Madhur Temple

 

Madhur temple was originally ShrimadAnantheswara (Shiva) Temple and as the lore goes, an old woman called Madaru from the local Tulu Moger Community discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of shiva linga. Initially, the Ganapathy picture was drawn by a boy, on the southern wall of the Garbhagriha(sanctum sanctorum) while playing. Day by day it became big and fat; so that the boy called Ganapathi as "boddajja" or "Bodda Ganesha". The legend of Kumble seme says Tipu Sultan wanted to demolish the temple like Adooru Mahalingeswara temple during his invasion of Coorg, Tulunadu, and Kerala. But after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind on attacking and demolishing the Garbhagudi and marched past Madhur. But to satisfy his soldiers and Islamic scholars he made a cut with his sword symbolizing the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.^[2] The temple architecture is of 3-tiered gajaprishta type resembling the back of an elephant. One can also find beautiful wooden carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The vast spacious gopurams give a good ambiance for the devotees to relax and enjoy the Ganapathi`s presence.^[3]

This is one of the six Ganapathi temples of ancient Tulunadu. The other five are Sharavu Mahaganapathy in Mangalore, Mahaganapathy in Anegudde (Kumbashi), Siddi Vinayaka in Hattiangadi (Kundapura), Dwibhuja Ganapathy in Idagunji, and Ganapati at Gokarna.^[4]

Devotees from all over throng during the various festivals that happen here. Currently, the temple is managed by the government. The temple also offers Veda classes to young vatus during summer vacation which also includes the basics of Sanskrit. The accommodation and food for the vatus are arranged by the temple authorities.

 

Devotees usually offer prayers to Mahaganapathi in the form of "Udayastamana". "Appa", Madhur's famous prasad, is a very tasty preparation. This is prepared daily and anyone offering prayers can avail these at the counters. Among the special poojas that are performed, "Sahasrappa" (Thousand appas) is very prominent. It consists of making an offering of thousand appas and then the devotees get to take home all these (and eat them with full relish). Another very special pooja that happens is Moodappam Seva which involves covering the Mahaganapathi statue with Appam. This is usually done on a community scale. Ganesh Chaturthi and Madhur Bedi are the occasions when the temple is at its busiest. The temple usually carries out special poojas on all the major festivals.^[3]

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• Temples of Kerala