The Shiva Temple in Karnataka Nobody Talks About (But Everyone Should Visit)
- Ankita Ojha
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Dakshin Bharat (South India) is always known for the establishment of an endless number of popular temples. While searching for the must-visit temple in Karnataka, I found out about one. This Shiva temple is ancient and is covered with forest greenery. This hidden cave temple is in Karnataka’s village with a very small population.
My journey to this oldest Shiva temple in Karnataka was full of surprises and obstacles. And unfortunately, I was lost because I didn’t take the assistance of the locals. Remember, do not repeat the mistake I made. There are no directions given to reach the temple; only locals can guide you.
Now, let me reveal the temple’s name and every miraculous detail that surprised me. You must read the article till the end so that you don’t miss a single thing about the place.
Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple
Located in Moodugallu Keradi, Udupi district, Karnataka, which is 50 km from Kundapur. This Shiva temple in Karnataka is known to be a 2000-year-old site. Sri Keshavanatheshwara temple is covered with Moookambika Reserve forest where lord shiva meditated here for years and formed an aaproopi (self manifested) shivling as an existence.
Surprisingly, I also noticed that from outside the temple looks like a cottage, but when I went inside, it was a cave with an entrance to a water pond. This water pond has aquatic life surviving inside. While entering, you’ll find a large number of catfish touching your leg and passing by. Don’t worry, the water is clear without any danger.
Surprisingly, the water level is always consistent without flooding even in the rainy season. It's the first time I've seen and, yes, experienced something completely different. Devotees visit here to seek peace, spiritualism and nature’s beauty and freshness all in one place.
This temple is a blend of spirituality and nature, together conveying a message that “God resides in every living and non-living things”.
Moreover, the aaproopi shivling is also submerged in knee deep water and also it is believed by the locals that behind the shivlinga, the cave passage continues to the pathway to Kashi. Interesting, right?
Similarly, Patna City’s Gurudwara has an underground passage or so called tunnel which directs to Amritsar Golden Temple (Have you heard about it?).
Not only this, but a shocking thing I got to know from the locals is that if someone is very lucky, he/she can see the divine golden-nosed fish only on the day of Ellamasya (amavasya) every year. Here in this famous Shiva temple in Udupi, Karnataka, once a year in Amavasya, nearly 1000-1500 pilgrims visit Sri Keshavanatheshwara to offer him pooja and seek his blessings.
Moreover, in Moodugallu Keradi village only 5-6 families reside, which is completely remote and far away from the city lights, submerged in the selfless devotion of Lord Shiva and nature's purity and beauty.
Make sure to download the offline map, as there's zero connectivity after 3PM. Also make sure to carry snacks and water with you, as you won’t find any shops on the way to the temple.
Therefore, the journey from the forest to the oldest temple of Udupi, Karnataka is breathtaking and peaceful, filled with unique, shocking experiences. It was a great trip to the Sri Keshavanatheshwara temple and I would love to revisit it again and again, if the supreme god wants it.
Best Month to Visit:
June to September
Best Time for the Darshan:
6:00 AM - 7 PM
Address:
Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple, Moodgal, Keradi Village, Kundapura TalukUdupi District, Karnataka, 576233.
You can check the map here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get to Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple?
By car, drive via NH66, take the Kundapur exit, and head towards Keradi/Moodagallu village. The last 2–3 km is rough, so use an SUV or high-clearance vehicle. Use Google Maps for directions.
By Train: Get down at Kundapur Railway Station (connected to Mangalore, Udupi & Mumbai via Konkan Railway). From there, hire a local taxi or auto to the temple (~15–20 km).
By flight, fly to Mangalore Airport (IXE), then hire a taxi (~2 hrs drive via NH66). You can also take a train from Mangalore to Kundapur and then a local cab.
***Make sure to download the offline map for reaching the temple, as the connectivity weakens after 3 PM in Moodagullu.
Where is Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple?
The oldest Shiva temple is located in Moodagallu (Keradi village), Kundapur taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka.
What is Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple known for?
Sri Keshavanatheshwara is a rare natural cave-famous temple in Karnataka, roughly 50 feet wide and surrounded by lush forest. It is famous for the self-manifested lord Shiva, and also Keradi village in Karnataka gained widespread fame as it was the filming location for the Kannada blockbuster Kantara.
What deity is worshipped at Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple?
Lord Shiva is worshipped here. Inside the cave, there is a self-manifested Shivlinga submerged in the water. You have to walk first to seek blessings of Nandi through a small water pond and then reach him.
Is photography allowed inside the temple?
Avoid taking photos near the Shivalinga out of respect. You can freely click pictures of the cave, forest, and surroundings. When in doubt, ask the temple priest.
It's the Right Time to Visit Lord Shiva Temple in Karnataka!
Karnataka is popularly known as the largest hub of IT, but it also hides numerous old temples with real stories of their establishment. I too was unknown about Karnataka's religious and historical places, but after doing some hunting, I found this must-visit temple in Karnataka: Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple.
Make sure you wear a decent outfit, as temples in the South still prefer decent dressing. It is also a form of respect everyone must adhere to. Also, carry water handy to quench your thirst, as the journey is longer.
Therefore, I am on the journey to seek unique, unknown places from eateries to temples to historical places so that you can uncover them and plan your next trip.
I’ve also found another Kali Maa temple in Karnataka, which you can read about here.
See Yaa Again With New Stories!
Latest News: I am also starting a new journey about unique and yummiest recipes which you won't found anywhere only at Explore and Dine. So, stay tuned!
Meanwhile, you can also explore a few unexplored discoveries!
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