Thursday Jan 02, 2025

Uchila Temple – Sri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara

Address

Uchila Temple – Sri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara Temple– Karnataka

Uchilakere, Udupi district,

Karnataka 574117

Moolavar

Sri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara

Introduction

  • Uchila Temple is located in Udupi District, Karnataka, and is one of the oldest temples in coastal Karnataka.
  • The temple is known by various names, including Sri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara Temple, Paddayi Mukudu Kuldiner, Gudde Dittinaar, Odeya, Ullaye, and Eshwara Deve.
  • The temple is situated 19 km from Udupi on National Highway 66.

Puranic Significance:

  • The present structure of the Uchila Temple is believed to have been constructed during the 9th century AD.
  • According to ancient beliefs, the Shivling in the temple was installed by Kharasura, a dedicated devotee of Lord Shiva. The tale of Khara and Rhatta, two demons, is found in the Skanda Purana.

Special Features:

  • The main Shivling and Panipeeta (the place where offerings are made) are approximately 5 feet tall. Worshippers perform puja while standing.
  • The temple is particularly known for fulfilling prayers related to early marriage and the desire for children.
  • A Nandi sculpture in the Teertha Mandapa is simple, without elaborate ornaments. Butter and ghee are applied to the Nandi idol, symbolizing Nandi as the savior of cattle.
  • The temple’s main subsidiary deity is Lord Ganesha, whose murti has four arms holding Parashu, Dantha, Pasha, and Ankusha.
  • A shrine to Goddess Raktheshwari is located in the northern part of the temple complex, while a shrine to Lord Naga is situated to the east of the sanctum.
  • The temple features a vast rectangular sanctum, a suttu pouli, bali peeta, and dwajasthambam.
  • The temple pond to the north includes the Olaga Mantapa and Mukha Mantapa.

Festivals:

  • Deepothsava and Ranga Pooja on the 4 Mondays of Karthika Maasa (November-December).
  • Ganayaga: Offering of 108 coconuts to Lord Ganesha on Maha Chowthi.
  • Appa Seva for Lord Ganesha during Ashada Masam (June-July).
  • Hoovina Pooja and Siyalabhisheka during Shravan (July-August).
  • Maha Shivaratri.
  • Rathotsava.
  • Shri Manmaharathothsava.
  • Annual festival at Shri Brahmalingeshwara Alade.
  • During festivals, devotees are served with Anna Santarpana (food offering) as prasad. Devotees often offer rice, coconut, oil, vegetables, and rope to the temple.

Century/Period

9th century

Nearest Bus Station

Mangalore

Nearest Railway Station

Mulki, Udupi

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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