Pajaka Kshetra is a small town located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India, known as the ‘Mathura of the South’. This town is famous for being the birthplace of the great philosopher and saint, Sri Madhvacharya. It is believed that Madhvacharya was born in this town in the 13th century. Pajaka Kshetra is also known for its connection to Hindu mythology and is considered to be a sacred spot by Hindus. In this article, we will explore the mythological significance of Pajaka Kshetra and its importance in the Hindu religion.
Mythological Perspective:
According to Hindu mythology, Pajaka Kshetra was the abode of the demon king, Kukkura. Kukkura was a powerful demon who terrorised the people and the gods. The gods then prayed to Lord Vishnu to help them defeat the demon. Lord Vishnu took the form of Sri Madhvacharya and was born in Pajaka Kshetra to defeat Kukkura.
Legend has it that when Madhvacharya was born, he had 32 teeth, which was considered a divine sign. It is also believed that he was born under the constellation of Uttarabhadrapada, which is considered to be an auspicious time for birth.
Madhvacharya grew up to become a great philosopher and saint. He founded the Dvaita school of philosophy, which is based on the principle of dualism. According to this philosophy, there are two ultimate realities – God and the individual soul – and they are distinct from each other.
Highlights of Pajaka Kshetra
Pajaka Kshetra is considered to be a sacred spot by Hindus and is an important pilgrimage site. It is believed that a visit to Pajaka Kshetra can help one attain salvation. The town is home to several temples, including the Sri Madhvacharya temple, which is dedicated to the saint. The temple is believed to be built on the spot where Madhvacharya was born.
Apart from the Sri Madhvacharya temple, several other temples in Pajaka Kshetra are worth visiting. The Ananteshwara temple is one such temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is an excellent example of Hoysala architecture.
Another important temple in Pajaka Kshetra is the Kshetra Mahatmya temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Madhvacharya to defeat the demon king, Kukkura.
Apart from its religious significance, Pajaka Kshetra is also known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to several streams and waterfalls. The town is also famous for its betel nut plantations and is known for producing high-quality betel nuts.
The main reason for its fame is Madhavacharya’s ancestral home and birthplace. Other tourist attractions such as a banyan tree he planted, a stone he used to write on and an impression of Madhva's feet. The legend, Shri Parashurama loved this holy ground, therefore he built four ponds there: Gadathirtha, Parashuthitha, Banathirtha, and Dhanushthirtha. Numerous archaeological relics from Sri Madhva's life and times can be found here. This encompasses the location of his Initiation Ceremony, also known as Aksharabhyasa.
Places to visit near Pajaka Kshetra:
Anantheshwara Temple: This is an ancient temple, which was probably constructed in the eighth century. The parents of Sri Madhvacharya are said to have prayed continually for a child for 12 years in this temple. Eventually, in or around 1238 AD, they were blessed with a baby boy. The Chandramouleshwara Temple and the Krishna Temple are located inside this temple complex. This temple's main shrine is composed of stone and a silver door frame which was added recently. The founder of Dvaita philosophy, Sri Madhvacharya, is thought to have instructed and trained his pupils in this antique temple.
Vasudeva Theertha: The four main holy ponds in and around Pajaka, such as Bana, Gadha, Dhanush, and Parashu Theertha, are united to form Vasudeva Theertha. It is believed that when Madhvacharya was a young child, he built this pond to calm his mother's anxieties.
Shree Durgadevi temple: This Temple is located in a small hillock of Durga Hill. Adi Shakti's idol here is believed to be laid by Lord Parashurama himself. It is said that after creating Kerala, Lord Parashurama discovered a pearl in the depths of the ocean, changed it into a nose ring, and placed it on the Goddess Durga statue there. The scenic beauty around this temple gives a visual treat to nature lovers.
Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple: This temple was built somewhere in the 12th century AD. The Lord Mahalingeshwara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the subject of its dedication in this ancient temple. Because of this, the location was once known as Muttur until being renamed Puttur. Here, the Chariot Festival is widely observed, during this fest fireworks and lights illuminate this area.
Neminatha Basadi: Another name for this Basadi is Kere Basadi, which translates to "Big Basadi." The location is a revered Jain temple. It is estimated that the temple is nearly 1200 years old. Mulnayak Bhagwan Neminatha is the primary god, bronze statues of 24 Tirthankaras in the kayotsarga position can be found at this temple.
Pajaka Kshetra is a small town with rich mythological and religious significance. It is the birthplace of the great philosopher and saint, Sri Madhvacharya, and is considered to be a sacred spot by Hindus. The town is home to several temples, including the Sri Madhvacharya temple, the Ananteshwara temple, and the Kshetra Mahatmya temple. A visit to Pajaka Kshetra can help one attain salvation and is a must-visit destination for those interested in Hindu mythology and philosophy.
Well, What are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Pajaka Kshetra, step out from the hustle and bustle of city life, and feed your soul a divine feel and calm aroma