Madhur Sri Madanantheshwara Siddivinayaka Temple
This is a popular Shiva and Ganapathi temple located 7 km (4.3 mi) from Kasaragod town, on the banks of Mogral river, locally known as Madhuvahini. Though the name Madhur Ananteshwara Vinayaka temple suggests that the deity is Lord Ganapathy, the temple is actually dedicated to Anantheswara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The temple architecture is of 3-tiered Gajaprishta type resembling the back of an elephant. One can also find beautiful wooden carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The vast spacious gopurams give a good ambiance for the devotees to relax and enjoy the Ganapathi`s presence.
Madhur temple was originally Shrimad Anantheswara (Shiva) Temple and as the lore goes, an old woman called Madaru from the local Tulu Moger Community discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of shiva linga. Initially, the Ganapathy picture was drawn by a boy, on the southern wall of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) while playing. Day by day it became big and fat; so that the boy called Ganapathi as "boddajja" or "Bodda Ganesha". The legend of Kumble seme says Tipu Sultan wanted to demolish the temple like Adooru Mahalingeswara temple during his invasion of Coorg, Tulunadu, and Malabar. But after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind on attacking and demolishing the Garbhagudi and marched towards Malabar. But to satisfy his soldiers and Islamic scholars he made a cut with his sword symbolizing the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.
Though the main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva known as Madanantheshwara, meaning the god who killed Kama, the god of desires, more importance is given to Lord Ganapathi, who is installed facing south in the main sanctum itself. There is also presence of Goddess Parvati inside the main sanctum. Priests of this temple belong to the Shivalli Brahmin community.
Location
Madhur
Main Deity
Lord Ganesha
Other Deities
Kashi Vishwanatha, Dharmasastha, Subrahmanya, Durga Parameshwari, Veerabhadra and Gulika
Festivals
Maha Sivarathri, Ganesh Chaturthi.
Main Offerings
Appam, Sahasrappa (Thousand appas), Moodappam Seva - covering the Mahaganapathi statue with Appam.
How To Reach
By Air: Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest International Airport situated at 60.4 KM.
By Road: Kasargode KSRTC Bus Depot is 6.2 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kasargode Railway Station is 8.6 KM from the Temple.