Udupi Yellare Sri Lakshmi Janardana Temple - History - Miracle of Annasantarpane - Irvatthuru Kshetra

In the holy soil believed to have been created by Parashurama, we find many unique and powerful centers of faith and devotion. Among such sacred places is the renowned shrine known as the “Second Vaikuntha”, located in Yellare village of Karkala taluk in Udupi, Karnataka — the revered Irvatthuru Sri Lakshmi Janardana Temple.

Presiding Deities

• Main Deity: Lord Sri Lakshmi Janardana

• Parivara (Attendant) Deities:

  • Sri Mahaganapathi

  • Sri Jaladurga

  • Other divine attendants

The temple conducts daily Trikala Pooja (three daily worship rituals) and Naivedya (food offerings). The Lord graciously accepts the offerings of devoted devotees and blesses them abundantly.

The Miracle of Annasantarpane (Free Meal Service)

Although the temple has been economically modest, a remarkable tradition continues here — daily free food distribution (Annasantarpane), carried out as per the divine will.

A unique feature of this deity is that the Lord stands holding a ball of rice (Anna Mudde) in one hand. This sacred symbolism reflects the temple’s ongoing commitment to feeding devotees.

Moved by this divine gesture:

• Devotees voluntarily sponsor “Amruta Padi Seva” (offering rice for the Lord’s Naivedya).

• They contribute rice in turns for daily offerings.

• Many also sponsor permanent poojas (Shashwatha Pooja Seva) to ensure uninterrupted worship.

Devotees often testify that through these services, the Lord has blessed them with long life, health, and prosperity.

Historical Significance

Temple inscriptions found within the premises and surrounding areas indicate that:

• The temple was originally built around 1400 years ago during the rule of the Alupa dynasty.

• Later, in 1413 CE, it was renovated during the reign of the Barkur feudatories under the Vijayanagara Empire.

• In December 1448 CE, during an Amavasya (new moon) and solar eclipse period:

  • The Barkur governor Banappa Odeya, in the name of Emperor Mallikarjuna Raya, donated Yellare village and its revenues to the temple.

  • The donation was formally recorded on 25 February 1449 CE, as confirmed by stone inscriptions.

Meaning of “Irvatthuru”

According to inscriptions dated January 1413 CE, this sacred region was associated with twenty villages, and was referred to as “Irvatthuru Nadu” (Land of Twenty Villages).

A Living Testimony of Faith

Sri Kshetra Irvatthuru stands today not just as an ancient temple, but as a living symbol of:

• Devotion

• Annadana (sacred food charity)

• Historical legacy

• Divine grace