the journey continues…

Mumbai Siddi Vinayaka Temple is one among my favorites.Situated at Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples of Mumbai.
The idol of Lord Ganesha is very small and cute.Its been carved on a single stone.The idol has 4 arms
holding a lotus, an axe, modakas and a garland of beads, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi.The idol has been placed inside a small mantapam.The inner roof of the mantapam is plated with gold and the wooden doors are carved with images of Ashta Vinayak.

The temple offers special paid entrance to devotees which is a good option to avoid the crowd and have a close darshanam of the god.Security is very strict. camers,handy cams are not allowed.
Temple website :
http://www.siddhivinayak.org/index.asp

Popularly known as Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra this is one of the less visited siddhi kshetras of South Canara.Though it is just 20km from Dharmasthala,hardly people know about this place.The main attraction is Lord Ganesha is sitting amidst the green nature without any roofs and walls.You can not find any temple structure here for the god.So there is no restriction for worshiping god anytime.
A shining arch surrounds the beautiful idol in black stone. A a lot of brass bells in different shapes and sizes are hanged in front of the temple for devotees to make sound during pooja.
“Southe” means cucumber in Kannada and “Adka” means meadows.
People grew cucumbers in the meadows and offered the same to Lord Ganapati and hence its called as Southadka.

The famous sevas performed here is Avalakki PanchaKajjaya Seva(Beaten rice,jaggery,banana mixed prasadam) and RangaPooje.You can see a lot of cows here.Its a custom here to share the prasadam with cows also.This is one of my favorite temple as there is no queue,no crowd and timings to see the god.I would be the most happiest if Tirupati becomes like that!!

How to go?
Southadka is 20 km from Dharmasthala which is a popular piligrimage.From Bangalore, Southadka can be accessed on the road between Nelyadi and Dharmasthala.
Address:
Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi
Shketra Kokkada
Belthangady 574198
Dakshina Kannada
Ph:08251202161

Idagunji Ganapathi temple is an ancient temple with a history of more than 1500 years.The idol of Lord Ganesha is little different here compared to other palces.Here ganesha idol is in standing posture with 2 hands and short legs.One hand he is holding Padma(lotus) and the other Modaka (a kind of sweet).
http://www.idagunjidevaru.com/ is the official website of the temple which gives the history and other details.Nowadays temple offers horoscope and matrimonial services also.I feel its bit commercialized which I usually don’t find in temples of South Canara.What ever it is,personally I like the Lord Ganesha here and its one among the must visit ganesha temples of Karnataka.

Located around 40km from Udupi this is one among the Parashurama Kshetras. “Ane” means elephant (i.e ganesha) and “Gudde” means hillock.Lord ganesha has situated on top of the hillock and hence its called as Anegudde.According legend,once Agastya wanted to do yagna(religious offering) here.Kumbasura, an Asura(demon) troubled the sages and disrupt the sacred yagna.At this time Lord Ganesha gives Bheema,a sword to kill the demon.Since Ganesha helped to kill Kumbasura,the place is also known as Kumbhasi.

Local people have great faith in god and they believe he will fulfill all the wishes.You can see many vehicle poojas going on in front of the temple.When ever people buy new vehicles this is the place they come first for pooja.Many sevas are performed to Lord Ganesha.Temple authorities say GanaHoma is the best among them which pleases the god most.
Other points of interest :
“Moode Prasadam” (idly cooked in leaves) is the tastiest and special prasadam given here.There is no official board regarding this.Just check in the temple seva counters and buy coupons for it.( I remember paying 20Rs for 4).
If you go down through the steps there is the famous Hari Hara temple.Hari hara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and its known as Mahalingeshwara temple.There is a small tank close to temple.People will take bath in this pond and climb steps see Lord Ganesha.
Official website of the temple which gives the directions to reach,other details : http://anegudde.com/