Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple

Historical and specialty information for this listing.

History

Madhur Sree Madananteswara Siddhivinayak Temple is situated on a small hillock on the banks of the Madhu Vahini River. It is believed that the original Shiva idol (Madananteswara) was worshipped by a tribal woman named Madaru; hence the name "Madhur" is said to have been given to the area. The Ganesha idol is believed to be a Swayambhu (self-originated) form.The Ganesha image, painted on the wall of the sanctum sanctorum by a Brahmin boy carrying water for Shiva worship, later became the main deity, as it remained intact. The present three-storey Gajapristha (elephant-shaped) shrine and the tall copper-clad gopuram reflect the influence of South Kannada style of sculpture. Built in the 10th century, this temple was initially dedicated to Lord Shiva, but later Ganapati worship gained more importance.

Remarks

This temple is located in a peaceful and scenic location, about 8 km from Kasaragod town. It has an atmosphere conducive to spiritual experience and mental peace. It is easily accessible by road and has basic amenities. One of the major tourist attractions nearby is the Ananthapura Lake Temple, which is a unique temple inside a lake, so visiting it also enriches the experience.

It was not until a Brahmin boy carrying water for Shiva puja painted a Ganesha image on the wall of the sanctum sanctorum that it began to be worshipped as a Swayambhu idol. Later, Ganesha became the main deity in the temple. Another famous story is about Tipu Sultan. It is believed that he changed his mind after drinking water from the temple pond and leaving the temple unscathed during the Malabar invasion. Priests show the marks of a sword on a vessel in the temple as evidence of this event. Devotees believe that the Swayambhu Ganesha idol grows larger every year. And in a famous offering called ‘Moodappa Seva’, the idol is completely covered with sweet bread and prayed for the fulfillment of long-held desires.

Madhur, Kasaragod, Kasaragod, India