Kudupu Temple History – Story - Festivals - Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu near Mangalore

Kudupu Temple, also known as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple, is located at Kudupu, which is around 10 km from Mangalore and on the Mangalore-Moodabidri in Karnataka. It is also an important naga or serpent temple in the region. The snake worship here is considered highly meritorious.

The main deities worshipped here are the Anantha Padmanabha form of Vishnu, Subrahmanya, Sesha and Nagas.

Legend has it that a couple who had no children had darshan of Anantha Padmanabha form of Vishnu and Subrahmanya here. The couple is believed to have had children in the form of Nagas here after they were blessed by Subrahmanya.

Monthly Sashti and Nag Panchami are important dates in the temple.

A small river called Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha is located nearby.

The temple has hundreds of stone murtis of Nagas which are worshipped during important auspicious days especially during Nagara Panchami.

This is an important temple in the region for naga related worship. People who have various type of Naga dosha find relief here.

Kudupu Temple Timings

6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The time is extended during auspicious days.

About the Temple (Sri Devalaya)

According to the Sthala Purana (local mythology), this temple was originally established during the Krita Yuga. The current structure is estimated to be around 800 years old. It is believed that a king named Veerabahu, in order to atone for his sins, built this temple at a place called Kudupu, dedicated to Sri Anantha Padmanabha Subrahmanya. The temple originally housed a Uddhava Linga form, which still remains the primary form, and the main deity installed for daily worship is present there.

Spiritual Significance

The temple is particularly known for the worship of Naga Devata (serpent deity). Devotees believe that worship here can cure Naga Dosha (serpent-related afflictions), skin diseases, and bless childless couples with offspring.

The temple is also famous for Urulu Seve, where devotees roll around the temple after taking a holy dip in the Bhadra Saraswati Theertha Sarovara, the sacred pond nearby.

Special Rituals and Offerings

Some of the major special rituals at the temple include:

• Ashlesha Bali

• Sarpa Samskara

• Naga Pratishta

• Night Flower Puja

• Pavamana Abhisheka

These are believed to be especially effective for curing skin ailments and issues related to serpent curses (Naga Dosha), and for aiding in fertility.

Origin Story

A Brahmin named Kedara Bhatta, longing for children, performed intense worship to Sri Subrahmanya at the Bhadra Saraswati Theertha. He was blessed with three serpent-formed children (Uragaanda), crafted from wild vines and placed in a sacred basket at Kudupu. He established them in a hidden location and worshipped them as Sri Anantha Padmanabha and Subrahmanya Swami.

At the same time, King Veerabahu, following the advice of royal scholars, constructed a temple at this very site where Kedara Bhatta was worshipping, and was said to have attained moksha (liberation) after repentance and devotion.

Inscriptions and Renovation

There are four stone inscriptions in the temple’s outer courtyard. Three are mostly eroded, but one mentions the donation of land to the temple.

The temple underwent complete renovation in 2018. During this time, wooden carvings depicting the temple’s history were installed in the sanctum's lamp room. The entire structure—including the sanctum, circumambulatory path, Nagavana (sacred grove for serpents), and the Bhadra Saraswati Theertha pond—was renovated in traditional Tulunadu style, respecting the historical and geographical context.

Location and Atmosphere

The temple is located in the serene, hilly village of Kudupu, about 10 kilometers from Mangalore city, surrounded by lush greenery. The Bhadra Saraswati Theertha Sarovara nearby is believed to have medicinal properties in its natural water.

Regular and Special Worship Days

The temple is especially renowned for Naga worship. Special services are held on:

• Shuddha Panchami and Shuddha Shashti (5th and 6th days of waxing moon after Amavasya)

• Bahula Panchami and Bahula Shashti (5th and 6th days of waning moon after Full Moon)

• Days of the Ashlesha Nakshatra

Daily services include:

• Panchamruta Abhisheka

• Naga Tambila

• Sahasranama Archana

• Ashtottara Archana

• Karthika Puja

All of these are believed to be especially beneficial for overcoming Naga Dosha, skin diseases, and for couples seeking children.

A unique ritual called Kalasha Snana is also performed, in which devotees take a holy bath in the Bhadra Saraswati Theertha Sarovara and then pour water from a blessed pot (Kalasha), believed to have healing powers for skin ailments.

Other Notes

• There are no traditional customs like Drishti Darshana (evil eye cleansing), Theertha Kaayi, or Tantra-based practices followed at this temple.