Uchila Temple located in Udupi District in Karnataka is one of the oldest temples in coastal Karnataka. The temple is known by the names of Shri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara temple, Paddayi Mukudu Kuldiner, Gudde Dittinaar, Odeya, Ullaye, and Eshwara Deve. Udupi to Uchila temple distance is 19 kms. The temple is located on National Highway 66.
Uchila Temple Opening And Closing Timings
Morning: 06:00 AM to 12:30 PMAfternoon : 04:00 PM to 07:50 PM
The most important pujas in the temple are performed at 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM
The temple remains open on the entire day during important festivals and rituals.
Story of Uchila Temple in Hindu Puranas
As per old Hindu beliefs, the Shivling in the Uchila Temple was installed by Kharasura, an ardent devotee of Shiva. The story of Khara and Rhatta, two demons, are found in the Skanda Purana.
Main Deities Worshiped in Uchila Temple
The main Shivling and Panipeeta are nearly 5 feet tall and pooja is performed in standing position. There is a strong belief that the deity fulfills the prayers of those who pray for early marriage and of those couples who wish to have children.
Jarandaya Daiva visits the temple to meet the deity as per the traditional culture.
The present temple is believed to have been constructed during the 9th century AD.
The Nandi sculpture in the Teertha Mandapa is simple without many ornaments. Layers of butter and ghee are applied on to the murti Nandi which symbolizes Nandi as the savior of cattle.
The main subsidiary deity in the temple is Ganesha. The murti has four arms holding Parashu, Dantha, Pasha and Ankusha.
A shrine of Goddess Raktheshwari is found towards the northern direction from the main shrine and of Lord Naga towards eastern direction of the sanctum.
The temple has a vast sanctum which is rectangular in shape. The temple complex has suttu pouli, bali peeta and dwajasthambam. The temple pond towards the north has Olaga Mantapa and Mukha Mantapa.
The Main Festivals Observed In The Temple Are:
- Deepothsava And Ranga Pooja on 4 Mondays in Karthika Maasa (November – December).
- Ganayaga of 108 coconuts offered to Lord Ganesha on the day of Maha Chowthi.
- Appa Seva for Lord Ganesha in Ashada Masam (June – July).
- Hoovina Pooja And Siyalabhisheka in the month of Shravan.
- Maha Shivaratri
- Rathotsava
- Shri Manmaharathothsava
- Annual festival at Shri Brahmalingeshwara Alade.
During festivals, devotees are served with Anna Santarpana as the prasad of the deity.
Devotees offer rice, coconut, oil, vegetables and rope to the temple.
The family of Maramma Heggade of Yermal Beedu (priests) hold the responsibility of conducting festivals and other rituals at the temple.