Guddattu Vinyaka Temple

Guddattu Vinayaka Templle
Lord Ganesh has always been a mystery to the world. Belived to be remover of obstacles, has always been worshiped first among other Gods. This god of international acclaim is unrisaged in different shapes and environments.
Here is something that has to sun, to be belived. Guddattu Vinayaka is the only Jaladhivasa Ganapathi availeble in the country and is unique of its kind. The temple stands on the foot of a huge granitc rock, which itself looks like a sleeping elephant. On the eastern portion of the rock, at the ground level there exists a cave and the ‘swayombhi’ (emerged on its own) Ganesha with his legs folded, trunk twisted towards sight, is sun in a sitting posture. The cave will always be kept filled with water which submerges the diti up to neck level. The thru feet Idol of lord Ganesha is a black stone sculpture with little gap around. The lord is visible charly through a hote when the aarathi is preformed or with the help of wick lamp.
Even though the hole sanction samctorum is natural one, Mukhamantapa, Thirthamantapa, Hebbagilu, Pauli etc. were constructed with granitc structure as per temple vastu and is very attractive one. On either side of the rock there is forest and lush green paddy fields and the place is Arene and picturesque. Even though no body knows as to when it came to existance, the temple is laricived to be very ancient.
The special pooja here is a unique as the idol itself. The mahapooja called ‘Ayarakoda’ which means ‘Sahasrakumbabhisheka’ starts with draining the water from the cave and performing various such as Tailabhyanjana, Panchamrutha, Rudrabhisheka etc and aarathi to the idol insdie the care fast section of the pooja condions abhisheka with water chanting ‘Paramana Sooktham” till the water overflows from the cave, that is upto neck level of the idol. All those performance requires about thousand pots of water and hence Pooja is called “Ayarakoda” (Ayara means thousand in Tamil & Malayalam). Then Mahamangalarathi will be performed and lunch will be served. This is very famous seva and derotus have to book their dates at least six months in advance apart from this, Ganahoma, Mudiakkikadabu, Kayi Moodaganapathi, Panchakajjaya etc will also be performed.
The temple is Managed by Sri G. Ananthapadmanabha Adiga, Heriditary trustee and also pradhana Archaka. The temple has had an array of renovation and so far around to lakhs rupees was spent for renovation of Mukhamantapa, Thirthamanatapa, Hebbagilu, Pauli etc. Another one crore project for the further developments such as kitchen dining halls, swagatha gopura, Yagashala, Guest house, Pushkarini etc. has been finalised and the managing trustee is confident of completing these development works within five years with wholeharted support from the devotees.
Guddattu Vinayaka Templle is about 35 k.m. from Udupi via Brahmavara - Barkur, Shiriyara, about 15 k.m. from Kundapur via Koteshwara - Hunsemakhi -Guddeangady, about 10 k.m. from Shankaranarayana via Halady - Bidkalkatte - Shiriyara.
For more details devotees may contact the Managing Trustee Sri G. Annanthapadmanabha Adiga at the below given address:
Sri Vinayak Temple, Guddattu,
Yadadi Mathyadi Post,
Kundapura Tq. Udupi Dist.,
Karnataka State
INDIA - 576 222.

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple

Anegudde Vinayaka
Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple is situated in Kundapur taluk in Udupi district, between Kota and Koteshwara towns. The area where the temple stands is called Kubhashi. Among the several temples in Kubhashi Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple is the oldest and the most popular in this region.LegendAnegudde Temple is considered as the creation of sage Parashurama. With the passage of time the area where the temple is situated has been called in different names. According to the legends when drought hit this area sage Agasthya came here to perform Yagna to please the rain god. During the yagna demon Kumbhasura started bothering the sages. To rescue the sages Bhima killed the demon with the help of the sword gifted by lord Ganesha.FestivalsVinayaka Chauthi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Anegudde Vinayaka Temple

Hattiangadi Vinayaka Temple

Hattiangady Vinayaka Temple
The eighth century Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple at Hattiyangadi in Kundapur taluk is a historical and well-known pilgrimage centre for Hindus of the coast. Hattiyangadi (Pattinagara) was the capital of Alupa Kings, who ruled the Tulunadu during seventh and eighth centuries. They had close ties with some other Jain cities such as Purigere (Lakshmeeshwara) and Hombuja (Humcha). Later Hoysala and Honnekambala Kings ruled Hattiyangadi, which was also known as Goshtipura, as it hosted a number of intellectual debates.Hattiangadi, about 8 kms to the the northeast of Kundapur, which is famous for the ancient Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, also houses many other ancient Temples and Jaina Basadis. Gopalakrishna, Lokanatheshwara, Maraladevi, Shankaranarayan, Shivamunishwara, Ekantheshwara and Shaktharabrahma Temples are found here.Hattiyangadi, which was once a capital of Alupa Kings, is now a small village. But it has still managed to retain its attraction with lush green mountains on one side and the curvaceous Varahi River on the other. On the bank of the river there is a spot called Aramane Adi, which earlier housed a palace. At an elevated spot nearby is the Chandranatha Basadi and behind it is the Jattiraya’s Temple. It was a sacred place for the meditation of Sri Govindarama Yathivarya (Saint) during 16th century. The Saint blessed his disciple and the then Temple priest Rama Bhatta, who later cultivated a number of poetic works and got the reputation as Kavi (poet) Rama. The saint had also predicted that the Temple would become famous worldwide during next three hundred years. What a true prediction it was! Now, the Temple is attracting a number of devotees from all parts of the world.Hattiangadi is well known for its Siddivinayaka Temple, which is supposed to have been constructed around the seventh or eighth century. The Lord Ganapathi Temple is situated on the bank of River Varahi. It is the only Temple in India, where the idol of Lord Vinayaka sports a jata-hair. The idol itself is carved of a Saligrama stone and is 2.5 feet high and Vinayaka’s curly hair is left loose at the back. The trunk is bent towards the left.It is believed that the idol may be in standing posture. The deity’s right hand is situated inside the basement and holds a vessel full of Modakas in its left hand. According to experts, the deity is of Bala Ganesha, which has just two arms and various ornaments are also found on the idol. The statue grows in size every year and this is visible from the fact that it has outgrown the silver casting. The entire shrine is carved from black marble. Since the God is supposed to grant the wishes of the devotees, the title ‘Siddi’ is conferred on Lord Vinayaka. Sahasra Narikela Ganayaga (a Yaga using 1008 coconuts), Sri Sathya Ganapathi Vratha, Laksha Doorvarchane, Sindhura (kumkum) Archane, and others poojas are offered here for Lord Vinayaka on special occasions such as Sankashtahara Chaturthi, Ganesha Chowthi, Navarathri and on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday on the request of the devotees. Devotees are offering poojas such as Ashtadravyathmaka Ganahavana and Thrikala Pooja everyday.The renovated Temple was inaugurated in 1980 by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka Devaraj Arasu. The Temple was once again renovated and was built in granites in 1997. Thirty-two Ganapathi idols as explained in Mudgala Purana were also installed in the Temple premises. A Navagraha Mandir was also added. A concrete tower has been established on Tallur Vandse Highway to welcome the devotees coming to Hattiyangadi Siddhivinayaka Temple. The Temple is running the Central Gurukula English Medium residential school, which is intending to impart quality education. The management is also developing the Varahi Thapovana (herbal plantation) at a cost of Rs one crore. This also includes Navagraha Vana, Rashivana, Nakshathravana Saptharshivana and Panchayathanavana as explained in Hindu Holy books. Thapovana covers a guesthouse, Guru Kuteera, fountain and other light and sound equipment intending to entertain visitors. Managing trustee of the Temple Sri Ramachandra Bhat has put great efforts in developing the Temple as a perfect Hindu pilgrimage. The Temple was provided with all basic amenities including an approach road. The devotees coming from far are provided free food at Sri Balchandra Prasada the Temple-dining hall that accommodates 400-500 people at one sitting. On the top floor are the Pravachana Mandir and Sabhagruha. The Temple has well-equipped lodges, choultry, seminar hall, Yaga Shala. Goshala (cowshed), and Kalyana Mantapa for the benefit of the devotees. The Temple also houses the Siddivinayaka School of ancient scriptures, where students are given free accommodation, food, clothes and education. Various developmental activities are conducted with help of the money received in charity. Various cultural activities are held throughout the year along with state-level Yakshagana Kammata-workshop, study and demonstration of medicinal herbs and shrubs, agricultural and yoga camps etc

Ashta Vinyaka Darshan

Everybody should visit the Ashtavinayak in Maharashtra at least once in a life time. There are Eight temples dedicated to Ganesha, in Maharashtra related to various episodes from the puranas and other legends - and these deities are collectively known as Ashta Vinayak. According to Shastra, first you have to visit Moreshwar of Moregaon. Then visit Siddhatek,Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon and then again Moregaon will end you Ashtavinayak Yatra."Vinayaka" is another name of Lord Ganesh, the God loved and worshiped by every Hindu. Lord Ganesh is the protector of his devotees. Eight effigies found among the nature, sculptured by nature have been housed in the temples created ages ago at the places where the effigies were first identified. These 'Swayambhu' effigies. Now the sacred idols, is the famous "Ashta Vinayak." Special S.T. buses ply between Pune and all the Ashta Vinayak temples. Tours are also organized by private operators. Dharmashala, Lodges and M.T.D.C. resorts almost at all the places for visitors to reside. Ashta Vinayak Temples are within the range of only 20 to 110 Kms

To see enlarged image click on the photos.

Karadaiyan Nonmbu

Satyavan Savitri painting By Ardendu Banerjee

Karadaiyan Nombu and its myth
Courtesy: Blogger-Casement

One person’s truth is another’s fiction. Similarly, one person’s myth is another’s religious belief.The religious belief of ‘Karadaiyan Nombu’, has its roots in the myth of Satyavan & Savitri, which is about love, devotion, death and life, in the same order. Savitri, daughter of a king, was wise and beautiful. She was granted permission to find her own groom and she selected Satyavan, who was destined to die in a year. But, Savitri did not want to marry anyone except him and entered into the wedlock with courage and confidence. When Satyavan’s impending death arrived, she observed an austere fast to seek the blessing of Gods and Goddesses. Finally, when the God of Death, Yama arrived to perform his duty, she won the life of Satyavan with her devotion and intellect.Based on this legend, South Indian women observe fast and pray for the well-being of their husband, in the culmination of Masi(a month in Tamil calendar, approximately Feb 14th- March 14th). ‘Kara Adai’ is a delicious recipe, made with rice flour and black peas (Sidenote1: My mom makes excellent karadais). It has no particular nexus with the story, but its preparation has been a custom. When the auspicious time arrives, a banana leaf is placed in front of the lady with karadais and butter, along with a yellow thread, called saradu. The women, then take a vow (referred to as ‘nombu’) uttering the words "Urugada vennaiyum, oradaiyum naan thanden, orunaalum en kanavar piriyadirukka vendum." A crude translation would mean, I make this offer of Adai and butter; May my husband stay with me always. (Sidenote 2: I have never taken the vow without a giggle, at the equation of adai and husband and not a single nombu has passed without a lecture from my mom. A fragment of the lecture in the next paragraph). After the vow, the women tie the saradu around their neck and break the fast with the karadai and vennai, with prayers for their husband’s/future husband’s longevity."There will always be myths we are unable to understand or appreciate, or that has been distorted in translation or retelling. A few myths survived the tests of time, a few others changed with time and many have vanished leaving behind only traces of their existence. Perhaps, the obscure remains are the reason for the lack of complete understanding of such myths. But, in its essence, there is a wise lesson to learn, notwithstanding its void appearance. A nonbelieiver will not be able to fathom the depth of the myth by explaining them away, while a believer experiences the joy of its true meaning by acceptance and practice."I have successfully recalled my mother’s lecture about the obscurity of the connection between husband and Adai. It is left to be seen if I can successfully recall her recipe of Karadai, which seems to be more important after the daylong fast, than its connection with my husband

Today the 9th of March 2009, is the birthday of our father, he was born on a Masi Maham day the sigificance of masi maham is detailed below.
Masi Maham thus has been an annual festival in the Tamil month of Masi. But once in every twelve years - in addition to the full moon being in conjunction with the Maham natchaththiram in the month of Masi, the moving of the planet Jupiter into the Singa Rasi too takes place simultaneously. The Masi Maham which comes with this astronomical combination is called the Maha Maham and celebrated especially in Kumbakonam at Adi Kumbeswaran temple in a very big way. There are two theerththams (tanks) at this temple. One tank is called Maha Maham tank while the other is called as Pottramarai tank. The Tamil Saiva Saint Thirugnanasambanthar on his pilgrimage to the holy shrines in Tamil Nadu went to this temple - known as Kudanthai Kaaronam temple during his time - (Kumbeswaran Siva Temple) in Kumbakonam, and in describing his vist to this temple Saint Poet Seikkeelar in his Tamil religious treatise on 63 Tamil Saiva Saints - namely the Periyapuranam praises the big theerththam therein, and mentions having a sacred bath or dip in same is held as sacred as having a bath in the holy river Gangai on this Maha Maham day which is as follows: “Poomaruvum Gangai muthat punithamaam perun theerththa m Ma Maham thaan aaduthatku vanthu vali padum Koil” Periyapuranam by Seikkeelar (In Tamil) – Thirugnanasampantha Swamihal Puranam, Verse 409 Even the Tamil Saiva Saint Thirunavukkarasar refers to the holy theertha Tanks at Kumbakonam in the vicinity of Kudanthai Keelkottam Siva temple as follows. “....thavi muthat kaviri nal yamunai, gangai, saraswathi, pottramarai, putkarani, then neer koviyodu, kumari varu theerththam soolnththa kudanthai keel koattatthu eng Kooththanaare....” 6th Thirumurai (In Tamil) – pathikam 75 – paadal 10 This is further confirmed by the Tamil Saint Thirunavukkarasar who has made the following reference in his pathikam on the sacred shrine Thiru Kudamuukku also in Kumbakonam as follows: “Gangai yal aval kanni enappadum kongaiyal uraiyum Kudamuukkile” “Godavari uraiyum Kudamuukkile" “Samiyodu Saraschuwathi aval Komiyum uraiyum Kudamuukkile”