Shri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Padubidre (Padu Bidadi), a sacred place with a number of Temples and shrines, is famous for holding Dhakke Bali once in two years. The Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple of Padubidri is well known in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Padubidri is located on National Highway 17, 24 kilometres from Udupi and 35 kilometres from Mangalore. Nadsaalu, Avaraalu, Bengre and Paadebettu maaganes (sub division of a village) together form Padubidri.Just half a kilometer from the south of the Padubidri bus stand is the Sri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple. Though the presiding God (mooladevatha) is Sri Mahalingeshwara, Lord Ganapathi is the center of attraction at this Temple. It is said that Bhrugu Maharshi installed the idol of Mahalingeshwara. The idol of Lord Ganapathi is about 2.5 feet tall and has been carved out of Rudrakshi Shila (stone). Researchers claim that the bronze utsava-murthy is at least 1000 years old and the idol of Ganapathi is probably belongs to the 11 century AD. Lord Ganapathi is popular is Ishtasiddhi Maha Ganapathi as he fulfills all wishes of His devotees.There are a lot of historical stories about this Temple, but there are no evidences to support this. The story behind the commencement of ‘Pottappa Seve’ is very interesting. The horse, on which a British official was riding, did not moved further when he declined to have the Darshana (sight) of Lord Maha Ganapathi during his visit to this village. Knowing his fault, he immediately offered Pottappa Seva (a dish prepared by grinding rice and coconut) for the first time to Lord Mahaganapathi. Since then, it has become a tradition of offering Pottappa. Katahadappa was a traditional seva, offered by Shivalli Brahmin families of this region. But, now other devotees also offer ‘Katahadappa Seve’ on the next day after the traditional Katahadappa Seve is offered. Panchakajjaya is His favourite savoury, and so the devotees offer panchakajjaya when their vows are fulfilled. Any auspicious event taking place in that area, the devotees offer Panchakajjaya to please the Lord. Special celebrations and poojas take place on Sankashtahara Chaturthi, Ganesha Chowthi, and on other auspicious days. Ganahoma, Sathya Ganapathi Vratha and Kadubu Seve are the most popular sevas (offerings) performed regularly at this Temple.It is considered auspicious by the people of that area to begin any event/work after giving an offering to Ganapathi. A lot of developmental activities have been taking place in the Temple - a Kalyana Mantap, intricately carved Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum), spacious Temple square, sarovara (pond), and Jnaana Kendra have attracted people from all corners of the district. The Ganapathi idol is adorned with silver kavacha and the sanctum sanctorum also has been given a silver coating. Daily Annasantharpane for the benefit of devotees coming to the temple was started recently. Further a plan has been prepared for renovating this Temple at a cost of...

It is considered auspicious by the people of this area to begin their event/work after giving an offering to Ganapathi. We can seek blessings of almighty Ganapathi and lord Eshwara in this temple and most of the localities consider Monday mornings are pleasant to visit here and to offer oils (gingelly oil).One can also offer Rudrabhisheka ,Panchakajjaya and and variour other Poojas here. There are many historical stories about this Temple,and one such is the story behind the commencement of Pottappa Seva. It is said that the horse, on which a British official was riding, did not moved further when he declined to have the Darshana of Lord Ganapathi during his visit to this place. Knowing his fault, he immediately offered Pottappa Seva (a dish prepared by grinding rice and coconut) for the first time to Lord Mahaganapathi. Since then, it has become a tradition of offering Pottappa. Since my childhood I visit mahaganapati temple and have never missed to visit the fair (Padubidri Theer) that will be held each year on 21st March and the next day will be Chendu i.e on 22nd March .Chendu is the game and thousands of devotees participate in the game as audience and players.The game commences between two teams ,where a ball made from the skin of goat or sheep, and the two teams Tenku – Badagu play the game in the Saakar style. There are many other places and temples one can visit in Padubidri along with Mahalingeshwara temple like Kadgeshwari Bramastana, Balaganapathi Temple, Padubidri beach ,Padubidri...

Located quite near to the padubidri

beach....

Seems like a very old temple..I loved it here that some of the old structure is still present....

Very calm and peaceful place... better to bring your family....

You'll get a lot of space for the vehicle parking here.. As the sea, Beach is very near you

can also hangout there for a while..... The deity here is both Shiva and

Ganesha....

Located quite near to the padubidri

beach....

Seems like a very old temple..I loved it here that some of the old structure

is still present....

spend time sitting inside the temple. Nearby is...