Karnataka, a state rich in cultural heritage and religious fervor, is home to numerous revered Ganesha temples. These temples, often steeped in ancient legends and architectural marvels, attract devotees from far and wide. Here are some of the most popular Ganesha temples in Karnataka:
1. Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
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| Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Bengaluru expedia.co.in |
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| Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Bengaluru explorebees.com |
Above image: The Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi of Bengaluru city, Karnataka is quite popular not only for the idol's massive size - monolithic 18-foot-tall and 16-foot-wide Ganesha idol carved from a single rock, but also known for a strange belief that the idol continues to grow on its right side. The Ganapthy temple is next to the Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple) within Bugle Rock Park. Lots of devotees visit the temple on auspicious days in particular.
The Dodda Ganapathi Temple ("Dodda" in Kannada meaning "big,") is self-manifested according to countless devotees. Its popularity was enhanced by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore, after he had accidentally discovered a block of rock similar to the shape Ganesha.
The temple is also known as Shakthi Ganapathi and Satya Ganapathi. A significant highlight is the "Benne Alankara" (butter decoration), where the idol is adorned with a whopping 100 kg of butter, which surprisingly does not melt despite the warm temperature inside the sanctum. This temple is a hub of activity, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, attracting thousands of devotees who come to seek blessings and witness the unique decorations. It is believed that praying here removes obstacles and grants wishes.
https://www.expedia.co.in/Dodda-Ganapathi-Temple-Basavanagudi.d553248621532738256.Attraction
https://www.explorebees.com/India/Karnataka/Bengaluru/Shree-Dodda-Ganapathi-Temple/6412
2. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Mangaluru
The Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, situated in the heart of Mangaluru, boasts a history dating back over 800 years. The temple is unique as it houses both Lord Shiva (as Sharabeshwara) and Lord Ganesha. The name "Sharavu" is derived from "Shara," meaning arrow, and its legend speaks of King Veerabahu accidentally killing a cow with an arrow and being advised by Sage Bharadhwaja to install a Shiva Linga to absolve his sin. Much later, a self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha along with "Siddhilakshmi" appeared on the southern wall.
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Mangaluru
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Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Mangaluru
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This ancient temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for various cultural activities, including Yakshagana and dance dramas. It draws thousands of devotees daily, with particularly large crowds during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Rathotsava (Car Festival), Deepotsava (Festival of Lights), and Sankashti Chaturthi.
https://www.sharavu.org/WebPages/Gallery.aspx
https://mangaloretourism.in/shree-sharavu-mahaganapathi-temple-mangalore
3. Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi
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| Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi pathbeat.in |
Within the captivating ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. This temple is home to a magnificent monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha, carved out of a single boulder. Standing at an impressive 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) tall, this four-armed Ganesha is depicted with broad ears, a protruding potbelly, and holds a goad, a broken tusk, and a bowl of sweets.
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| Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi karnataka.com |
The name "Kadalekalu" comes from the Kannada word for "chickpea" or "Bengal gram," referencing the unique shape of Ganesha's belly. While not an active place of daily worship, the temple retains a profound spiritual aura. The pillared hall in front of the sanctum showcases exquisite Vijayanagara-era architecture with intricate carvings. Situated on the northeastern edge of the Hemakuta hillock, it also offers picturesque views of the surrounding Hampi landscape.
https://pathbeat.in/blogs/web-stories/hampi-two-ganeshas-sasivekalu-and-kadalekalu-ganesha
https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/sasivekalu-ganesha-temple/#google_vignette
4. Shri Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple, Honnavar
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| Shree Idagunji Mahaganapathi temple,Honnavar templegyan.com |
Nestled in the serene village of Idagunji in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine with a history spanning over 1,500 years. This temple is particularly significant for its unique two-armed standing idol of Lord Ganesha, holding a modak (sweet) in one hand and a lotus in the other.
Surrounded by lush forests and located near the picturesque Sharavathi River, the temple offers an enchanting and peaceful atmosphere. It is believed that this was a sacred location chosen by the gods themselves for saints to perform penance. The temple attracts over a million devotees annually who come to seek blessings and spiritual solace. A notable tradition here is the offering of "Avalakki Panchakajjaya Seva," a special preparation made with beaten rice, jaggery, sesame, coconut, honey, and banana, which is also shared with cows in the vicinity. The temple also provides free lunch (prasadam) to all visitors.
https://templegyan.com/idagunji-ganapathi-temple-timing/#google_vignette
https://templeinkarnataka.com/shri-idagunji-mahaganapati-temple/
5. Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Mulbagal
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| Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Mulbagal |
The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, located in Mulbagal in the Kolar district, is famous for housing one of the largest Ganesha idols in the world. The main deity, Sri Kurudumale Ganesha, stands at an imposing thirteen and a half feet in height. What makes this idol even more intriguing is the local belief that it is continuously growing.
The temple's history is steeped in mythology, with legends stating that the idol was installed by the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara) in the Satya Yuga to help destroy the demon Tripurasura. It is also said that Lord Rama offered prayers here during his search for Sita, and the Pandavas visited before the Mahabharata war. The temple showcases a blend of architectural styles, with inscriptions dating back to the 13th century, reflecting the influence of Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. Devotees believe that praying to this powerful deity with a pure heart can remove obstacles and bring success.
https://temple-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/kurudumale-ganesha.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurudumale
6. Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple, Gokarna
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| Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple Gokarna . thestonestudio.in |
The Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple in Gokarna is a small yet highly significant shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known locally as Sidda Ganapat. Located near the famous Mahabaleshwara Temple, it is customary for pilgrims to first seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha here before proceeding to the Shiva temple.
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| Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple Gokarna wanderboat.ai |
The temple showcases fine Dravidian architecture and holds immense religious importance, attracting pilgrims from across Southern India. According to a popular legend, Lord Ganesha tricked the demon king Ravana into placing the Atma Linga (a powerful Shiva Linga) at this spot, leading to the establishment of the Mahabaleshwara Temple. The idol of Ganesha in this temple is in a rare standing posture. The temple's serene and sacred atmosphere, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a must-visit for devotees.
https://gokarnatourism.co.in/maha-ganapati-temple-gokarna
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