Karnataka coastal region has many famous temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Many temples on this coast are dedicated to Lord Ganesha. There is a belief that you are blessed if you visit the following six temples in a day:
1. Madhur Mahaganapathy near Kasargod
2. Sharavu Mahaganapathy in Mangalore
3. Mahaganapathy at Kumbhashi (also known as Aane Gudde)
4. Siddi Vinayaka Hattiangadi at Kundapura
5. Dwibhuja Ganapathy at Idagunji
6. Ganapati at Gokarna in Uttara Kannada District
Idagunji is famous for the 1,500 year old temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. One million devotees visit this temple every year.
Legend associated with this place:
Saint Valakhilya along with other saints was performing penance in the forests for peace and harmony. The penance was deliberately interrupted by unknown forces. Narada, the saint of the gods visited the site of the penance and advised the saints to worship Lord Ganesha / Vigneshwara before starting the penance. On the behest of Saint Valakhilya, Narada picked a place to the left of the Sharavathi River bank and named it as Kunjaranya. Narada ensured that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara along with Lord Ganesha attend the rites and rituals. During the ritual, Lord Ganapathi was holding the Modaka and Padma in his hands.
Pleased with the devotion of the people, Lord Ganesha decided to stay and bless his devotees. The other gods left behind their powers in the holy tanks surrounding the temple. Kunjaranya is now known as Idagunji.
The temple is big with a simple structure but the energy of the idol can be felt all around.
The black stone idol is in standing posture with one hand holding Modaka and the other a Padma (Lotus). The surrounding forest and arecanut farms are pleasing to the eye.
To this day, Lord Ganesha has granted millions of wishes to people who come to Idagunji seeking him. Free food is served every day to all the devotees. There are many souvenir shops lining the road leading to the temple.
Other places of interest:
Murudeshwara
Gokarna
Apsarakonda
Ankola Beach
Kasarkod Beach
Sharavati River
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Temple
Situated: Uttara Kannada district and Honnavar taluk
Distance: 14 km from Honavar, 28 km from Navilgona
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Rest rooms and restaurants are available. Accommodation is provided for the devotees
Timings: 6.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m and 3.00 p.m – 8.30 p.m
Address:
Shree Vinayaka Devaru , Idagunji
Post: Melina Idagunji,
Honnavara (North Kanara),
Pin Code: 581 423
Telephone numbers:
Temple Office: (08387)247227, (08387)247327
Guest House “Mangala Karyalaya”: (08387)309527
Email: contact@idagunjidevaru.com
