Idugunji temple is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. The town is surrounded by forest of western ghats. The temple receives huge number of visitors and is very popular in this region. It is around 15 km from Honavar town.
About Idagunji Temple :
Idagunji, Ganapathi temple is an ancient temple with a history of more than 1500 years, it is a major tourist attraction in the Karavali coast of Karnataka, India. This place has got its own name for its beautiful idol of Lord Ganapathi.. The importance of Edakunj kshetra has been mentioned in the Sahyadri khand of the Skandapuran. ‘Eda’ (Wamnadi) means ‘to the left’ and ‘kunj’ means garden. The place thus got its name, as it is located on the left banks of the river Sharawati. This temple is a major piligrim spot which attracts more than 1 million devotees per year. The temple is midway between Gunavanteshwar and Murudeshwar and is 1/2 hr drive from either temple.
Attractions Of Idagunji Temple In Karnataka :
Idagunji is a holy place of Hindu worship in Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada district. The main attraction of Idagunji is the temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati. The temple at Idagunji attracts more than 1 million devotees per year. Idagunji is about 14 km southeast of Honnavar.
The two handed Lord Ganapati is holding Modaka and Padma (Lotus) in his hands. The idol of Ganapathi at Idagunji is similar to the Ganapathi at Gokarna.
It is believed that Lord Ganapati stayed in the place called Kunjaranya which is now renowned as Idagunji (Idakuñja). It is said to be a place of penance selected by ancient Rishies (Saints).
Mhatobar Shri Vinayaka Devaru has been granting the wishes of thousands of people who regularly visit this place from year to year.
Location :
Idagunji is located about 14 kms south east of Honnavar taluk of North Canara district of Karnataka State India. Be it a small child, or an old man, Lord Ganesh here is very beloved with a sweet spiritual smile in his eyes. Idagunji has also got a hall which facilitates religious ceremonies and marriages in this holy shelter. Idagunji has also taken up meal facilities.
History :
According to the legend, at the end of the ‘Dwapara Yuga’ the saints met with several obstacles while they were performing a ritual.
Narada then advised them to worship Vigneshwara or Ganesh before starting the penance again.They located a place Kunjaranya near Sharavati river and Narada brought Ganesha along with other Gods to this abode . Immensely pleased by the devotion rendered on him by the saints, Ganesha decided to stay in Kunjaranya which is now renowned as Idagunji.
How to Reach :
One can use KSRTC buses from Sirsi, Kumta, Honavar etc. On the way from Honavar town to Murudeshwar, on the left hand side you can see Iduganji temple arch, take left here and drive for another 4 km to reach Vinayaka temple.
Where to stay: Devotees can stay at Idagunji temple. Otherwise one should stay either in Sirsi, Kumta or Murudeshwar.
Where to eat: At Idagunnji temple. Free food is provided at Mayura Prasada Bhojanalaya. Otherwise Hotels or restaurants are not available. One can try highway dhabas.
Other Information of Idagunji Temple :
Speciality of the temple : PANCHAKHADYA is prepared for LORD GANAPATHI .
Opening and closing timings : Morning timings: 6.00 AM – 1.00 PM
Afternoon timings : 3.00 PM – 8.30 PM
Abhisheka : Morning abhisheka at 7:00 AM
MAHA ABHISHEKA at 11:00 AM
Evening abhisheka at 7:00 PM
Pooje timings : Morning pooje at 8:00 AM
MAHA POOJE at 12:30 PM
Evening pooje at 8:00 PM
Horoscope facility : Horoscope facility is available at the temple
Matrimonial facility : Kalyana Mantapa is available for marriage. In addition to this, Thread Ceremony and Chavala functions are also conducted.
Other facilities : Free Bhojana facility is available for all devotees at noon, in “Mayura Prasada Bhojanalaya” at Idagunji temple.
Accomodation : Accomodation facilities are available at Idagunji Devasthana. Also accomodation facilities are available at the near by places like Honnavar, Kumta and Bhatkal
Nearby attractions : Murudeshwara, Gokarana, Apsarakonda, Kasarkod Beach, Sharavati River, Ram Thirtha and Laxmana Thirtha are some of the near by attraction places.