Trip to Idagunji Vinayaka Temple
Idugunji is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka. The town is surrounded by forest of western ghats. The temple receives huge number of visitors and is very popular in this region. It is around 15 km from Honavar town.
How to reach there: One can use KSRTC buses from Sirsi, Kumta, Honavar etc. On the way from Honavar town to Murudeshwar, on the left hand side you can see Iduganji temple arch, take left here and drive for another 4 km to reach Vinayaka temple.
Where to stay: Devotees can stay at Idagunji temple. Otherwise one should stay either in Sirsi, Kumta or Murudeshwar.
Where to eat: At Idagunnji temple. Free food is provided at Mayura Prasada Bhojanalaya. Otherwise Hotels or restaurants are not available. One can try highway dhabas.
Language spoken: Kannada. Hindi is understood and spoken.
Note: Photography is prohibited inside the temple.
We reached Idagunji Ganesha (Vinayaka) temple around 1 pm. It was very hot then and the sun was scorching. The temple typically closes around that time for the afternoon. We wanted to perform pooja so me and one of my friend hurriedly bought pooja materials (Rs 25). You will have to hand over the pooja materials to a person at the entrance of the temple. He will break the coconut and after draining the coconut water he will give it back to you as prasad.
The Idagunji Vinayaka temple is said to be more than 1500 years old. The Ganesha idol in unique as it has only two hands. The black colour is beautiful and is said to fulfill devotee’s wishes. The structure of the temple is typical Mangalorean style with small gombuz in the middle. There is some Hindu mythology associated with this temple.
You can buy local crafts like caps and Ganesha idol made of coconut shoots and fiber. The road leading to the temple are lined with shops. Try to bargain but they may not reduce much. As I bought one medium sized Ganesha for Rs 90 with just Rs 5 discount.
To view more pictures of Iduganji Vinayaka temple visit, Travelingbeats Photo Gallery.
Official website: http://www.idagunjidevaru.com/