Southadka Ganesha Temple near Dharmasthala – About Southadka Mahaganapathi Temple – Southadka Ganapathi Temple

Dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha, Southadka Ganapathi Temple is a very popular shrine near Dharmasthala in Karnataka. Southadka Mahaganapathi Temple is located about 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannda District. The unique aspect of the Southadka Ganesha Temple is that the murti of the temple is located in an open field. There is no sanctum sanctorum or regular temple.

The temple is decorated with bells offered by devotees. Located amidst pristine nature, the shrine breaks all manmade barriers between god, living beings and nature. The shrine is also noted for large number of monkeys.

Legend has it that around 800 years ago, a Ganapati temple administrated by a local royal family was destroyed in war. The murti of Ganesha worshipped in the temple was found by cowherd boys. They carried it to a nearby open field and performed pujas and offered tender cucumber. Ganesha takes the name from tender cucumber (Southe) and vast field (Adka) – Southadka Ganapathi

The most important festival in the temple is observed in January. Another auspicious date is the Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapad month (August – September).

The main offering in the temple is coconut.

The temple is located around 20 km from pilgrim town of Dharmasthala. The temple is 35 km from Kukke Subramanya Swami Temple.

The temple timing is from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM