From Kerala to Karnataka, several Ganesha temples are known for their distinctive legends, idols and traditions. Here are three famous Maha Ganapati temples worth knowing about, each with its own unique connection to Lord Ganesha.
Vinayaka, also known as Ganapati, has many temples in every Indian state. Some temples are very special and popular among devotees.
– By Dr. K. Kumar
Kottarakara Sri Maha Ganapati Temple
Sri Maha Ganapati Temple is located in Kottarakara, a town in Kerala’s Kollam district. The temple was originally known as Kizhakkekara Shiva Temple and later became popularly associated with Lord Ganesha as the temple’s Ganapati worship gained prominence.
Unlike the common depiction of Ganesha holding a modak, the idol here is traditionally associated with Appam, a sweet offering made with rice and other ingredients. Neyyappam, also known as Unniyappam, is among the popular offerings made to Lord Ganesha at the temple.
Sri Maha Ganapati Temple, Gokarna
The Maha Ganapati Temple in Gokarna, Karnataka, is closely associated with the legend of Ravana and the Atmalinga. According to the traditional story, Lord Ganesha helped prevent Ravana from taking the sacred Atmalinga away from Gokarna.
The temple is located near the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, where the Atmalinga is worshipped. Devotees traditionally offer prayers to the Maha Ganapati before visiting the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Idagunji Maha Ganapati
Located in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district, Idagunji is home to the famous Maha Ganapati Temple, also known as Madoba Shree Ganesha Devaru. The temple is known for its distinctive two-armed form of Lord Ganesha, with the deity holding a lotus bud in one hand and a modak in the other.
A large Nandi sits at the forefront. The divine sage Narada stands on the left, while the sage Valakhilya sits on the right, engrossed in penance. Believed to be from the 4th century, the main idol of Lord Ganesha is housed in the inner sanctum.
Idagunji is one of the six famous Ganesha shrines on the western coast of South India, popularly known as the ‘Ganesha Coast’. Other temples include those in Kasaragod, Mangalore, Anegudde, Kundapura and Gokarna.
