Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple Mangalore

Address

Sharavu Ganapathi Temple Rd,

Opp. Ideal Towers, Hampankatta, Mangaluru,

Karnataka 575001

Moolavar

Mahaganapathi

Introduction

The Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is an ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, located in Mangalore, Karnataka. The temple is approximately 800 years old and holds a significant place in the religious and cultural life of the region. The name “Sharavu” is derived from the word ‘Shara’, meaning arrow, and has a fascinating legend associated with it. Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles, and it is believed that he relieves his devotees from their miseries and troubles.

Puranic Significance

The temple has two major legends associated with its origin and significance:

The Legend of Maharaja Veerabahu: The Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is believed to have been constructed by Maharaja Veerabahu, a Tulu king, to atone for the sin he committed when he accidentally killed a cow instead of a tiger. The king was hunting in the jungle and mistook the cow for the tiger he intended to kill. The king shot an arrow at the tiger, but it struck the cow instead. Realizing the mistake and the grave sin, he was advised to install a Shivalinga and build a sanctum sanctorum around it, dedicating his life to daily worship of the Lord. The temple’s association with the arrow and the king’s penance led to the name “Sharavu.”
The Appearance of Lord Ganesha: Over time, the images of Siddhilakshmi and Dashabhuja Maha Ganapati are said to have appeared on the southern wall of the temple. This occurrence further solidified the temple’s association with Lord Ganesha, and the temple came to be known as the Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple.
Tipu Sultan’s Dream: There is another fascinating story involving the famous ruler Tipu Sultan. During his military march over the city, Tipu Sultan intended to destroy the temple. However, the night before the attack, he dreamt that he was being crushed by an elephant. He interpreted this as a warning from Lord Ganesha and decided to spare the temple. After this event, Tipu Sultan began offering four gold coins to the temple every year until the end of his life.

Special Features

The Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple has several notable features that make it unique:

Shivalinga and Maha Ganapati: The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shivalinga, worshipped by Maharaja Veerabahu as Sharabeshwara. Additionally, the Maha Ganapati shrine is a central feature of the temple.
Sacred Cow and Temple Tank: The temple premises include an idol of a sacred cow made of stone, and a temple tank. These elements are important to the temple’s rituals and are believed to enhance the sanctity of the space.
Temple Architecture: The temple has a main porch or Mukha Mandapa that leads devotees to the sanctum sanctorum. The idols of the deities are adorned with silver sheets, adding to the grandeur and reverence of the temple.
Inner and Outer Courtyards: The temple is surrounded by a compound wall, with an outer courtyard and an inner courtyard. The Maha Ganapati shrine is located to the south, and the Shiva shrine is to the west. The Sharavu name is derived from the king’s worship of the Shivalinga, which is also called Sharabeshwara.
Sacred Tank: The temple’s newly formed tank is called Sharatheertha, and it is an important feature of the temple complex, adding to its sacredness.

Festivals

The Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is especially vibrant and crowded during the following festivals:

Sankranthi
Ganesh Chaturthi
Dussehra

On these occasions, the temple is filled with devotees who partake in daily prayers, aartis, and palkhis. These rituals are performed with great enthusiasm and devotion, accompanied by traditional instrumental music and chanting. The grand celebrations attract many believers, making these days a significant part of the temple’s religious calendar.