Sri Janardhana and Mahakali Temples is situated at
Ambalapady, about 3 km away from
Udupi. Sri Janardana (
Lord Vishnu), with
charka, conch, mace, and lotus in four hands, is the principal deity of this temple. The shrine of Mahakali is on the south of Sri Janardana, facing the west.
In addition, the temple has the images of Arya Durga, Ambika Durga, Bhagawati Durga and Mahishasuramardini. There are also two small shrines for the deities Kallukutiga and Shastavu.
The temple complex has all the traditional architecture items of Dakshina Kannada District such as the Teertha Mantapa, Garbh Griha, Pradakshina Patha, the frontal Bali stone, Dhwaja Sthambha, the outer Prangana, and a portico at the entrance.
The annual car festival and Navratri are the main festivals celebrated in the temple. The car festival is held in the Magha month of the Hindu calendar. It is marked by a unique and thrilling ceremony. In this festival, the oracle possessed by Goddess Mahakali welcomes and dances in front of the person carrying the image of Lord Janardana, after he alights from the festival car.
