Shri Idagunji Maha Ganapati Temple is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and it is situated in the Idagunji town in Karnataka. Every year during Vinayaka Chaturthi day, millions and millions of devotees used to worship this Temple Vinayaka, in order to pay their great respects to him. It is one of the eighteen famous Ganesha temples situated across the country.
Before the end of the last Dwapara Yuga, Sage Valakhilya was performing meditation on the banks of the holy river Sharavathi. Devarishi Narada had appeared before sage Valakhilya and asked him to worship Lord Vighneshwara. Sage Valakhilya worshipped Ganapathi, and hence, he had got his divine vision at the present place of the Idagunji Temple. And as per the instructions given by Lord Vinayaka, the divine architect Lord Vishwakarama installed the Vigneshwara deity at Idagunji, and also constructed a nice temple for Lord Ganeshvara. The Vinayaka deity at Idagunji looks very realistic, charm, and it seems as if the original Lord Vinayaka himself dwells at this marvellous place!
The age of the temple is supposed to be a few thousand years old. Idagunji Vinayaka has the popularity of showering his utmost grace on those devotees who aims for attaining such a grace. The Temple Vinayaka is a live one. The importance of the temple is mentioned in some Kannada Bhakti texts. This temple Vinayaka reduces the evil effects of the Kali Purusha.
The Ganesha of Idagunji is the family deity (Kuladevata) for a certain type of Brahmins, and likewise a certain Dalit community people of Karnataka, seek the blessings of the deity, during the time of marriage occasions. They even consider him as their beloved deity (Ishta Devata), and would offer Arukampul (Holy grass), flower, flower garlands and Mothakams to Lord Ganesha as a token of showing their gratitude on him.
It is also believed that before the Pandavas proceed to the Swarka Loka, they came to this place, and they have worshipped Lord Idagunji Vinayaka, and offered prayers to him, and hence this Vinayaka is also known as “SRI PANDAV VINAYAKA”. This Temple Vinayaka is as famous as “SRI KASI VISWANATH MANDIR”, and hence this Vinayaka is also known as “SRI KASI VINAYAKA”. This Temple Vinayaka is worshipped by celestials like Lord Indra, Chandra and Surya, and hence this Temple Vinayaka is also known as “SRI VINAYAKA DEVARU”.
Interested Devotees can also take part in the sacred Annadana schemes which is available in this temple, and by doing this, they could fetch some good karmas.
“OM SRI IDAGUNJINATHA NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR