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 located in Udupi District in Karnataka is one of the oldest temples in coastal Karnataka. The temple is known by the names of Sri Mahaganapati Mahalingeshwara temple, Paddayi Mukudu Kuldiner, Gudde Dittinaar, Odeya, Ullaye, and Eshwara Deve. Udupi to Uchila temple distance is 19 kms. The temple is located on National Highway 66.

Puranic Significance

The present temple is believed to have been constructed during the 9th century AD.

As per old beliefs, the Shivling in the Uchila Temple was installed by Kharasura, an ardent devotee of Shiva. The story of Khara and Rhatta, two demons, are found in the Skanda Purana.

Special Features

The main Shivling and Panipeeta are nearly 5 feet tall and pooja is performed in standing position. There is a strong belief that the deity fulfills the prayers of those who pray for early marriage and of those couples who wish to have children.

The Nandi sculpture in the Teertha Mandapa is simple without many ornaments. Layers of butter and ghee are applied on to the murti Nandi which symbolizes Nandi as the savior of cattle. The main subsidiary deity in the temple is Ganesha. The murti has four arms holding Parashu, Dantha, Pasha and Ankusha. A shrine of Goddess Raktheshwari is found towards the northern direction from the main shrine and of Lord Naga towards eastern direction of the sanctum. The temple has a vast sanctum which is rectangular in shape. The temple complex has suttu pouli, bali peeta and dwajasthambam. The temple pond towards the north has Olaga Mantapa and Mukha Mantapa.

Festivals

Deepothsava and Ranga Pooja on 4 Mondays in Karthika Maasa (November – December).
Ganayaga of 108 coconuts offered to Lord Ganesha on the day of Maha Chowthi.
Appa Seva for Lord Ganesha in Ashada Masam (June – July).
Hoovina Pooja and Siyalabhisheka in the month of Shravan.
Maha Shivaratri
Rathotsava
Shri Manmaharathothsava
Annual festival at Shri Brahmalingeshwara Alade.

During festivals, devotees are served with Anna Santarpana as the prasad of the deity. Devotees offer rice, coconut, oil, vegetables and rope to the temple.