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{{Other uses|Karkala taluk}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=March 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=March 2016}}
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Karla
| name                            = Karla
| other_name                      = Karkala
| other_name                      =
| native_name_lang                = Tulu
| native_name_lang                =  
| settlement_type                = Town
| settlement_type                = Town
| image_skyline                  = Gomateshwara_Statue,_Karkala.jpg
| image_skyline                  =
| image_alt                      = Gommateshwara Statue
{{multiple image
| image_caption                  = [[Gommateshwara statue, Karkala]]
| border      = infobox
| total_width = 300
| image_style =
| perrow      = 2/1
| caption_align = center
| image1      = Gomateshwara_Statue,_Karkala.jpg
| caption1    = [[Gommateshwara statue, Karkala|Gommateshwar]]
}}
| nickname                        = Jain pilgrimage center
| nickname                        = Jain pilgrimage center
| pushpin_map                    = India Karnataka
| mapframe = yes
| pushpin_label_position          = left
| mapframe-zoom = 6
| pushpin_map_alt                = Karla
| map_alt                        =
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location in Karnataka, India
| map_caption                    = Karkala in Karnataka
| pushpin_map                    =
| pushpin_label_position          =  
| pushpin_map_alt                =  
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| coordinates                    = {{coord|13.2|N|74.983|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates                    = {{coord|13.2|N|74.983|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type4               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1              = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_name1              = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Tulunad]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Udupi district|Udupi]]
| subdivision_name3              = [[Udupi district]]
| established_title              = Settled
| established_title              = Settled
| established_date                = 1912
| established_date                = 1912
| seat_type                      = Headquarters
| seat                            = [[Udupi]]
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| area_total_km2                  = 23.06
| area_total_km2                  = 23.06
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| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_density_km2          = 1089.16
| population_density_km2          = 1089.16
| demographics_type1              = Languages
| demographics1_title1            = Official
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
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| area_code_type                  = Telephone code
| area_code_type                  = Telephone code
| registration_plate              = KA-20
| registration_plate              = KA-20
| blank_name        = {{nowrap|[[Official language]]}}
| blank_info        = [[Kannada]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (July 2012 to June 2013) |access-date=14 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2016}}</ref>
| blank1_name_sec1                = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_name_sec1                = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1                = 1.11 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank1_info_sec1                = 1.11 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| website                        = {{URL|www.karkalatown.gov.in}}
| website                        = {{URL|www.karkalatown.mrc.gov.in}}
| footnotes                      = The Famous Jain Centre
| footnotes                      =  
| demographics1_info1            = [[Tulu language|Tulu]]
}}
| demographics1_title2            = Regional
'''Karkala''' ({{IPA|kn|kɑːɾkəɭə|lang}}) ({{IPA|tcy|kɑːɾlə|lang}}) is a town and the headquarters of eponymous Karkala taluk in the [[Udupi district]] of [[Karnataka]] state in [[India]]. It is well known as an important center of [[Jainism]], with several ancient basadis (Jain temples) and the iconic 42-foot monolithic statue of [[Bahubali]] (Gommateshwara) dating back to the 15th century. Karkala lies near the foothills of the [[Western Ghats]], and has a number of natural and historical landmarks, and is a major tourist and transit destination due to its strategic location along the way to [[Hebri]], [[Sringeri]], [[Kalasa]], [[Horanadu]], [[Udupi]], [[Kollur, Udupi district|Kollur]], [[Subramanya, Karnataka|Subrahmanya]] and [[Dharmasthala]].
| demographics1_info2            = [[Beary]], [[Urdu]], [[Konkani]],  [[Kannada]]}}
 
'''Karla''' {{IPA|[kaːrɭɐ]}} also known as Karkala, is a town and the headquarters of [[Karla taluk]] in the [[Udupi district]] of [[Karnataka]], [[India]]. Located about 60&nbsp;km from [[Mangalore]], it lies near the [[Western Ghats]].
 
The town was called ''Pandya Nagari'' during the period of [[Jain]] rule, and later became known as ''Karikallu'' , then ''Karkal'' and then to ''Karla''. And during british era they changed it from Karla to Karkala.
 
Karla has a number of natural and historical landmarks. It is located at the bottom of [[Western Ghats]] covered with greenery year-round. It is a major junction for religious tourists due to its strategic location along the way to Hebri, [[Sringeri]], [[Kalasa]], [[Horanadu]], [[Udupi]], [[Kollur, Udupi district|Kollur]], [[Subramanya, Karnataka|Subrahmanya]] and [[Dharmasthala]].
 
== History and origin ==
Karla dates back to the beginning of the 10th century.


===Etymology===
== Etymology ==
Black granite is abundant in the area, and is in wide use in the local architecture. The name of the town is derived from ''kari-kal'', meaning black stone/ rocks because of presence of giant Blackstone rocks all over. There is still a place called as 'Kariya Kall' in the city which means 'Black Rock' in [[Tulu language|Tulu]] language. 'Kariya Kall/ ಕರಿಯಕಲ್ಲ್' to 'Karikal/ಕರಿಕಲ್' to 'Karkal/ಕರ್ಕಲ್/ಕಾರ್ಕಳ್', then officially made as 'Karla'. But then during british era they changed it to ''Karkala''. Karla also hold historic name of 'Pandya Nagari/ಪಾಂಡ್ಯ ನಗರಿ' because of rule of Pandya Kings. History signifies that there is a link between this name and Tamil Pandyan Dynasty. Some assert that the original name was 'Kari Kola' meaning 'elephant lake' in [[Tulu language|Tulu]] which is the existing 'Anekere'. Its alternative name, ''[[Jainism|Jain]] [[Tirtha (Jainism)|Tirtha]]'', is the result of 300 years of [[Jain]] rule. It was called Karkal by the English; later, it was called Karkala in [[Kannada]]. Karkala is on the top of a granite bed that is about 300–500&nbsp;ft thick.
Black granite is abundant in the area, and used widely in the local architecture. Hence, the name of the town is derived from ''kari-kal'', meaning black stone. There is still a place called as ''Kariya Kall'' in the city which means 'Black Rock' in [[Tulu language|Tulu]] and [[Kannada language|Kannada]] languages. The name 'Kariya Kall/ ಕರಿಯಕಲ್ಲ್ changed to 'Karikal/ಕರಿಕಲ್' and eventually to 'Karkal/ಕರ್ಕಲ್/ಕಾರ್ಕಳ್'. However, some studies assert that the original name was 'Kari Kola' meaning 'elephant lake' in [[Tulu language|Tulu]] and [[Kannada language|Kannada]] languages, which today is known as 'Anekere'. The current official name "Karkala" is in use since the times of the British, while it is still referred to as "Karla" by the local Tulu population.


===Ancient legends===
== History ==
{{Main|Gommateshwara statue, Karkala|Chaturmukha Basadi}}
{{Main|Gommateshwara statue, Karkala|Chaturmukha Basadi}}
[[File:Chaturmukha_Basadi.jpg|thumb|[[Chaturmukha Basadi]] ]]
{{ more citations needed|date= July 2023}}
[[File:Anekere lake.jpg|thumb|Kere Basadi]]
Karkala dates back to the beginning of the 10th century. The town was called ''Pandya Nagari'' during the period of [[Jain]] rule.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DHNS |title=A legacy filled with culture |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/a-legacy-filled-culture-2150317 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>


The Alupas were the first to rule Karla. Their rule was followed by the [[Santara dynasty|Santaras]], who were the feudatories of Alupas for many years. Karla, or ancient Pandya Nagari, attained political and cultural importance from the time of the Kalasa-Karla [[Monarchy|kingdom]] that was established by King Bhairava between 13th and 16th centuries. They appear to be the descendants of the [[Santara dynasty|Santara]] chiefs, who ruled the [[Western Ghats]] region around the 11th century AD.
[[File:Chaturmukha_Basadi.jpg|thumb|[[Chaturmukha Basadi]]]]
[[File:Anekere Chaturmukha basadi.jpg|thumb|Kere Basadi]]
[[File:Anekere Chaturmukha basadi complex.jpg|thumb|Anekere kere basadi ({{translation|Elephant lake, Lake Temple}}]]
[[File:St. Lawrence Shrine (Karkala).jpg|thumb|St. Lawrence Shrine Basilica]]
The [[Alupa Dynasty|Alupas]] were the first to rule the region who were Originally [[Jain]] rulers, and their rule was followed by the [[Santara dynasty|Santaras]], who were the feudatories of Alupas for many years. The town attained political and cultural importance from the time of the Kalasa-Karkala [[Monarchy|kingdom]] that was established by King Bhairava between 13th and 16th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ramesh |first=K. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eKs5AQAAIAAJ&q=history+of+karkala |title=A History of South Kanara: From the Earliest Times to the Fall of Vijayanagara |date=1970 |publisher=Karnatak University |pages=189 |language=en}}</ref>


The royal family of Karla rose to prominence right from the time of the [[Hoysalas]]. During the [[Vijayanagara]] period this family reached new heights of glory. Their kingdom extended over a wider area comprising [[Sringeri]], [[Koppa, India|Koppa]], [[Balehonnur]] and [[Mudigere]] in [[Chikamagalur]] and most of the [[Karla taluk]]. They were rich and maintained a large army. Despite engaging in wars, peace prevailed in the kingdom and this led to increased cultural activity and development.
The royal family of Karkala rose to prominence from the time of the rule of the [[Hoysalas]]. During the [[Vijayanagara]] period this family reached new heights of glory as their kingdom extended over a wider area comprising [[Sringeri]], [[Koppa, India|Koppa]], [[Balehonnur]] and [[Mudigere]] in [[Chikamagalur]] and most of the [[Karkala taluk]].


The first important King was Veera Bhairava, who constructed [[Jain temples|basadis]] at Karla and endowed land and money to numerous temples and [[Jain temples|basadis]]. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons. Ramanatha died during his father's time. In his memory, a scenic lake called Ramasamudra was created, which still survives.
King Veera Bhairava constructed the [[Jain temples|basadis]] at Karkala and endowed land and money to numerous temples and [[Jain temples|basadis]]. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons and Ramanatha died early during his father's time. So In his memory, a scenic lake called Ramasamudra was created, which still survives to this day.


King Veera Pandya, at the insistence of his Guru Lalitakeerti, the pontiff of Karla Jaina Math, installed a large statue of Bahubali on the rocky hill of Karla. The date of the installation has been ascertained as 13 February 1432. Veera Pandya also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436.
King Veera Pandya, at the insistence of his Guru Lalitakeerti, the pontiff of Karkala Jaina Math, installed a large statue of Bahubali on the rocky hill of Karkala. The date of the installation has been ascertained as 13 February 1432.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rice |first=Edward P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2fhCH-NRatUC&dq=history+of+karkala&pg=PA19 |title=A History of Kannada Literature |date=1982 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0063-8 |pages=19 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Francis |first=W. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vERnljM1uiEC&dq=history+of+karkala&pg=PA514 |title=Gazetteer of South India |date=1989 |publisher=Mittal Publications |pages=376 |language=en}}</ref> He also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436. His successor, Abinava Pandya installed a carving of manastambha in front of the Neminatha [[Jain temples|Basadis]] in Hiriyangadi in 1457 AD. An intricately carved 54-foot-high (16 m) pillar stands in front of the [[Jain temples|Basadis]].


Abinava Pandya ascended the throne next and it was he who installed a carving of manastambha in front of the Neminatha [[Jain temples|Basadis]] in Hiriyangadi in 1457 AD. An intricately carved 54-foot-high (16 m) pillar stands in front of the [[Jain temples|Basadis]]. The Neminatha [[Jain temples|Basadis]] was renovated in 1946. An oriental school with free boarding and lodging facilities is being run here by the Bhujabali Brahmacharya Ashrama.
Abhinava Pandya's successor was Pandya VI, who is attributed to the construction of the Kere [[Jain temples|Basadis]] in the middle of a lake called [[Anekere]] in 1545 AD.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8IbXAAAAMAAJ&q=anekere+basadi+in+karkala |title=Jinmanjari: Contemporary Jaina Reflections |date=1998 |publisher=Bramhi Society |page=19 |language=en}}</ref> Immadi Bhairava (Bhairava II), who ruled after him, constructed the [[Chaturmukha Basadi]] on top of a small rocky hill in 1586 AD. This [[Jain temples|Basadis]] has four identical entrances from the four directions leading to the Garbagriha and hence is popularly known as Chaturmukha or Four-Faced. It is also referred to as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama in some inscriptions. The [[Chaturmukha Basadi]] is built in the form of a square hall with a lofty doorway and pillared porticos on each of its four sides along with a pillared verandah. The roof is flat and is made of massive granite slabs. It has life size statues of three Jain Theerthankaras on each side and small images of 24 [[Tirthankara]]. In all, there are 108 pillars inside and outside the temple.


Abhinava Pandya's successor was Pandya VI. He built the Kere [[Jain temples|Basadis]] in the middle of a lake called [[Anekere]] in 1545 AD. It is in this lake that the king's elephants used to bath. The [[Jain temples|Basadis]] and the lake still exist.
There are 18 [[Jain temples|Basadis]] of antiquity, including Mahaveera [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Chandranathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Adinathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Ananthanatha [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Guru [[Jain temples|Basadi]], and Padmavati [[Jain temples|Basadi]]. However, the rulers of Karkala were tolerant towards other religions, with temples of other religions being constructed, including the temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana, Mahamaya Mukhyaprana, and Sri Aadi-Shakthi Veerabhadra Swamy.


The next important king was Immadi Bhairava (Bhairava II). He constructed the [[Chaturmukha Basadi]] on top of a small rocky hill in 1586 AD. The [[Jain temples|Basadis]] has four identical entrances from the four quarters leading to the Garbagriha and hence is popularly known as Chaturmukha [[Jain temples|Basadis]]. It is referred to as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama in some inscriptions. The [[Chaturmukha Basadi]] is built in the form of a square mandapa or hall with a lofty doorway and pillared portico on each of its four sides and a pillared verandah. The roof is flat and is made of massive granite slabs. It has life size statues of three theerthankaras on each side and small images of 24 [[Tirthankara]]. It took 30 years to construct this temple. In all, there are 108 pillars inside and outside the temple.
After the rule of the Pandyas, the region was annexed by [[Tippu Sultan]], and thereafter passed on to British rule. The St Lawrence Church was built in 1845 in a village called Nitte (Attur hamlet) where people of all religions congregate every year in January for the feast of St Lawrence.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}


This place also came under the rule of [[Tippu Sultan]]. It was under him that some of the untold and disappearing landmarks of Karla (ಕಾರ್ಲ) were made. One of the most imminent of the time was the Kotay kani moat made in front of the Karkal Kotay castle, which was used during his war against the East India Company. In this war against [[East India Company]], few of Indian Kingdom of Mysore's elite soldiers with huge contribution and service towards the land and kingdom were granted Title and Land in the township of Karkalla. One such title is Karla Patayath(K.P). Second such marvel of the same regime is to discover the usage of a Gavi (or [[cave]]) route to travel to various surrounding location unseen through the mountains located near Shivati Kere (Lord Shivas lake).
==Landmarks==
Karkala is an important pilgrimage location for [[Jain]]s. There are several [[Hindu]] temples, [[Jain]] [[Jain temples|Basadis]], [[mosque]]s, [[Church (building)|church]]es, and lakes in Karkala.


There are 18 [[Jain temples|Basadis]] of antiquity, including Mahaveera [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Chandranathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Adinathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Ananthanatha [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Guru Basadi[[Jain temples|Basadi]], and Padmavati [[Jain temples|Basadi]]. However, the rulers of Karkala were tolerant towards other religions. Therefore, temples of other religions exist, including the temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana, Mahamaya Mukhyaprana, and Sri Aadi-Shakthi Veerabhadra Swamy.
[[File:Bus Stand in Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Bus stand, Karkala]]


===History===
Karkala has famous educational institutions like NITTE College, Bhuvanendra College, Christ King Educational institutions, and Jnanasudha Educational College.
The Alupas were the first to rule Karla. Their rule was followed by the [[Santara dynasty|Santaras]], who were the feudatories of Alupas for many years. Karkala, or ancient Pandya Nagari, attained political and cultural importance from the time of the Kalasa-Karla kingdom that was established by Bhairavarasa Odeyas between 13th and 16th centuries. The Bhairavarasas appear to be the descendants of the [[Santara dynasty|Santara]] chiefs, who ruled the western ghats region around the 11th century AD.
[[File:Taluk Office, Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Taluk Office, Karkala]]


The royal family of Karla rose to prominence during the time of the [[Hoysalas]]. During the Vijayanagara period, they expanded their kingdom to cover [[Sringeri]], [[Koppa, India|Koppa]], [[Balehonnur]], and [[Mudigere]] in Chikamagalur and most of the Karla taluk.
ASI protected sites<ref>[http://asibengalurucircle.in/udupi ASI Bengaluru Circle - Udupi district]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> in Karkala are:
 
The king Veera Bhairava<ref name="Western Ghats: News">{{cite web|title=Western Ghats: News|url=http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/news/0404031.htm}}</ref>  constructed [[Jain temples|Basadis]] at Karkala and endowed land and money on numerous temples and [[Jain temples|Basadis]]. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons. Ramanatha predeceased his father, and in his memory, a lake called ''Ramasamudra'' was created, which still survives. Later, King Veera Pandya installed a large statue of [[Bahubali]] on the rocky hill of Karkala. The date of the installation has been ascertained as 13 February 1432. Veera Pandya also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436. His successor, Abinava Pandya, installed an intricate {{convert|54|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} carving of [[manastambha]] in front of the Neminatha [[Jain temples|Basadi]] in Hiriyangadi in 1457 AD.  Later, Pandya VI built the Kere [[Jain temples|Basadi]] in the middle of a lake called Anekere in 1545 AD.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dynasty |first1=Bairarasas of Karkala |title=Birth of the Bravehearts – Koti and Chennaya under Tulunadu King Budyanta |url=http://www.bellevision.com/?action=headlines&type=314 |website=Bellevision |access-date=3 August 2018}}</ref>
 
There are 18 [[Jain temples|Basadis]] of antiquity, including Mahaveera [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Chandranathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Adinathaswamy [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Ananthanatha [[Jain temples|Basadi]], Guru [[Jain temples|Basadi]], and Padmavathi [[Jain temples|Basadi]].  However, the rulers of Karkala were tolerant towards other religions. Therefore, temples of other religions exist, including the temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana, Mahamaya Mukhyaprana, and Sri Aadi Shakthi Veerabhadra Swamy.  The St Lawrence Church was built in 1845 in a village called Nitte (Attur hamlet) where people of all religions congregate every year in January for the feast of St Lawrence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=About |first1=Karkala |title=Karkala History |url=https://srajahiyer.wordpress.com/2016/07/02/karkala-bahubali-karnataka/ |website=srajahiyer.wordpress.com |access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref>
 
==Religion==
[[File:St. Lawrence Shrine (Karkala).jpg|thumb|St. Lawrence Shrine on the outskirts of Karkala.]]
image destination for Jains due to its historical importance in the Jain religion. The single stone 41.5 feet (13 m) statue [[Gommateshwara]] (Lord [[Bahubali]]) is located about 1&nbsp;km from the center of the town and is the second tallest in Karnataka. There are about 18 Jain [[Jain temples|Basadis]] in Karkala, including the [[Chaturmukha Basadi]], Hiriyangaddi Neminatha [[Jain temples|Basadi]], and Anekere Padmavathi [[Jain temples|Basadi]], all of which are listed in [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. This statue of Lord Bahubali was installed at Karkala on 13 February 1432 on the instructions of the pontiff of Karkala, Lalitakeerti.  There are several other temples, mosques, and churches in and around Karkala. St. Lawrence minor basilica is situated on the outskirts of Karkala whereas Christ king church in the town.
 
There are good number of Gouda Saraswath Brahmins who are settled in this area and have been contributing a large way to the local economy in terms of trade, agriculture and industries. The Karkala Venkataramana Temple, led by the same community is known as 'padutirupati' (west tirupati), which is a holy place to visit.
 
The other statues of Bahubali in the [[Karnataka|state]] are at [[Shravanabelagola]] installed by [[Chavundaraya]], which is 57 feet tall, at [[Venur]] installed by Timmaraja, which is 35 feet (11 m) tall, and at [[Dharmasthala]] installed by Dr. [[Veerendra Heggade]], which is 39 feet (12 m) tall.
 
==Mahamastakabhisheka==
{{Main|Mahamastakabhisheka}}
Every twelve years, hundreds of thousands of Jain devotees congregate to perform the [[Mahamastakabhisheka]], a ceremony where the [[Gommateshwara]] statue is bathed and anointed with milk, water, and [[saffron]] paste and sprinkled with [[sandalwood]] powder, turmeric, and vermilion. The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in January 2015. An annual Rathotsava is held in February.
 
===Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali===
 
The [[Mahamastakabhisheka]] of Lord Bahubali at Karla was held during 21–31 January 2015 under the auspices of the Sri Bahubali Swamy Mahamasthakabhisheka Samithi. The towering 41.5&nbsp;ft. granite monolith of Bahubali - also known as Gommateshwara - is built on an elevated platform on top of a rocky hill, known locally as Gommata Betta. Gommateshwara is also known as Gommata and Gomateshwara. The colossus was consecrated on 13 February 1432 A.D. by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar, scion of the Bhairarasa Dynasty, feudatory of the Vijayanagara Rulers.
 
The [[Mahamastakabhisheka]] (ceremonial anointment) of the statue is done once every 12 years, a Jain religious rite that dates back to ancient times. The ceremonial anointing will be done customarily from the top of a specially constructed scaffolding, when water from 1008 kalashas (pots) will be poured over the Gommata, as a purification rite. The abhisheka (ceremonial bathing) then begins to the heralding of bugles and the beat of drums. Milk from kalashas and large containers is poured on Gommateshwara, followed by clouds of white rice powder. Next, the statue is anointed with coconut water and sugarcane juice. Liquid turmeric and red sandalwood paste then cover the Gommata in hues of amber and mahogany. Next comes the libation of ashtagandha - a combination of eight scented substances - followed lastly by a shower of flower petals. The splendid ceremony ends with the washing of the Gommata with the clear waters of the poorna kumbhas and the arathi of lit lamps. This unique event draws thousands of pilgrims from all over the country as well as across the world, who are enriched by the cultural experience.
 
Jainism was introduced in Karnataka by Lord Mahaveera in the 6th Century B.C during the course of his travels, when he converted Jivandhara, the king of the Hemangada Country into Jainism. Foretelling a major famine, Monk Bhadrabahu, a leading figure of the Jain religion in the kingdom of Magadha in the 3rd century B.C, led a major migration to Karnataka with Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya and attained samadhi in the area now known as [[Shravanabelagola]]. By the 10th Century, Jainism had become a powerful force in the coastal regions of Karnataka and centres were established all along. With the ascendance of Hinduism, the influence of Jainism waned in the country, though Karnataka still has active Jain pilgrimage centres.
 
[[Mahamastakabhisheka]], held once every 12 years and Attur Fest, held once a year are some festivals of Karla which attract major crowd from all over the country.
 
==Landmarks==
Karla is a pilgrimage location for Jains and it attracts tourists.  There are several [[Hindu]] temples, [[Jain]] [[Jain temples|Basadis]], mosques, churches, and lakes in Karla.
[[File:Bus Stand in Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Bus Stand, Karkala]]Karla has famous educational institutions like NITTE College, Shri Bhuvenendra College, Christ king Educational institutions, Jnanasuda Educational College.[[File:Taluk Office, Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Taluk Office, Karkala]]
 
=== Archaeological Survey Of India protected sites ===
The following historical structures are the great examples of art and architecture. They are protected by various laws of the Government of India. ASI protected sites<ref>[http://asibengalurucircle.in/udupi ASI Bengaluru Circle - Udupi district]</ref> in Karkala are
* Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Ananthashayana
* Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Ananthashayana
* [[Chaturmukha Basadi]]
* [[Chaturmukha Basadi]]
* Gommateshwara Statue
* [[Gommateshwara statue, Karkala|Gommateshwara Statue]]
* Manasthamba, Hiriyangadi, Karkala
* [[Manasthamba]]
 
* Hiriyangadi
===Padutirupathi Karkala===
* [[Sri Venkataramana Temple, Karkala]]
{{Main|Padutirupathi}}
* [[St. Lawrence Shrine Basilica|St. Lawrence Shrine]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Padutirupathi.jpg|thumb|Sanctum Sanctorum(Garbha Griha), Padutirupathi Karkala]] -->
* [[Parashurama Theme Park, Karkala]]
 
Padutirupathi is a temple dating back to the 14th century when the Jain Bhairarasa Odeyars ruled Karkala and the surrounding area. It still serves as a gathering place for the people of Karkala today.<ref>http://www.padutirupathi.org Karkala Sri Venkataramana Temple</ref>
 
===St. Lawrence Shrine===
{{Main|St. Lawrence Shrine}}
St. Lawrence Shrine, or Attur church, was built in the 18th century by Christians who fled Tippu Sultan rule in India.  It is a Catholic church dedicated to [[St. Lawrence]], and serves the Christian population of India. The church feast which is commonly known as "Karkala Attur Feast" is very famous in the district of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. It's a 5-day festival in which thousands of people from various cities and districts participate.{{Geographic Location|Northwest=|North=[[Salmar]], [[Kukkundoor]]|Northeast=[[Murathangady]]|West=[[Nitte]], [[Padubidri]]|Centre=Karkala|East=[[Bajegoli]]|Southwest=|South=[[Sanoor]] & [[Belvai]]|Southeast=[[Irvathur]] & [[Renjala]]}}


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
Karla is located at {{coord|13.2|N|74.98|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Karkal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Karkal]</ref> It has an average elevation of 81&nbsp;metres (265&nbsp;feet).
Karla is located at {{coord|13.2|N|74.98|E|}}.<ref>[https://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Karkal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Karkal]</ref> It has an average elevation of 81&nbsp;metres (265&nbsp;feet).


===Meteorological Details===
[[File:Anekere Lake, Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Anekere Lake, Karkala]]
It has a large number of picturesque lakes, such as:
* Ramasamudra Lake,
* Kamala Kere,
* NagarBavi,
* Anekere,
* Sigadi Kere,
* Matadha Kere,
* Shivathi Kere
* Jogina Kere.
Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Karkala has an undulating landscape, dotted with black granite outcrops, while the western part of the town is predominantly coastal plains that stretch about 25&nbsp;km west towards the Arabian Sea.


{| class="wikitable"
===Meteorological details===
|-
[[File:Karkala chaturmukha basadi.jpg|center|thumb|718x718px|Karkala scenic view (Chaturmukha Jain Basadi)]]
| City area || 23.06&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.
|-
| Number of properties || 9526 habitats
|-
| Length of roads || 77.5&nbsp;km
|-
| Total water supply || 2 MLD
|-
| Type of land || Wet
|-
| Water supply source || Mundli River, Maala River
|-
| Summer temperature || 38&nbsp;°C
|-
| Winter temperature || 24&nbsp;°C
|-
| Annual rainfall || 4372.7mm
|-
| Agriculture crops || Paddy, coconut, arecanut, jackfruit
|-
| Latitude || 13.2000
|-
| Longitude || 74.9833
|-
| Altitude (feet) || 265
|-
| Lat (DMS) || 13°11'60 N
|-
| Long (DMS) || 74°58'60 E
|-
| Altitude (meters) || 80
|-
|}
[[File:Karkala chaturmukha basadi.jpg|center|thumb|718x718px|Karkala Scenic View]]
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| width = auto
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| source =  
| source =  
}}
}}
===Lakes===
Karkala has large number of picturesque lakes. Some of them are
[[File:Anekere Lake, Karkala.jpg|thumb|right|Anekere Lake, Karkala]]
* Ramasamudra Lake
* Kamala Kere
* NagarBavi
* Anekere
* Sigadi Kere
* Matadha Kere
* Shivathi Kere
* Jogina Kere


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Karkala town had a population of 25,118. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Karkala has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 79%. In Karkala, 9% of the population is under six years of age. According to recent statistics by town municipality, 25,635 people currently reside in this town, while as per the recent statistics Karkala [[taluk]] has a population of 2.10 Lacs (previous 2001 census is 2,04,571).
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Moodabidri (2011)
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|value1 = 76.50
|color1 = Orange
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|value2 = 14.90
|color2 = Green
|label3 = [[Christianity]]
|value3 = 5.87
|color3 = DodgerBlue
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|value4 = 2.60
|color4 = white
|label5 = [[Sikhism]]
|value5 = 0.03
|color5 = DarkKhaki
|label6 = [[Buddhism]]
|value6 = 0.02
|color6 = Yellow
|label7 = Other or not stated
|value7 = 0.08
|color7 = Black
}}
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Karkala town had a population of 25,118. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Karkala has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 79%. In Karkala, 9% of the population is under six years of age. According to recent statistics by town municipality, 25,635 people currently reside in this town, while as per the recent statistics Karkala [[taluk]] has a population of 2.10 Lacs (previous 2001 census is 2,04,571).


Hinduism is the largest religion in Karkala, with [[Sthanika Brahmin]]s,[[Rama kshathriya]], [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]]s, [[Sapaliga]]/Sapalya, [[Billava]]s, [[Ganiga]]s, [[Rajapura Saraswat Brahmin]]s (RSB), [[Goud Saraswat Brahmin]]s (GSBs), [[Chitpavan]] Brahmins,Shivalli Brahmins, [[Vishwakarma Brahmin]]s, [[Devadiga]] and [[Mogaveera]] are the major communities in Hindus.
Hinduism is the largest religion in Karkala, with [[Sthanika Brahmin]]s, Rama kshathriya, [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]]s, [[Sapaliga]]/Sapalya, [[Billava]]s, [[Ganiga]]s, Rajapura Saraswat Brahmins (RSB), [[Goud Saraswat Brahmin]]s (GSBs), [[Chitpavan]] Brahmins,Shivalli Brahmins, Vishwakarma Brahmins, [[Devadiga]] and [[Mogaveera]] forming the major communities. There is also a significant Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian presence, and sunni Hanafi Muslim communities settled in the town, Muslims Of Karkala Speak [[Urdu]] as their mother tongue.<ref name="sch93">{{harvnb|South Kanara District Gazetteer|1973|p=93|Ref=sc}}</ref>
<ref name="sch93">{{harvnb|South Kanara District Gazetteer|1973|p=93|Ref=sc}}</ref>
==Culture and tradition==
 
==Culture==
{{unreferenced section |date= August 2018}}
{{unreferenced section |date= August 2018}}
The people follow [[Tuluva]] culture. Distinctive features of tuluvas include rituals of [[Bhuta Kola]], [[Nagaradhane]] and [[Yakshagana]] etc. Tuluva New Year is called Bisu, which falls on the same day as Baisakhi, [[Vishu]] and [[Thai New Year]].
The people of Karkala follow the [[Tuluva]] culture. Distinctive features of this culture include rituals of [[Bhuta Kola]], [[Nagaradhane]] and [[Yakshagana]]. Tuluva New Year is called Bisu.


=== Language and people ===
[[Pilivesha|Pilinalike]] or Tiger Dance is a unique form of folk dance in Tulu Nadu. The tiger is considered as the mount of Goddess [[Durga]], and the dance is performed during the Dasara and Krishna Janmashthami festivals. Bhuta Kola or spirit worship is practised across the region, usually at night, invoking the spirits via an oracle, accompanied by traditional music and practices.
Karkala is a multicultural and multilingual town that follows four religions, namely [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and [[Jainism]]. [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Konkani Language|Konkani]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Beary bashe|Beary]] are the most prevalent local languages, though Hindi and English are also well understood. There are also Konkani-speaking [[Goud Saraswat Brahmin|GSB]] communities, Urdu and [[Beary language|Beary speaking]] Muslims. The Catholic speak Konkani and Protestant Christians Tulu and Kannada.


===Tradition===
The most popular local sport is [[Kambula]], or buffalo racing, which is conducted in paddy fields. Koridakatta ([[Cockfighting]]) is another sport for village people. The Tuluva people have a high regard for nature and snakes in particular, so Nagaradhane, or snake worship, is also practised with the belief that the Naga Devatha (Snake God) will protect their communities.
[[Pilivesha|Pilinalike]] (Tiger dance) is a unique form of folk dance in Tulunad. It is considered as the favored carrier of Goddess Sharada (the deity in whose honour Dasara is celebrated), and is performed during the Dasara celebrations.  It is also performed during other festivals like Krishna Janmasthami.  Bhuta Kola or spirit worship is practised, usually at night. [[Kambula]], or buffalo racing, is also conducted in paddy fields. Koridakatta ([[Cockfighting]]) is another favourite sport for village people. To its supporters, [[Cockfight]], an ancient sport involving a fight between specially reared fowls held at the temples precincts in northern parts of [[Kasaragod]], is not a blood sport but a feature of the rich cultural heritage of [[Tulunad]] and an ancient [[ritual]] associated with the ‘daivasthanams’ ([[temple]]s) here.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article1175873.ece |title= The Hindu |date=10 January 2008|publisher=thehindu.co.in}}</ref>  Nagaradhane, or snake worship, is also practised, according to the popular belief that the Naga Devatha (snake God) go underground and guard the species above. Konkani speaking GSBs have their own tradition of celebrating Rathotsava and Deepotsava.


Annual Car Festival at Karla Venkatarama temple attracts Konkani devotees from around the world as this is considered as an auspicious festival amongst the GSB community.
== Language ==
Karkala is a multilingual town. [[Tulu language|Tulu]] is the native language of the people, while the official language is [[Kannada language|Kannada]]. [[Konkani Language|Konkani]] and [[Dakhni language|Dakhni]] are also widely spoken in the town.


The Christians in Karla celebrate a special feast known by various names, some of these names are ''Saanth Maari'', ''Attur Parish Feast'', ಅತ್ತೂರು ಜಾತ್ರೆ (''Atturu Jatray'') and Attur Church festival. This festival is always scheduled to take place in the last week of the month of January and takes place for three days continuously usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thousands of people from all over India attend.
== Administration and transportation ==
Being a part of Udupi district, Karkala is in the Udupi-Chikkamagalur Lok Sabha Constituency.The Karkala Town Municipal Council (ಕಾರ್ಕಳ ಪುರಸಭೆ) is the municipal corporation of the town, responsible for all public works and development.


The Muslims offer prayers five times a day at the Masjids and eid prayers at salmar Eidgah on Eid ul fitr and Eid ul adha occasions and Jains have their Jain Milans yearly.
Roadways are the main mode of transportation in Karkala. The town is well connected to Udupi, Moodabidri and Padubidri, and to Sringeri and Kalasa on the Western Ghats. The main roadways serving Karkala are:


== Administration ==
*National Highway NH 169 (Solapur—Mangalore)
The Karla Town Municipal Council (ಕಾರ್ಕಳ ಪುರಸಭೆ) is the Municipal Corporation. Also, Karla comes under Udupi-Chikkamaglur Lok Sabha Constituency.
*Karnataka State Highway SH 1 (Karkala-Padubidri) which connects to National Highway 66 at Padubidri
*Karnataka State Highway SH 37 (Karkala-Bailur-Manipal-Udupi)
*Karnataka State Highway SH 1 (Karkala-Hebri)


== Transportation ==
The nearest railhead is at [[Udupi]] while the airport closest to Karkala is at [[Bajpe]] in [[Mangalore]]. There is an extensive public transport system connecting Karkala to Udupi and Mangalore.
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Karkala Roads.jpg|thumb|150px|Town Road]] -->
State and national highways are the main mode of transportation in Karkala.  The closest airports and railroads are in [[Bajpe]] in [[Mangalore]] and Indrali in [[Udupi]],
 
===Roads connected===
Karla is connected to 3 major state roads and one major highway:
* National Highway NH 169 (Solapur-Karla-Mangalore via Shimoga)
** This will be a 4-lane, 60-meter wide, grade separated highway till Mangalore from Karla.
* State Highway SH 1  (Karla-Nitte-Padubidri) which is also connected to National Highway 66 at Padubidri
* State Highway SH 37 (Karla-Bailur-Manipal-Udupi)
* State Highway SH 1 (Karla-Hebri)
*National Highway declared on 28 March 2016 - ( Karla-Moodabidri-Siddakatte-B.C Road) at a cost of Rs.220 Crore.
 
===Railway lines (Proposed)===
4 Railway lines have been proposed to be built, which will pass through Karkala. They are
 
# [[Byndoor]] – Kolluru – Haalady – Hebri – Karla – Bedra – Venoor – Belthangady – Dharmasthala - Nettane - Source: -(South-Western Railway approved, but forest department blocked line)
# Padubidri – Karla – Belthangady – Ujire – Dharmasthala – Nettane - Source:- (South-Western Railway approved, but forest department blocked line)
# Padubidri-Karla-Ujire-Moodigere - Source:-(Udupi-Chikmagalur Loksabha BJP manifesto).
# Shimoga-Sringeri-Karla-Mangalore - Source:-(2014-15 Railway Budget).
 
==Commerce==
A large steel plant is located in the outskirts of the town named [http://www.laminafoundries.com/ Lamina Foundries ltd]. In this semi-urban township Industries are limited to cashew, rice, and coconut-oil only. There is one dynamite factory at Varanga village.


==Photo gallery==
==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Karkala anathapadmanabha temple.jpg| Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Karla
Image:Karkala anathapadmanabha temple.jpg|Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Karla
Image:Chaturmukha Basadi.jpg| Chaturmukha Basadi, Karla
Image:Chaturmukha Basadi.jpg|Chaturmukha Basadi
File:Kere Basadi, Karkala.jpg| Kere Basadi, Karla
Image:Karkala 1.jpg|Padmavati Basadi
Image:Karkala 1.jpg|Padmavati Basadi
File: Pillar at Gomadeswara statue,.JPG|Pillar at Gommateshwara Statue
File:Koti Chennaya Theme Park Karkala 39.jpg|Gururaya basadi, Karkala
File:Karkala_gomateshwara.jpg| Gommateshwara Bahubali Statue
File:Anekere lake (cropped).jpg|Anekere Basadi at the center of pond in Karla
Chauri Bearer.jpg|Yaksha on right of Gommateshwara Statue
File:Chathurmukha basati silpa 4.JPG|The Shilpa at Chaturmukha Basati
File:Chaturmukha basati pillar top carving.JPG|A Pillar at Chaturmukha Basadi
Image:Karkala jain temple.JPG|A Jain temple at the center of pond in Karla
File:Anananthapadmanabha temple, karkala.JPG|Anantha Padmanabha Temple
File:Veeramaruti temple, Karkala.JPG|Veeramaruthi Temple, Karla
File:Veeramaruti temple, Karkala.JPG|Veeramaruthi Temple, Karla
File:St Laurence chrurch view.JPG|St lawrence Church, Karla
File:St Laurence chrurch view.JPG|St lawrence Church, Karla
Line 405: Line 328:


==See also==
==See also==
 
{{Portal|Religion|India}}
* [[Bedra]]
* [[Kere Basadi]]
* [[Mangalore]]
* [[Shravanabelagola]]
* [[Kukke Subramanya Temple]]
* [[Dharmasthala]]
* Siddakatte
* [[Horanadu]]
* [[Sringeri]]
* [[Udupi Krishna Temple]]
* [[Perdoor]]
* [[Mundkur]]
* [[Kanthavara]]
* [[Jain Bunt]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
===Works cited===
* {{cite book |year=1973 |title=South Kanara District Gazetteer |series=Karnataka State Gazetteer |volume=12 |chapter-url=http://gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/11_1973_3.pdf |pages=86–125 |chapter=People |publisher=Gazetteer Department (Government of Karnataka) |access-date=26 October 2008 |ref=sc |archive-date=25 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325022809/http://gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/11_1973_3.pdf |url-status=dead}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [https://nammakambala.com/karkala/ About Karkala]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mahamastakabhisheka-devotees-throng-karkala/article7145382.ece Mahamastakabhisheka]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mahamastakabhisheka-devotees-throng-karkala/article7145382.ece Mahamastakabhisheka]
* [http://www.karkalagommateshwara.com/   All about The Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali at Karkala, 21-31 January 2015]  
* [http://www.karkalagommateshwara.com/ All about The Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali at Karkala, 21-31 January 2015]  
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/karkalagommata All about Photographs of Gomateshwara\Bahubali from Karkala]
* [https://karkala.org All about Karkala]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/karkalagommata All about Videos of Gomateshwara\Bahubali from Karkala]
* [http://karkala.org All about Karkala]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/karkala Photos from Karkala]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170925155102/http://www.karkala.gsb.in/ Info about Padutirupathi]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170925155102/http://www.karkala.gsb.in/ Info about Padutirupathi]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071215021457/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/06/24/stories/2007062450190700.htm News Topic about Karkala]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071215021457/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/06/24/stories/2007062450190700.htm News Topic about Karkala]
* [http://atturstlawrence.com/ St. Lawrence Church, Attur, Karkala]
* [http://atturstlawrence.com/ St. Lawrence Church, Attur, Karkala] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115021449/http://atturstlawrence.com/ |date=15 January 2012 }}
* [http://www.padutirupathi.org Shree Venkataramana Temple (Kannada Website)]
* [http://www.padutirupathi.org Shree Venkataramana Temple (Kannada Website)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122172735/http://www.padutirupathi.org/ |date=22 January 2019 }}
* [http://www.padutirupathi.in Shree Venkataramana Temple (English Website)]
* [https://www.padutirupathi.in Shree Venkataramana Temple (English Website)]


{{Localities in Karkala}}
{{Localities in Karkala}}

Latest revision as of 06:42, 14 March 2026

Karla
Town
Gommateshwar
Nickname: 
Jain pilgrimage center
Coordinates: 13°12′00″N 74°58′59″E / 13.2°N 74.983°E / 13.2; 74.983
Country India
StateKarnataka
DistrictUdupi
Settled1912
Area
 • Total23.06 km2 (8.90 sq mi)
Elevation
80 m (260 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total25,824
 • Density1,089.16/km2 (2,820.9/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
574 104
Telephone code91-(0)8258
Vehicle registrationKA-20
Official languageKannada[1]
Sex ratio1.11 ♂/♀
Websitewww.karkalatown.mrc.gov.in

Karkala (kn) (tcy) is a town and the headquarters of eponymous Karkala taluk in the Udupi district of Karnataka state in India. It is well known as an important center of Jainism, with several ancient basadis (Jain temples) and the iconic 42-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara) dating back to the 15th century. Karkala lies near the foothills of the Western Ghats, and has a number of natural and historical landmarks, and is a major tourist and transit destination due to its strategic location along the way to Hebri, Sringeri, Kalasa, Horanadu, Udupi, Kollur, Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Black granite is abundant in the area, and used widely in the local architecture. Hence, the name of the town is derived from kari-kal, meaning black stone. There is still a place called as Kariya Kall in the city which means 'Black Rock' in Tulu and Kannada languages. The name 'Kariya Kall/ ಕರಿಯಕಲ್ಲ್ changed to 'Karikal/ಕರಿಕಲ್' and eventually to 'Karkal/ಕರ್ಕಲ್/ಕಾರ್ಕಳ್'. However, some studies assert that the original name was 'Kari Kola' meaning 'elephant lake' in Tulu and Kannada languages, which today is known as 'Anekere'. The current official name "Karkala" is in use since the times of the British, while it is still referred to as "Karla" by the local Tulu population.

History[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Gommateshwara statue, Karkala and Chaturmukha Basadi

Karkala dates back to the beginning of the 10th century. The town was called Pandya Nagari during the period of Jain rule.[2]

Chaturmukha Basadi
Kere Basadi
Anekere kere basadi (transl. Elephant lake, Lake Temple
St. Lawrence Shrine Basilica

The Alupas were the first to rule the region who were Originally Jain rulers, and their rule was followed by the Santaras, who were the feudatories of Alupas for many years. The town attained political and cultural importance from the time of the Kalasa-Karkala kingdom that was established by King Bhairava between 13th and 16th centuries.[3]

The royal family of Karkala rose to prominence from the time of the rule of the Hoysalas. During the Vijayanagara period this family reached new heights of glory as their kingdom extended over a wider area comprising Sringeri, Koppa, Balehonnur and Mudigere in Chikamagalur and most of the Karkala taluk.

King Veera Bhairava constructed the basadis at Karkala and endowed land and money to numerous temples and basadis. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons and Ramanatha died early during his father's time. So In his memory, a scenic lake called Ramasamudra was created, which still survives to this day.

King Veera Pandya, at the insistence of his Guru Lalitakeerti, the pontiff of Karkala Jaina Math, installed a large statue of Bahubali on the rocky hill of Karkala. The date of the installation has been ascertained as 13 February 1432.[4][5] He also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436. His successor, Abinava Pandya installed a carving of manastambha in front of the Neminatha Basadis in Hiriyangadi in 1457 AD. An intricately carved 54-foot-high (16 m) pillar stands in front of the Basadis.

Abhinava Pandya's successor was Pandya VI, who is attributed to the construction of the Kere Basadis in the middle of a lake called Anekere in 1545 AD.[6] Immadi Bhairava (Bhairava II), who ruled after him, constructed the Chaturmukha Basadi on top of a small rocky hill in 1586 AD. This Basadis has four identical entrances from the four directions leading to the Garbagriha and hence is popularly known as Chaturmukha or Four-Faced. It is also referred to as Tribhuvana Tilaka Jina Chaityalaya and Ratnaraya Dhama in some inscriptions. The Chaturmukha Basadi is built in the form of a square hall with a lofty doorway and pillared porticos on each of its four sides along with a pillared verandah. The roof is flat and is made of massive granite slabs. It has life size statues of three Jain Theerthankaras on each side and small images of 24 Tirthankara. In all, there are 108 pillars inside and outside the temple.

There are 18 Basadis of antiquity, including Mahaveera Basadi, Chandranathaswamy Basadi, Adinathaswamy Basadi, Ananthanatha Basadi, Guru Basadi, and Padmavati Basadi. However, the rulers of Karkala were tolerant towards other religions, with temples of other religions being constructed, including the temples of Anantashayana and Venkataramana, Mahamaya Mukhyaprana, and Sri Aadi-Shakthi Veerabhadra Swamy.

After the rule of the Pandyas, the region was annexed by Tippu Sultan, and thereafter passed on to British rule. The St Lawrence Church was built in 1845 in a village called Nitte (Attur hamlet) where people of all religions congregate every year in January for the feast of St Lawrence.[citation needed]

Landmarks[edit | edit source]

Karkala is an important pilgrimage location for Jains. There are several Hindu temples, Jain Basadis, mosques, churches, and lakes in Karkala.

Bus stand, Karkala

Karkala has famous educational institutions like NITTE College, Bhuvanendra College, Christ King Educational institutions, and Jnanasudha Educational College.

Taluk Office, Karkala

ASI protected sites[7] in Karkala are:

Geography[edit | edit source]

Karla is located at 13°12′N 74°59′E / 13.2°N 74.98°E / 13.2; 74.98.[8] It has an average elevation of 81 metres (265 feet).

Anekere Lake, Karkala

It has a large number of picturesque lakes, such as:

  • Ramasamudra Lake,
  • Kamala Kere,
  • NagarBavi,
  • Anekere,
  • Sigadi Kere,
  • Matadha Kere,
  • Shivathi Kere
  • Jogina Kere.

Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Karkala has an undulating landscape, dotted with black granite outcrops, while the western part of the town is predominantly coastal plains that stretch about 25 km west towards the Arabian Sea.

Meteorological details[edit | edit source]

Karkala scenic view (Chaturmukha Jain Basadi)
Climate data for Karkala, India (Karkala)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 38
(100) 		38
(100) 		42
(108) 		41
(106) 		41
(106) 		37
(99) 		32
(90) 		33
(91) 		33
(91) 		36
(97) 		35
(95) 		35
(95) 		41
(106)
Average high °C (°F) 31
(88) 		33
(91) 		34
(93) 		34
(93) 		34
(93) 		30
(86) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		30
(86) 		30
(86) 		31
(88) 		30
(86) 		34
(93)
Average low °C (°F) 22
(72) 		24
(75) 		26
(79) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		27
(81) 		26
(79) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		24
(75) 		22
(72) 		22
(72)
Record low °C (°F) 17
(63) 		16
(61) 		19
(66) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		20
(68) 		20
(68) 		18
(64) 		17
(63) 		16
(61)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 9
(0.4) 		9
(0.4) 		19
(0.7) 		39
(1.5) 		99
(3.9) 		663
(26.1) 		629
(24.8) 		288
(11.3) 		153
(6.0) 		133
(5.2) 		57
(2.2) 		19
(0.7) 		2,117
(83.3)
Source: MSN Weather

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Religion in Moodabidri (2011)

  Hinduism (76.50%)
  Islam (14.90%)
  Christianity (5.87%)
  Jainism (2.60%)
  Sikhism (0.03%)
  Buddhism (0.02%)
  Other or not stated (0.08%)

As of 2001 India census,[9] Karkala town had a population of 25,118. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Karkala has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 79%. In Karkala, 9% of the population is under six years of age. According to recent statistics by town municipality, 25,635 people currently reside in this town, while as per the recent statistics Karkala taluk has a population of 2.10 Lacs (previous 2001 census is 2,04,571).

Hinduism is the largest religion in Karkala, with Sthanika Brahmins, Rama kshathriya, Bunts, Sapaliga/Sapalya, Billavas, Ganigas, Rajapura Saraswat Brahmins (RSB), Goud Saraswat Brahmins (GSBs), Chitpavan Brahmins,Shivalli Brahmins, Vishwakarma Brahmins, Devadiga and Mogaveera forming the major communities. There is also a significant Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian presence, and sunni Hanafi Muslim communities settled in the town, Muslims Of Karkala Speak Urdu as their mother tongue.[10]

Culture and tradition[edit | edit source]

The people of Karkala follow the Tuluva culture. Distinctive features of this culture include rituals of Bhuta Kola, Nagaradhane and Yakshagana. Tuluva New Year is called Bisu.

Pilinalike or Tiger Dance is a unique form of folk dance in Tulu Nadu. The tiger is considered as the mount of Goddess Durga, and the dance is performed during the Dasara and Krishna Janmashthami festivals. Bhuta Kola or spirit worship is practised across the region, usually at night, invoking the spirits via an oracle, accompanied by traditional music and practices.

The most popular local sport is Kambula, or buffalo racing, which is conducted in paddy fields. Koridakatta (Cockfighting) is another sport for village people. The Tuluva people have a high regard for nature and snakes in particular, so Nagaradhane, or snake worship, is also practised with the belief that the Naga Devatha (Snake God) will protect their communities.

Language[edit | edit source]

Karkala is a multilingual town. Tulu is the native language of the people, while the official language is Kannada. Konkani and Dakhni are also widely spoken in the town.

Administration and transportation[edit | edit source]

Being a part of Udupi district, Karkala is in the Udupi-Chikkamagalur Lok Sabha Constituency.The Karkala Town Municipal Council (ಕಾರ್ಕಳ ಪುರಸಭೆ) is the municipal corporation of the town, responsible for all public works and development.

Roadways are the main mode of transportation in Karkala. The town is well connected to Udupi, Moodabidri and Padubidri, and to Sringeri and Kalasa on the Western Ghats. The main roadways serving Karkala are:

  • National Highway NH 169 (Solapur—Mangalore)
  • Karnataka State Highway SH 1 (Karkala-Padubidri) which connects to National Highway 66 at Padubidri
  • Karnataka State Highway SH 37 (Karkala-Bailur-Manipal-Udupi)
  • Karnataka State Highway SH 1 (Karkala-Hebri)

The nearest railhead is at Udupi while the airport closest to Karkala is at Bajpe in Mangalore. There is an extensive public transport system connecting Karkala to Udupi and Mangalore.

Photo gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Karla
    Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Karla
  • Chaturmukha Basadi
    Chaturmukha Basadi
  • Padmavati Basadi
    Padmavati Basadi
  • Gururaya basadi, Karkala
    Gururaya basadi, Karkala
  • Anekere Basadi at the center of pond in Karla
    Anekere Basadi at the center of pond in Karla
  • Veeramaruthi Temple, Karla
    Veeramaruthi Temple, Karla
  • St lawrence Church, Karla
    St lawrence Church, Karla
  • Venkataramana Temple, Karla
    Venkataramana Temple, Karla
  • The Deepadhaari at Venkataramana Temple, Karla
    The Deepadhaari at Venkataramana Temple, Karla

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (July 2012 to June 2013)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  2. ↑ DHNS. "A legacy filled with culture". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  3. ↑ Ramesh, K. V. (1970). A History of South Kanara: From the Earliest Times to the Fall of Vijayanagara. Karnatak University. p. 189.
  4. ↑ Rice, Edward P. (1982). A History of Kannada Literature. Asian Educational Services. p. 19. ISBN 978-81-206-0063-8.
  5. ↑ Francis, W. (1989). Gazetteer of South India. Mittal Publications. p. 376.
  6. ↑ Jinmanjari: Contemporary Jaina Reflections. Bramhi Society. 1998. p. 19.
  7. ↑ ASI Bengaluru Circle - Udupi district[permanent dead link]
  8. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Karkal
  9. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  10. ↑ South Kanara District Gazetteer 1973, p. 93

Works cited[edit | edit source]

  • "People" (PDF). South Kanara District Gazetteer. Karnataka State Gazetteer. Vol. 12. Gazetteer Department (Government of Karnataka). 1973. pp. 86–125. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 March 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2008.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Localities in Karkala

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