Iconic Rajagopura of Kudupu Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple Demolished for NH Expansion

By Editor

Posted on January 3, 2026

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Iconic Rajagopura of Kudupu Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple Demolished for NH Expansion

Mangaluru: The landscape of Kudupu, a spiritual hub on the outskirts of Mangaluru, has undergone a poignant transformation. The magnificent Rajagopura (grand entrance tower) of the historically renowned Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple has been completely demolished to facilitate the four-laning of National Highway 169 (Mangaluru-Solapur). For thousands of devotees, the removal of the structure feels like the loss of the temple’s very soul.

A Tapestry of Faith and Folklore The Rajagopura was not merely a brick-and-mortar structure; it was a repository of local history and emotional bonds. The older generation recalls a time when the area was a dense forest. Legend has it that cattle seeking refuge in the Rajagopura were miraculously protected from the tigers that once roamed the region. Decades ago, the tower served as a cultural stage where the famous poet Mandara Keshava Bhat and his associates performed Talamaddale (a variant of Yakshagana). The recently demolished structure, built in 1984-85, saw local schoolchildren and community leaders like Kudupu Krishnaraja Bhat laying its foundation, making its loss deeply personal for the residents.

Economic and Structural Impact The demolition has also cleared out a bustling micro-economy. The Rajagopura housed an interior post office, a ration shop, and several stalls selling ritual items and refreshments, which generated significant monthly rental income for the temple administration. To accommodate the highway, a total of 58 cents of land belonging to the temple, including the site of the Jarandaya Daivasthana, has been acquired. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a total compensation package of ₹2.10 crore, with ₹57 lakh specifically allocated for the Rajagopura site.

Future Vision: A Kerala-Style Architectural Marvel While the loss is heavy, the temple administration is looking toward the future. Plans are already in motion to build a new, even grander Rajagopura once the highway work concludes. The proposed structure will follow the Kerala style of architecture, featuring three floors, including a basement. According to temple officials and architect Krishnaraja Tantri, the new design will aim to balance modern transit needs with traditional aesthetics.

Infrastructure for Devotees To mitigate the impact of the highway, the project includes a pedestrian underpass and 300-meter service roads on both sides of the temple to ensure the safety of devotees. Sujan Das Kudupu, General Secretary of the Brahmakalashotsava Committee, noted that the blueprints were adjusted to ensure enough space remains for the traditional drawing of the Brahmaratha (temple chariot) during festivals. While local leaders like Bhaskar Kudupu admit that “development requires sacrifice,” they remain optimistic that the upcoming renovation will restore the temple’s lost glory.