SANTHUR - SUBRAHMANYASWAMY DEVALAYA

Strange it sounds that in the primeval times, here in this region a ferocious tiger and a poisonous serpent enjoyed cohabitation and lived always in bliss. Each respecting the other's way of life and nature for living. Peace prevailed and animosity went out of existence once for all. So the region was aptly named Santhapura, and later became Santhur. In addition, sage Bhargava for attaining Siddhi built ten shrines and installed the august icons of the different aspects of the highest divinities such as Vishnu, Rudra, Durga. Skanda etc. There were many thirthas as such as Nagasila and they never dry up even in summer. His ardent ambition was fulfilled after austere meditation. Among the temples survived, this holy shrine takes pride of place and it received renovation several times by the humanist philanthropists for public benefit. There are many vestiges of its former glory in the form of tanks, fallen dwellings, ruined monuments and even ant-hills said to have been inhabited by serpents, one of the manifestations of Lord Subrahmanya. The two and a half foot high charming icon of Subrahmanya formerly enshrined in a temple at Phahmar was stolen by greedy people and finally it was installed here. It is a black granite idol in standing posture, revealing Santharupa with a staff in right hand and Ksheera patra in the left. This sort of image is quite unique and nowhere such type is worshipped, says an archaeologist of great reputation. The inscriptions available here eulogizes its former splendour and - also the names of the patrons. Latest renovation took place in 1978 and from then it is visited by a steady stream of visitors. Daily worship is offered with great devotional fervour, and among the annual festivals, Subrahmanya Shasti in N9argpasira masa tops the list. Several special prayer services, like Mahasnana are offered and it lures thousands of devotees from several far off places. It is a miss-not Muruga kshetra of great reputation.

It lies on the Padubidri-Karkala highway, and 5 km off Padubidri, accessible by bus or by walk from the high way.

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