Karnataka is home to some of India’s most revered temples. Among them, the Ganesha temples have a special place in the hearts of devotees. In this blog post, we will explore some famous Ganesha temples in Karnataka which draw thousands of devotees and people to their premises.
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Popular Ganesha Temples In Karnataka To Embrace Spirituality
Lord Ganesha is the beloved elephant-headed deity. He is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of good fortune. His temples are scattered across Karnataka.
Here Are The 10 Renowned Ganesha Temples In Karnataka
Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Mangalore
Situated in the Hampankatta area, the temple is more than 800 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. It is open daily from 6:30 AM to 12:45 PM in the mornings and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the evenings. Legends say that Maharaja Veerabahu built the temple to redeem himself when he accidentally killed a cow instead of a tiger.
Others say that the night before Tipu Sultan intended to destroy it, he dreamt of being crushed by an elephant. Taking it as a warning from Lord Ganesha, he spared the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple.
- How to reach the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple? The nearest airport is the Mangaluru International Airport. It lies 12.7 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Mangalore Junction, 7.2 km away from the temple. Visitors can also take a bus from the Mangalore Bus Stand, situated 2.3 km away from the temple.
- What is the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple famous for? The temple houses a unique and powerful idol of Lord Ganesha believed to possess immense power. Devotees flock to the temple in large numbers, especially during festivals, to seek blessings for success and prosperity.
- Best time to visit the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple: The best time to visit the temple is from October to January as the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploration.
Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana, Udupi
The word “Annegudde” means “elephant hill” in Kannada. The temple is located in the small hamlet of Anegude. It is also called Kumbhasi, 9 km south of the city of Udupi. Annegudde is also known as Mukthi-Sthala, the place of salvation.
“Kumbhasi” is named after the Mahabharata demon Kumbhasura. He tried to stop a yagna performed by Sage Agastya but was killed by Bheem with a sword given by Lord Vinayaka. The Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana is open everyday from 5:30 Am to 8:30 PM.
- How to reach the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana? The nearest airport is the Mangaluru International Airport. It is located 87.2 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Kundapura Railway Station, 8.3 km away from the temple. Visitors can also reach the temple via the Kumbhasi Bus Stand, just 700 m away from the temple.
- What is the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana famous for? The idol of Lord Ganesha here has two hands raised in the “Varad Hasta” gesture, symbolizing the granting of divine boons. The other two hands point downwards, representing salvation.
- Best time to visit the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana: The ideal time to visit the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Devasthana is from October to January due to the moderate weather.
Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple, Udupi
Located in the quaint village of Hattiangadi, situated 9 km northeast of Kundapur, this temple dates back to somewhere in the 7th or 8th century. The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Situated on the banks of the river Varaha, the Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple also houses the Siddivinayaka School of Ancient Scriptures, providing students with free accommodation, food, clothing, and education.
- How to reach the Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple? The nearest airport is the Mangaluru International Airport. It is located 102 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Kundapura Railway Station, at a distance of 5 KM away from the temple.
- What is the Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple famous for? The main idol of the deity, Bal Ganesh, stands at a height of 2.5 feet tall. It is made up of black marble and carved out of Shaligram stone. It is the only idol of Lord Ganesha in the country where the lord sports a jata-hair. The deity’s trunk bends towards the left.
- Best time to visit the Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple: The perfect time to visit the Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple is during the colder months from October to February.
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Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple, Uttara Kannada
The Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is situated in the serene village of Idagunji near Murudeshwara. It is open everyday from 6: 00 AM to 1:00 PM in the mornings and from 3:00 PM to 8.30 PM in the evenings,
According to legends, Sage Narada, during his travels, arrived at this location and found a sacred pond where he performed a ritual to invoke Lord Ganesha. Impressed by Sage Narada’s devotion, Lord Ganesha manifested himself as the idol now enshrined in the temple.
- How to reach the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple: The nearest airport is the Mangaluru International Airport. It is located 175 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Manki Railway Station, 8.3 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also reach the temple via the Idagunji Bus Stand, just 230 M away from the temple.
- What is the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple famous for? The temple is famous for the black marble Bal Ganesh idol, carved out of Shaligram stone. It shows the Lord in “Dwibhuja Ganapathy” posture. One hand holds a modak while the other holds a lotus. The deity also has two tusks, not the usual ‘Ekadanta’.
- Best time to visit the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple: The most suitable time to visit the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple Temple is from October to February as the weather becomes soothing.
Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple, Gokarna
It is a 4th-century temple located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, near the city of Kawar. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM in the mornings and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evenings.
Ravana obtained the powerful Atmalinga from Lord Shiva. Fearing his potential to be destructive, Lord Ganesha, disguised as a boy, tricked him into placing it on the ground in Gokarna, rendering it immovable. The Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple honours Ganesha’s intervention.
- How to reach the Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple? The nearest airport is the Goa International Airport. It is located 145 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the AnkolaRailway Station, 22 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also reach the temple via the Gokarna Bus Main Stand just 550 M away from the temple.
- What is the Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple famous for? The temple is particularly famous for its close distance to other popular tourist locations such as the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple and the Murudeshwar Shiva Temple.
- Best time to visit the Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple: The optimum time to visit the Shree Maha Ganapati Dev Temple is from October to February as the weather is pleasant.
Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple, Dakshina Kannada
Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple stands in an open field, lacking a Garbha Gudi and a traditional temple structure. It is located 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangady Taluk, amidst the Western Ghats.
“Sowthadka” comes from “Southe” meaning cucumber and “Adka” meaning field. Legend says a local chieftain dreamt of Lord Ganesha instructing him to build a temple in the middle of a cucumber field, leading to the temple’s construction. It is open 24/7 to offer prayers.
- How to reach the Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple? The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport. It is located 77.5 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road Railway Station, 29.3 km away from the temple.
- What is the Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple famous for? The temple is especially famous for its open-air plan. It allows visitors to connect with nature and spirituality in a single spot. The iconic Kukke Subramanya Temple, located 38.44 km also makes it popular among tourists.
- Best time to visit the Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple: The best time to visit the Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapati Temple is during the colder months, from October to February.
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Guddattu Jaladhivasa Ganapathy Temple, Udupi
It is located in the serene village of Guddattu, at the border of the Kundapur and Udupi districts. The Guddattu Jaladhivasa Ganapathy Temple is the only Jaladhivasha Ganhnapathy Temple in India. The name “Guddattu” translates to “situated on a hill” in Kannada.
According to local beliefs, a farmer discovered a stone idol of Lord Ganesha while ploughing his field. Recognizing its divine nature, he constructed a small shrine to house the idol. It is open everyday from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
- How to reach the Guddattu Temple? The nearest airport is the Goa International Airport. It is located 86 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is theKundapura Railway Station, 15.9 KM away from the temple.
- What is the Guddattu Temple famous for? The 800-year-old temple performs the “Jaladhivasa” ritual, immersing the 3-foot monolithic rock idol in water to signify purification. People also believe the three-foot idol of Lord Vinayaka emerged by itself from this rock.
- Best time to visit the Guddattu Temple: The perfect time to visit the Guddattu Temple is from October to February.
Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple, Bangalore
Established in 1984, the temple is famous for its unique representation of Lord Ganesha with his five faces. Each face represents one of the Pancha Koshas. These faces also symbolize different attributes and powers of the Lord.
Each face of a deity has a different body. The temple is designed in the form of Meru Chakra. Hence, it is also known as the Mahameru Panchamukha Ganesha Temple. It is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the mornings and from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple? The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport. It is located 49.8 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, 16.5 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also reach the temple via the Basavanagara Kengeri Bus Stand just 1.8 KM away from the temple.
- What is the Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple famous for? The temple is famous for its majestic 30-foot-tall golden Panchamukhi Ganesha statue. Worshipping the five-faced Ganesha is said to bring multifaceted blessings. This includes wisdom, strength, protection and prosperity.
- Best time to visit the Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple: The most suitable time to visit the Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple is from October to February.
Vahana Ganesha Temple, Kasturaba Road
The Vahana Traffic Temple is located on Kasturaba Road, popularly known as Traffic Ganesha Temple. The temple is 600 years old and was formerly popular as the Patala Temple as the idol was underground then.
The Bangalore Traffic Police established the temple. They believe that seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings would help manage the city’s chaotic traffic conditions. It is open every day from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- How to reach the Vahana Ganesha Temple? The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport. It is located 33.7 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, 5.2 KM away from the temple. Buses drop visitors at the mouth of the Kasturaba Road, which is just 220 M away from the temple site.
- What is the Vahana Ganesha Temple famous for? It is popular for its association with commuters, who seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for safe journeys and to avoid traffic-related issues. People bring their new vehicles here for a special puja seeking Lord Ganesha’s protection from accidents.
- Best time to visit the Vahana Ganesha Temple: The ideal time to visit the Vahana Ganesha Temple is from October to February.
Sri Prasanna Ganapati Temple, Bangalore
The Sri Prasanna Ganapati Temple is in Koramangala. It is commonly known as the Techie Ganesha Temple. It caters mainly to the tech-savvy population of Bangalore, especially those in the IT sector.
Recent visits by software professionals earned the temple its nickname. It is open daily from 6:30 AM to 11:30 am in the mornings and from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the evenings.
- How to reach the Sri Prasanna Ganapati Temple? The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport. It is located 39.8 KM away from the temple. The nearest railway station is the KSR Bengaluru City Junction, 9.3 KM away from the temple. Visitors can also reach the temple via the Koramangala Kalyana Mantap Ground, just 1.8 KM away from the temple
- What is the Sri Prasanna Ganapati Temple famous for? The temple provides a safe haven for the city’s tech professionals. Recognizing the high-stress and fast-paced lifestyle of the IT industry, this temple offers a place for techies to seek guidance, inspiration, and relief from their competitive careers.
- Best time to visit the Sri Prasanna Ganapati Temple: The optimum time to visit the Vahana Ganesha Temple is from October to February.
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In conclusion, Ganesha temples in Karnataka offer a captivating glimpse into the state’s religious history. From the colossal Panchamukha Ganesha in Bangalore to the serene coastal temples, each with its unique legend and charm. These temples serve as powerful testaments to the enduring devotion to the beloved elephant god (Lord Ganesha).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Karnataka has a lot of iconic Ganesha Temples. Among these, the Shri Idagunji Maha Ganapati Temple, the Panchmukhi Temple, the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple and the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple are popular.
The Idagunji Ganapathi Temple in Karnataka, India is famous for its tall, standing idol of Ganesha in the “Dwibhuja Ganapathy” posture. He has two hands here, one holding a lotus and a modaka. Another unique feature is the idol has two tusks, one the usual ‘Ekdanta”.
The Hubbali district of Karnataka has extravagant Ganesha celebrations. The town boasts the most public pandals, with idols rising up to 20 ft in height.
Karnataka pulls out all stops to honour and celebrate Lord Ganesha. The entire state is bedecked in colours, music and festivities during the Ganesh Chaturthi. Extravagant pandals with ginormous idols are constructed. Some idols reach up to 20 feet in height.
Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, a popular Indian nationalist and revolutionist, popularized Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka.
