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