a "Guest house" near the sea where people from far places come and stay.
• Kirimanjeshwara located about 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Kundapur, has the Kirimanjeshwara temple and the Agastyeshwara temple, that is named after Sage Agastya.
• Shankaranarayana located about 32 kilometres (20 mi) east of Kundapur, is traditionally called Krodha Kshetra and is one of seven places of pilgrimage in the region mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
• Trasi located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north of Kundapura has a beautiful 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) long beach that includes Turtle Bay and a Beach Resort.
• Maravanthe is one of Karnataka's most beautiful beaches. It is about 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Udupi. NH-66 runs right next to the beach and the Souparnika river creating a spectacular scenery considered one of its kind in India. The river Souparnika, which almost touches the Arabian Sea, makes a turn eastward to join the Sea after 10 kilometres (6.2 mi), which is a geological wonder.
• Kollur is one of the Shakti Pithas established by Shankaracharya.The souparnika river flows here in the midst of a dense forest. Kodachadri hill, with a height of about 3,800 feet (1.2 km) is a suitable trekking spot. Trekkers can start trekking from nagodi village near Kollur and reach Kodachadri peak after about three hours. Thick forest, sholas, grass lands, and cool air are a specialty of this place. There is a moola stana of a Kollur goddess at Kodachadri. An iron pillar, said to be an ancient weapon used by goddess Mookambika to kill the demon Kolasura, stands in front of a small temple near a travelers Bungalow. Sunset from Kodachadri Peak during winter is a spectacular sight. A traveller's bungalow, and other facilities are rudimentary. Those staying overnight should prepare for basic facilities at minimal.

NH17 near Maravanthe

• Ottinene is a sunset point on the seashore, near Byndoor village on the national highway. The Kshitija nature resort, a beach and sunset point, are favorite spots with travelers here. Byndoor is a village near the sea.
• Kodi Beach is located about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Kundapura. The Kinara Restaurant facing the Arabian Sea is located on the beach.
• Bhandarkars college is a first grade university located in Kundapura. The college campus has an adjacent cricket ground.
• Kannadakudru is a small island located in the middle of Gangolli, Uppinakudru, Hemmadi and Arate Bridge. Most of the people in the area are farmers that grow only coconut in the dry season and Rice in the rainy season. This village is surrounded by salt water, which invades the river at high tide from the Arabian Sea. Kudru means island and Kannada is the local language spoken in the village.
• Gangolli, even though very near to Kundapura, takes more than 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) to reach as Panchagangavali River separates it from Kundapura town. One can also take boat ride depending on the tide. It is a beautiful place located at the bank of five rivers and the Arabian Sea. Fishing is the main activity. Veereshwara temple is one of the oldest temples of Gangolli.
• Rattadi is a place between Halady and Amasebail. Named after God `Ratteshwara`, it is a small village near the western ghats. Thick forests surround this village.
• Maranakatte is a place located at a distance of about 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Kundapura and is known for its temple "Sri Bramhalingeshwara", located in the bank of the river Souparnika. It has a mythological connection with the Kollur "mookambika" temple, this being the place where the goddess of Kollur killed Mookasura, the Rakshasa. Adi Shankaracharya visited this place and stopped tantric rituals, and established Sri Chakra. Maranakatte is a beautiful place surrounded by thick forest and paddy fields.
• Halady is a village at a distance of about22 kilometres (14 mi) from Kundapura town. It is known mainly as a junction of roads leading to Shankaranarayana, Amasebail and Hebri. Halady River surrounds this village to the north. Upto the 1980s, Halady was famous for an old tiles factory that has become obsolete and outdated due to dwindling forest cover and decrease demand of tiles in view of RCC houses. The Marlu chicku is one deity of Halady which attracts a large number of people together with another temple of Laxmi Narasimha that has a seven foot stone statue. The river in front of this temple is where the Varahi Lift Irrigation Project work is done.
• Vakwadi is a small village located between Anegudde and Huvinakere and about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Koteswara. A temple of Mahalingeshwara about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Anegudde is a place where forest, meadows, and trees make for an excellent view.
• Bidkalkatte is a small town near Guddeangadi. It has a government-funded high school, college, Syndicate Bank branch, hospital and a car garage. This is on the Kundapura-Shimoga & Udupi-Shimoga state highway.
• Molahalli is a small village near Bidkalkatte known as the birthplace of 'Sahakari Pithamaha' M.Shivarao. The shivaraya temple is located in this place. The village hosts a Kambala every winter, which is visited by surrounding villagers.
• Hattikudur is also a small Island called close to Basrur. One has to cross the river from Basrur to reach the Island. There is also a temple of A goddess on the Island.

External links

Image of Kannadakudru