Katipalla Ganesha Temple – Maha Ganapathi Temple Near Mangalore – Shri Ganeshapura Temple

The Divine Legacy of Katipalla: The Story Behind Shri Mahaganapati Temple

Mahaganapathi Temple, also known as Shri Ganeshapura Temple, is located at Katipalla near Mangalore in Karnataka. As the name indicates the temple is dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha. Katipalla Ganesha Temple is around 25 km north of Mangalore. Temple timings, contact address and phone number is given in detail below:

A Historical Sacrifice for a New Port

In 1963–64, the local residents of Panambur and its surroundings made an incredible sacrifice. To pave the way for the construction of the New Mangalore All-Weather Port, they gave up their ancestral homes, temples, monasteries, agricultural lands, and businesses. These families relocated and resettled in the newly developed colony of Katipalla–Krishnapura.

The Birth of a Spiritual Dream

Upon settling in Katipalla, the Hindu community faced a significant challenge—there were no proper facilities for religious worship or rituals. Recognizing this need, a group of devoted individuals decided to build a temple. Inspired by divine guidance, construction of the temple began around 1986–87.

With the unity of devotees from nearby villages such as Katipalla, Krishnapura, Kana, Katla, Bollaje, Kuttethooru, Bala, Kalavaru, Chelyaru, and Madhya, the magnificent Shri Mahaganapati Temple was built under the leadership of Brahmashri Derebail Harikrishna Tantivarenya, following traditional Agama Shastra.

A Grand Consecration Ceremony

The idol installation (Pratishta) and the divine Brahmakalashabhisheka ceremony were held in great splendor on March 27, 1988. Despite the intense summer heat, devotees witnessed a divine sign—gentle, flower-like rain during the rituals—seen as a blessing from Lord Mahaganapati, who is believed to have fulfilled the prayers of his followers.

Deities and Daily Worship

Apart from Lord Mahaganapati, the temple also houses other deities including:

• Shri Umamaheshwara (Shiva and Parvati)

• Shri Durga Parameshwari

• Shri Aditya and the Navagrahas (Nine Planets)

• Shri Chamundeshwari

• Shri Sarpa Adhishtana Nagabrahma and Yakshas

These deities receive daily rituals (Trikala Pooja), and devotees believe they continue to bless the community with divine grace and protection.

Balemuri Ganapati – The Quickest Blessing Giver

Lord Mahaganapati here is popularly known as Balemuri Ganapati, renowned for quickly responding to devotees’ prayers. Over time, devotees from far and wide have offered various sevas (ritual services) seeking relief from personal difficulties and spiritual fulfillment.

Temple Growth and Infrastructure Development

Thanks to generous donations and active participation from devotees, the temple has grown significantly over the years. Major developments include:

• Outer Mandapas (halls)

• Dwajasthamba (flagpole)

• Mahagopuram (main tower)

• Upper floor construction

• Rajagopuram (royal tower)

• Vasantha Mandapam (spring pavilion)

• Yagna/Yaga Mandapam (sacrificial altar)

• Community Sabha Bhavana (hall)

These additions have transformed the temple into a vibrant and revered spiritual center.

Faith, Prayer, and Fulfillment

Many devotees have testified to receiving divine intervention after sincerely offering their prayers and services to Lord Mahaganapati. These stories of blessings and answered prayers continue to be shared within the community in the local dialect, strengthening the faith of the people.

Kalasha Snana – Sacred Ritual Bath

One of the daily highlights is the Kalasha Snana, a sacred ritual where holy water (Abhisheka Tirtha) is sprinkled on devotees. It is believed to purify and bring spiritual benefits. Devotees also receive Gandha Prasada, considered extremely holy and spiritually potent.

The Ganesha worshipped in the temple is famous as Siddi Vinayaka, as it is believed that desires are fulfilled and prayers go never unanswered.

The temple was constructed in 1988. The temple also houses Murtis of Durga Parameshwari, Uma Maheshwari, Chamundeshwari, Nagas and Navgrahas.

The most important festival in the temple is the Vinayaka Chaturthi. Other festivals include Jathra Mahostva, Shri Chakra Pooja, Navratri, etc.

Katipalla Ganesha Temple Timings

Morning 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Evening 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Katipalla Ganesha Temple Contact Address

Shri Kshethra Ganeshpura
Sri Mahaganapathi Temple
Katipalla, Mangalore – 575030.
Dakshina Kannada Distric

Karnataka State.
India
Phone : 0824-2270175
0824-2273175

The temple is situated at Katipalla on Surathkal - Bajpe road.