Kesave Sri Kamandala Ganapati Temple, Karnataka
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Address
Kesave Sri Kamandala Ganapati Temple, Karnataka
Kesave village, Sringeri
Karnataka State 577126
Moolavar
Sri Kamandala Ganapati
Introduction
- Location: Kesave village, Koppa taluk, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka; approximately 61 km from Chikmagalur, 11 km from Koppa, and 293 km from Bangalore.
- Temple Significance:
- The Kamandalanadhi Ganapathi Temple is about 1000 years old and dedicated to Lord Ganesh, enshrined by Goddess Parvati.
- The temple features a water source that flows continuously from a small hole in front of the Ganesh idol, which is considered holy by devotees.
- Puranic Significance:
- The temple is linked to the mythological story of Goddess Parvati, who performed penance to alleviate the suffering caused by the planet Saturn (Shani Dosha). She enshrined Lord Ganesh here to protect her penance and remove the affliction.
- The water from the Pushkarini (a sacred tank in front of the Ganesh idol) is believed to have medicinal properties and flows into the Brahmi River, eventually joining the Tunga River.
- Lord Ganesh here is depicted in a bachelor (Brahmachari) form with a Kamandala (water pot), symbolizing purity and asceticism, and is worshipped as Kamandala Ganapati.
- The temple is said to help devotees overcome Shani Dosha and other afflictions, offering relief from ailments.
- Special Features:
- Kamandala Ganapati is believed to grant success in education, remove obstacles, and fulfill the wishes of devotees.
- The temple is particularly important for those suffering from Shani Dosham (affliction due to Saturn), and pilgrims come here for relief from ailments and spiritual blessings.
- The water in the Pushkarini is considered sacred, and taking a bath there is believed to purify the body and soul.
- The temple is known for its healing powers, particularly in curing various ailments and providing spiritual growth, especially for students (referred to as Vidya Ganapati).
- Cultural and Local Significance:
- The Kamandala Tirtha and the temple’s Brahma Tirtham (holy water) attract devotees from across India.
- Though it holds immense religious and cultural significance, the temple is relatively less popular compared to other temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
- Key Beliefs:
- The temple is a place for meditation and devotional service, helping devotees attain their goals, overcome obstacles, and seek blessings for education and knowledge.
- The visit to the temple is considered to bring peace and prosperity, particularly for those suffering from planetary afflictions.
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Century/Period
500-1000 Years Old
Nearest Bus Station
Kesave
Nearest Railway Station
Chikmagalur
Nearest Airport
Bangalore