Famous Maha Ganapati Temples - I
Vinayaka, also known as Ganapati, has
many temples in every Indian state. Some temples are very special and popular
among devotees.
- By Dr. K. Kumar.
Kottarakara Sri Maha Ganapati Temple
Sri Maha Ganapati Temple is located in
Kottarakara, a small town in Kollam District, Kerala.
This temple was earlier known as
Kizhakke Kara (Eastern side) Shiva Temple. But later, due to rising popularity,
it came to be known as Sri Maha Ganapati Temple in Kottarakara.
Ganesha is usually depicted in all
temples with Modak. However, this Maha Ganapati, made with Jackfruit Tree, is
seen holding an Appam in his hand. He is considered a lover of Neyyappa (sweet
dish made with special ghee). Also known as 'Unniyappam', it is a popular
offering in this temple.
Sri Maha Ganapati Temple, Gokarna
Gokarna is about 180 km from Udupi in
Karnataka.
The Maha Ganapati Temple was built here
to celebrate Lord Ganesha for having saved the Atmalingam by deftly tricking
Ravana.
Mahabaleshwar, meaning Lord Eshwara of
great strength, is enshrined here.
It is customary for devotees to pay
obeisance to the 1.3-meter-high black stone Ganapati idol here before going
to the Mahabaleshwar temple.
Idagunji Maha Ganapati
Known as Idagunji, this spiritual place
near Mangalore in Karnataka, is very popular among Hindu pilgrims. The Ganapati
temple here is known as Madoba Shree Ganesha Devaru. His right hand holds a
lotus bud and a modak in other hand.
A large Nandi sits at the forefront.
The divine sage Narada stands on the left, while the sage Valakhilya sits on the
right, engrossed in penance. Believed to be from the 4th century, the main idol
of Lord Ganesha is housed in the inner sanctum.
Idagunji is one of the six famous Ganesha shrines on the western coast of South India, popularly known as the 'Ganesha Beaches'. Other temples include those in Kasaragod, Mangalore, Anegudde, Kundapura and Gokarna.
Ganesh Chaturthi Special Food Recipes
1. Nei Appam Recipe
2. Ellu Kozhukattai Recipe / Sesame Modak
