Monday, March 23, 2009

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

10 comments:

Bhuvaneswari Jayaraman said...

An interesting note. Its amazing how many different forms and stories we have for Lord Ganesha. May be there is a lesson in all this for us- be multifaceted and flexible like Lord Ganesha.

with regards,

Bhuvani

Unknown said...

Balasubramanian from Edmonton, Canada:
The information was useful and good. But there is a light discrepency in the story as you mentioned there is an another of same type of Vinayagar with Hair (Jata) is in Guruviyer Street, Chidamabram, Tamilnadu, India. Name of the vinayar itself Jata Vianayagar. This vinayaga temple is more than 100 years. I lived in this place during my childhood. It has its own story as how this vinayaga has been constructed. When I performed Abishekam I experienced seen "Jata" , "Hair" back side of Vinayaga. if you need more details, I am willing to provide the story and details.

geethesh said...

HATTIYANGADI IS ONE OF THE WONDERFULL SPRITUAL PLACE OF LORD SHREE SIDDIVINAYAKA DEVOTIES WISHES CAN BE FULLFILLED INFRONT OF PRAYING SIDDIVINAYAKA AT MAHAPOOJA

Akhilesh said...

Hattiangadi Ganesha has been my favorite deity...I feel blessed whenever I go there...thanks for the write up on the history that has made the place and the presiding lord so famous and revered...
|| Om Ganeshaya Namaha ||

GOVIND GADIYAR said...

Just visited Hattiangadi last Monday and wish to visit again next year. Fantastic experience.

Saranya Hariharan said...

Can I have the temple priest contact number or the temple postal addresspls ?

Raju Narayanaswamy said...

Ms.Sarnya Hariharan, please find below the Hattangadi vinyaka temple address and phone numbers,Sri Siddivinayaka Temple
Hattiangadi - 576 283
Kundapura, Udupi, Karnataka State, India
Phone: 91 8254 264201 (Office), 264328 (Residence)

Raju Narayanaswamy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SAGAR said...

I visited the Hattiangadi Vinaya Temple very recently with my family and we all felt a deep connection and with Him and also blessed. It is a wonderful temple and i wish we could visit as often as possible.

S.venkatasubramanian said...

I would like to have a dharshan of this Ganapathi. I pray him to help me in this regard.