Temples of Udupi District in the Karnataka state are popular for the temple festivals and rituals. The Udupi district was created in August 1997. The three northern taluks, Udupi, Kundapur and Karkal, were separated from Dakshina Kannada District to form Udupi district. Udupi is a famous pilgrimage, particularly for Asta Math, i.e. eight Matts and Sri Krishna Temple. Udupi is also one of oldest religious educational centers.
Ananthapadmanabha Temple is one of the ancient temples of Udupi District, situated at Perdoor and enshrines Lord Ananthapadmanabha as the presiding deity. This temple is set amidst thick forests and rivers and is constructed on the principles of Vaastu Shastra. The presiding deity here is depicted in a standing posture, with the hood of the serpent over the head and a Padma on the navel. The main offering of the temple is bananas and the `hoovina pooje` (Flower Puja) is a special Puja done at the temple.
The annual festival celebrated here in March, amidst much pomp and splendor, attracts a large number of devotees from far and near. The Perdoor festival is another major draw, where chariots are drawn around the temple premises in a procession. Large number of devotees, particularly from Dakshina Kannada District, Uttara Kannada District and Chikmagalur, crowd the temple with great devotion. Kunjaru Giridurga is one of the temples of Udupi District that is situated at Kunjaru, about 6 km from Udupi. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Durga. The temple can be reached by climbing 257 steps. The main festivals celebrated in the temple are Dwajarohana during Magashudda Trayodashi and car festival on the full moon day.
Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, one of the temples of Udupi District is situated on the banks of Shambhavi River at Bappanadu village. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Sri Durgaparameshwari, in the form of linga (symbolic statue). Other deities worshipped are Lord Ganesh and Lord Narasimha. The main importance of the temple is that the Muslims are also allowed to enter the temple premise and can accept the prasadam (blessings). It is one of the main Shakti worship center in Karnataka. The temple is constructed in the 14th century architectural style. Brahma Rathotsava is the annual festival celebrated in the temple.
Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is an ancient shrine situated at Kumbasi. This is the abode of the elephant god, Lord Ganesh. Tulabharam is the main offering of the temple. The temple also conducts auspicious ceremonies such as wedding and naming ceremony. Ganesh Chaturthi is the major festival celebrated in this temple amidst much pomp and splendor. Sri Hale Mariamma Temple, Bala Ganapati Shrine, Madhva Temple, Sri Jayadurga Parameshwari Temple, Brahmalingeshwara Temple, Mahathobhara Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple, Sri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple, Brahmi-Durga Parameshwari Temple and Nandikeshwara Temple are some of the popular temples of Udupi District in Karnataka.
