Travel Magazine

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada

By Rashmi Gopal Rao

Located about 3 km from the village of Kokkada in Belthangady Taluk is a special temple of Lord Ganesha, the Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple.  Yet another temple dedicated to the Lord of Beginnings in Dakshina Kannada district, this one is located just under 300 km from Bangalore.

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, KokkadaSouthadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple

The unique feature of the temple is that there is no enclosure nor ‘garbha griha’ and the idol is out in the open amidst greenery.

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada
Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple

The temple is open round the clock and is considered as one of the most auspicious places of piligrimage or ‘siddhi kshetras‘ of the district.  This Maha Ganapati Kshetra is located just about 20 km from Dharmastala.

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada
Entrance to the Southadka Ganapati Temple

Another distinguishing feature of the temple is the number of bells tied everywhere.  There is a belief that when devotees pray and their wishes come true, a bell is tied as a token of thanks giving. It is amazing to see the number of bells cover almost every surface.

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada
Bells everywhere at the Southadka Ganapati Temple

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada
Bells: Here, there, everywhere

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada

Extremely popular with devotees from all over, there are a number of sevas that are offered to the Lord here and this includes the ‘avalakki panchakajjaya seva’ and the famous ‘moodappa seve’.  

Photoessay: Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple, Kokkada

Do not miss the vibrant temple market just outside the main entrance that sells a number of items pertaining to pooja, other knick knacks and of course the omnipresent brass bells that comes in all sizes.


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