Guru Narasimha Temple

Guru Narasimha Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Saligrama town in Udupi district, Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. Situated on NH 66 between Udupi and Kundapura, the temple is known for its distinctive idol holding a Saligrama shila and chakra. Revered by Kota Brahmins and devotees across coastal Karnataka, it features traditional Kerala-style architecture and is a significant pilgrimage centre in the region.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with Kerala-style architecture, tiled roofs and a sanctum housing the black stone idol of Guru Narasimha holding a Saligrama shila. The temple is set in the small town of Saligrama along the coastal highway, with a temple tank, pillared halls and shops selling offerings outside. Devotees can attend daily pujas, receive prasadam, and observe rituals. The atmosphere is devotional and orderly, with queues during festivals and weekends.

The temple is believed to be ancient and associated with the legend of sage Narada installing the Narasimha idol with a Saligrama shila. The idol is said to have been worshipped by the Kota Brahmin community for centuries. The structure shows Kerala architectural influence common to coastal Karnataka temples and has undergone renovations over time while retaining its traditional form.

The temple is the principal deity (kuladevata) for the Kota Brahmin community and an important Vishnu pilgrimage centre in coastal Karnataka (Karavali). It is revered as Guru Narasimha due to the deity holding the Saligrama shila as a guru. Daily rituals, festivals like Narasimha Jayanti, and annual car festival are central to local religious life.