Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna temple is in Kumbhala town of Kasaragod district in the states of Kerala. Kumbhala is commonly known as Kanipura or Kaniyooru.

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna temple is a very ancient temple and got renovated by King Jayasimha of Kadamba Dynasty in the 10th Century, whose capital was Kumbhala and even the administration of his Kingdom was being done in the name of Kanipura Sri Gopalkrishna. The coronation of Kumbhala Rajas was being solemnized at Kanipura Sri Gopalkrishna temple. Kumbhala is the first dwelling place of the King of Kumbhala. Then later he moved it to Mayapadi or Mayapuri. As evidence of this, there are still ruins of the fort in Kumbhala.

History of Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple

The word Kanipura is derived from the word Kanvapura. According to the temple history, Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna deity was installed by Sage Kanva Maharshi, hence this place is popularly known as Kanvapura. Similarly, some place other places nearby are named after the sage.

According to history the beautiful deity of Sri Gopala Krishna was installed by Kanva Maharshi which was worshipped by foster mother Yashoda in Dwapara Yuga. After installing the deity of Sri Gopalakrishna Sage Kanva Maharshi had performed Abhisheka to the deity with the Mantrodaka which he had been protected in his Kamandalu for many yugas. The abhisheka water then began to flow into a stream, then into a river, and joins the Arabian Sea, within a short distance from the temple river is flowing. Thus, river is named as Kumbha River (river which came from Kamandalu) later named as river Kumbhini. Due to this the town name Kumbhala or Kumble came into existence.

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna temple is situated at the foothill of an elevated hill which is in the middle of the Kumbhala town. The beautiful Krishna Shila deity of Sri Balakrishna is in a standing posture, holding butter in his both hands. Since Lord Krishna is holding butter, the deity is known as Navaneetha Murthy. The western sea is situated at the west portion of the temple. At the Northern portion the river Kumbhini flows from east to west and joins the western sea.

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple Complex

At the front portion of the temple is Dwajasthamba. It is covered with copper plating has been re-erected in the year 1911. The copper plate inscription (Thamra Shasana) which dates to 1516A.D, mentions the land has been donated by the Kumbhala King to the temple committee and the historical background of the temple, all of which show that the temple exists from past thousands of years.

At the right side (Southern portion) of the temple courtyard, there is a shrine dedicated to Maha Ganapathi. There are also other deities in the temple namely, Vanashasta, Pili Chamundi and Naga devata. There is a Katte (small stage) in front of courtyard of the temple at the southern end called ‘Vasantha Katte’. It is revealed that the Pattabhishekha or coronation of the King had been taken place at this place on the Vasantha Katte in ancient days.

Festivals celebrated in Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Swamy annual celebration is held every year on the Makara Sankranti day by performing Dhwaja Arohana and long last for five days with various celebrations like Kumbhle Bedi and Bali.

The Temple timings of Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple

Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple is open throughout year every day from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM.

How to reach Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Temple

The best way to reach temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organised.

By Road: Kanipura Sri Gopalakrishna Swamy Temple is 363 km from Bengaluru and 42 km from Mangaluru. Road transport can be easily availed. Regular bus services are available from Mangaluru, Kasaragod and taxis are also available from Mangaluru.

By Rail: Mangaluru railway station is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India. Another nearest railway station is Kasaragod & Kumbhala railway station.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Mangaluru. Private taxies are available from this airport location.