Temple Description

This shrine is located west of Tirupati, while the original shrine is situated to the east. The name reflects its meaning, with “Padu” meaning ‘West’ in Kannada, and “Tirupathi” referring to the Tirumala temple.

**History and Origin**

The ancient temple in Karkala, Karnataka, India, was established by the Goud Saraswat Brahmins who migrated from Goa due to Portuguese invasions and persecution. They relocated to Karnataka and Kerala, bringing their household items with them.

**Original Installation**

The temple has a history dating back to the 14th century when the Jain Bhairarasa Odeyars ruled Karkala. The Goud Saraswat Brahmins were granted land by the Jain Odeyars for their settlement and agricultural activities. The priests of this community, including Joishys, Puraniks, and Tantris, were prominent since the 14th century. The exact date of the temple’s establishment remains unknown due to the lack of written records from that era.

**Installation Ceremony and Its History**

The temple’s installation ceremony is notable in its history. The Goud Saraswat Brahmins, searching for food and shelter, visited various coastal towns before settling in Karkala between 1400 and 1450 A.D. They brought with them household items, including an idol of Lord Venkataramana. The first GSB to arrive in Karkala was Soire Prabhu, whose great-grandson K. Ramesh Prabhu is the current trustee of the temple. Another family, the Soma Sharmas, also migrated from Goa, with Soma Sharma being a priest from the Tirupati Temple.

The GSBs sought permission from Jain King Immadi Bhairava to build a temple for Lord Sree Venkataramana in 1450 A.D. The king granted them land and black stones from the area. The GSBs built an initial platform and four pillars with a coconut leaf roof. Soma Sharma later returned with another idol of Lord Sree Venkataramana from Tirupati, which was installed alongside the earlier idol.

In the 1500s, the temple faced challenges when dacoits attacked Karkala, stealing gold, silver, and idols. The GSBs fled to Mulki, hiding their precious articles, including two idols, in a well. After the dacoits were driven away, the GSBs returned to retrieve their belongings but could not find one of the idols. A local from Mulki discovered the idol and installed it in the Sree Veera Vittal Temple of Mulki.

When the GSBs learned of this, they traveled to Mulki, but the idol was already installed. In a dream, Lord Venkataramana reassured them that He would return to Karkala with a saint from Tirumala Tirupati. The following morning, an old hermit arrived in Karkala with an idol of Lord Vishnu. The GSBs were instructed in a dream to install this idol according to specific rituals, including leaving a cow and calf in the temple to identify the sacred spot. The installation took place on April 25, 1537.

The temple was gradually developed, with major renovations completed between 1699 and 1700. During this time, additional deities such as Lord Mukyaprana, Lord Gaurda, Lord Lakshmi, and Lord Ganapathi were installed. The temple’s divine atmosphere attracted increasing numbers of devotees over time.