Maha Ganapati Temple - Idgunji Uttar Kannada
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Nestled on the tranquil left banks of the Sharavathi River, Idagunji in Honnavara taluk of Uttara Kannada district is home to the revered Shree Vinayaka Devaru. This sacred temple, visited by over a million devotees annually, is one of Karnataka’s most significant spiritual destinations. The presiding deity, Lord Ganapathi, stands as a beacon of divine grace and is deeply cherished as the home God by countless devotees who visit year after year seeking blessings, solace, and spiritual strength.
The idol of Lord Ganapati here is unique—Dwibhuja Ganapati (two-armed), carved from black stone, holding a Modaka and a Padma (lotus), standing with a serene expression and a gentle smile that radiates spiritual warmth.
🌙 Observances
- Sankashta Chaturthi – Devotees fast and pray to overcome difficulties.
- Angaraka Chaturthi – Celebrated when Sankashta Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday.
- Ganesh Chaturthi – Celebrated with grand devotion, marking Lord Ganesha's presence beyond material existence.
Facilities
- Free Noon Bhojana: "Mayura Prasada Bhojanalaya" serves delicious prasadam meals to all devotees.
- Accommodation: Available at the temple and nearby towns.
- Kalyana Mantapa: Ideal for marriages, thread ceremonies, and sacred rituals.
- Vedha & Sanskrit Patashala: Run by the temple trust for preserving ancient knowledge.
- Special Projects: Bhojanalaya, cottages, and schools contribute to the temple's community service.
- Horoscope Services: Available within temple premises.
Temple Website : https://www.idagunjidevaru.com
💫 Importance
Lord Ganesha at Idagunji is believed to be the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), and many devotees testify to divine intervention during times of distress.
The temple is considered as powerful as nearby pilgrimage sites like Murudeshwar and Gokarna.
A unique prasad called Panchakhadya—a sacred offering believed to fulfill heartfelt wishes—is exclusive to this temple.
Thousands consider Idagunji Ganapati as their Kula Devata (family deity), and turn to him during critical life decisions and challenges.
The temple also provides horoscope and marriage services, reaffirming its role as a divine guardian across life’s milestones.
📜History
According to Skanda Purana (Sahyadri Khand), the sanctity of Idagunji dates back over 1500 years, rooted in the legendary forest of Kunjaranya. After the Dwapara Yuga, sages faced hurdles during their penance and sought guidance from Sage Narada. Narada advised them to invoke Lord Vigneshwara, and with the help of the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), created a sacred place for worship by the river Sharavathi.
On an auspicious day—Magha Shukla Dwiteeya, Ganapati descended here to remove the sages’ obstacles. So touched was he by their devotion that he chose to remain in Kunjaranya permanently, granting wishes to those who approached him with faith.
The lakes around the temple, like Chakratirtha, Brahmatirtha, and Devatirtha, are believed to be sanctified with divine energy from various gods who once performed penance here.
🪔 Pooja Timings
⏰ Temple Timings
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🐘 Abhisheka (Ritual Bathing)
- Morning Abhisheka: 7:00 AM
- Maha Abhisheka: 11:00 AM
- Evening Abhisheka: 7:00 PM
🌺 Pooja
- Morning Pooja: 8:00 AM
- Maha Pooja: 12:30 PM
- Evening Pooja: 8:00 PM
🚌 Transfort Options
By Road:
Idagunji is around 14 km southeast of Honnavar, easily accessible by road.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Bhatkal
By Air:
The nearest Airport is Mangalore
🏙️Near By Cities
Kumta
Honnavar
Bhatkal.
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