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Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple
Ganesha (Swayambhu) · Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
॥ ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥
The Idagunji Mahaganapati Temple on the Karnataka coast is among the most revered Ganesha shrines of the south, home to a self-manifest standing image of the lord. A two-armed Ganesha holding a lotus and a modaka, worshipped since ancient times, it is counted among the six great Ganapati temples of Karnataka and draws pilgrims to the green country near Honnavar.
The standing, self-manifest lord
Idagunji’s Ganesha is unusual: a standing, two-armed image bearing a lotus in one hand and a sweet modaka in the other, slender and serene rather than seated. Held to be swayambhu, self-manifest, the deity is said to have been worshipped here from the age of the sages, and the shrine is sought for the fulfilment of vows and the removal of obstacles.
A Puranic foundation
Tradition traces the temple to the early ages, linking its founding to sages who established the worship of Ganapati on this coast to bless a great sacrifice. Set in the lush Uttara Kannada country near the Sharavati estuary, it has been a centre of devotion through the medieval kingdoms of the region and remains busy with pilgrims year-round.
One of the six Ganapatis
Idagunji is counted among the six famous Ganesha temples of coastal Karnataka, a circuit of shrines that pilgrims trace for the grace of the lord. Ganesh Chaturthi and the Phalguna festival are the great occasions, when the standing lord is honoured with processions and the temple town fills with devotees.
How to reach Idagunji
- By road: Idagunji is about 12 km from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district, on the Karnataka coast.
- By train: Honnavar and Kumta on the Konkan Railway are the nearer railheads.
- By air: Hubli and Mangaluru are the nearest airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Idagunji Ganesha?
It is a rare standing, two-armed image of Ganesha holding a lotus and a modaka, held to be swayambhu (self-manifest), worshipped since ancient times on the Karnataka coast.
Is Idagunji one of the famous Ganesha temples?
Yes — it is counted among the six great Ganapati temples of Karnataka, a circuit pilgrims trace for the lord’s grace.
How old is the temple?
Tradition traces it to the early ages, linking its founding to sages who established Ganapati worship on the coast; it has been a centre of devotion through the medieval kingdoms.
Where is Idagunji?
It is about 12 km from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district, on the Karnataka coast near the Sharavati estuary.
What are the main festivals?
Ganesh Chaturthi and the Phalguna festival are the great occasions, with processions of the standing lord.
How do I reach Idagunji?
Honnavar and Kumta on the Konkan Railway are the nearer railheads; Hubli and Mangaluru are the nearest airports.
॥ गणपति बाप्पा मोरया ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Ganesha (standing, self-manifest) |
| Form | Two-armed, holding lotus and modaka |
| Significance | One of the six great Ganapati temples of Karnataka |
| Setting | Coastal Uttara Kannada near Honnavar |
| Main Festival | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Tradition | Puranic / ancient |