- Ganesh
Sri Maha Ganapathi Kshetra
- Kokkada,Karnataka
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Overview
Southadka is located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field and there is no proper structure of the temple. The Southadka Mahaganapathi Kshetra is surrounded by panoramic scenes and is open round the clock for offering prayers, with simple worshipping opportunity to the public. A lot of cows can be seen freely wandering around the place of worship.
About the Temple
This temple is nestled in tranquil natural surroundings is open round the clock for offering prayers, with simple worshipping opportunity to the public. Devotees themselves have the opportunity to perform pooja to Lord Ganapathi. It is not crowded as most of the popular temples are.
Legend and Stories
Long ago, a temple was in control of a Royal family. During one of the battles, the temple was destroyed. At that time, cowherds in and around this area took away the Mahaganapathi idol and started worshipping wherever they went and finally installing the idol here at Sowthadka. They were growing cucumber and during their worship started offering same to Lord Mahaganapathi of this temple. In Kannada, "sowthe" means cucumber and "adka" means meadow hence the name "Sowthadka". No temple structure has been allowed as per the traditional norms.
Pooja Timing
7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 7:15 pm
Accessibility
The nearest airport is in Mangalore. The nearest railway station is in Mangalore. One can reach Southadka, on the National Highway 48 from Uppinangady towards Bangalore, first left turn after Nellyadi, on Dharmasthala Road.
Temple Address
Southadka Sri Maha Ganapathi Kshetra,
Kokkada Post,
Belthangadi Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada district
Pin code - 574 198
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Auspicious beginnings of work
- Removal of obstacles
- Renewal of energy
- Success
- Wisdom
- Agricultural productivity
Shlokas
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Timings
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.