Ganesha Temple, Idagunji

Ganesha Temple in Idagunji is a Hindu place of worship in Karnataka with a black stone sculpture of the deity holding a lotus flower and a vessel in his two hands. The figure stands upright in the main chamber and is surrounded by smaller shrines housing other deities.

Sages founded the sanctuary according to tradition more than 1,500 years ago on the advice of the seer Narada. Over the centuries, kings and patrons expanded the complex until it became a major pilgrimage destination in the region.

The shrine honors the elephant-headed god whom Hindus invoke at the start of new ventures, making this a place where travelers come to seek blessings before important journeys. Pilgrims perform ritual offerings such as Tulabhara, where their body weight is matched against rice or fruit, while priests chant ancient verses.

The sanctuary opens its gates in the morning and again in the afternoon, so visitors should plan to arrive outside the midday break. Buses run regularly from nearby towns, and access leads through a paved courtyard toward the main entrance.

More than one million pilgrims visit the sanctuary each year to receive a special fivefold food offering called Pancha Khadi, prepared from ingredients such as rice, coconut, and spices. This blessing is considered especially powerful and is made according to ancient recipes.

Location: Karnataka

GPS coordinates: 14.23025,74.49441

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30