Sri Kamandala Ganapathi Temple is located in the Karnataka village of Kesave in the Koppa Taluk of the Chikkamagaluru District. Although less recognized, the temple is incredibly powerful. Lord Ganesha is the primary idol of this temple, which has a more than a thousand-year history. Some claim that it dates back far further. Additionally, it is where the Brahmi River was born.
How to reach Kamandala Ganapathi Temple
Location: Sri Kamandala Ganapathi Temple, Siddaramata Road, Kesave, Koppa Taluk, Chikkamagaluru District.
Timings: 7:30 AM to 12PM. Special night pooja on the day of Sankasti.
From the Koppa bus stop, the temple is only 4 kilometres away. Buses from the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) as well as other transportation firms go frequently through Koppa. One can take an auto rickshaw to the location from the bus stop.
By Train: Shimoga Railway Station (74 km) and Bhadravathi Railway Station (71 km) are the two nearest railway stations near the temple. Shimoga Railway Station is my top pick due to the increased train frequency. You can either take a bus or a cab from the station to Koppa, where you can then travel to the temple. REMINDER: The temple will close at precisely 12 pm., and no pooja will be performed after that. So, get there before 12 o’clock.
Despite the recent opening of an airport at Shivamogga, flights have yet to operate from there. As soon as it resumes, I’ll update it.
History of Kamandala Ganapathi Temple
When the goddess Parvathi in Devaloka (heaven) had the Shani dosha, she travelled to Bhooloka (earth) and conducted penance in a location called Mrigavadhe (16 kilometres away from this location). When she learns about Sri Aghasthya Maharshi’s ashram in this location, she decides to visit. As she begins her meditation, she erects Lord Ganesha, who later helps her banish Shani Dosha.
Goddess Parvathi’s dedication pleased Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma himself descended to earth and sprinkled water from his kamandala (water storage pitcher), providing the water that was required for Goddess Parvathi to bathe there. Those sprinkled water turned into a river name Brahmi River. Due to the birth of the Brahmi River, this temple got the name as Kamandala Ganapathi Temple.
Under the feet of Ganapati’s statue, the Brahmi River flows everyday throughout the year through the Centre of a sacred rock that has been carved into the shape of eight petal flower like structure.
More than 1000-year-old temple
The hand and ear of the old idol were once damaged when the temple caught fire. People then considered creating a brand-new idol of Lord Ganesha. The new idol was created by Sri Shyamaraya Acharya, a deciple of Sri Gopalakrishna Shenoy of Karkala. He stated that the previous idol was more than a thousand years old based on his knowledge of the Shilpa Shastra after seeing it. In addition, the British government donated 1 rupee 56 paisa for the temple’s restoration in 1926. The registry at the taluk office has this entry. All of these documents show how old this temple is.
Powerful Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha was established here by Goddess Parvathi to solve Shani deva’s troubles. According to legend, the Ganesha is powerful and fulfils the prayers of his devotees with blessings.
The current Ganesha statue was carved to be the same size as the previous one. One of the hands on the current idol is holding Modaka, and the other is carrying Abhaya Hasta. Additionally, this is a representation of Lord Ganesha resting in the Sukhasana (a leisure sitting posture) position.
Many devotees with Shani Dosha come here to get rid of the Shani Dosha after Lord Ganesha released Goddess Parvathi’s Shani Dosha. Everyday afternoon at 12pm, after the pooja, the temple closes. However, there is a particular night worship on the day of Sankasti (a special day every month on the fourth day of Krishna paksha according to the Lunar calendar dedicated to Lord Ganesha). Additionally, hundreds of devotees gather here to perform pooja on Ganesh Chaturthi.
The sacred pond
Through an outlet, the Brahmi river that originates in the sanctum flows from there and empties into the pond in front of the temple as theertha. Many devotees are said to come here, take a bath in the theertha, and then worship the god in the hopes that their Shani dosha will be vanquished. Additionally, because Ganapathi is associated with education, kids who had difficulty in education have found success by consuming this theertha for 21 days. It is astonishing that the Brahmi River flows here considering that there isn’t any water source close to the temple premises.
Overall, Sri Kamandala Ganapati Temple is a beautiful and serene location surrounded by nature. We were quite excited to go here. If you ever travel to Chikkamagaluru, make sure to stop by this location and pray for God’s blessings.
Also read: Places to visit in Chikkamagaluru
