Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple

Another shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Hattiangadi Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple is located about 9 km north-east of Kundapur. The quaint village of Hattiangadi was once the capital of the Alupa kings and the temple is believed to have been constructed around the 7th or 8th century. The renovated temple was inaugurated in 1980 and another renovation was done in the late 1990s. The main idol of the deity, standing about 2.5 feet tall, is made up of black marble and carved out of Shaligram stone. It is the only idol of Lord Ganesha in the country where His curly black hair is left loose. The offering of the locally available flowers of the areca nut tree is considered extremely sacred here. The falling of the flowers from the crown of the lord every time during the ‘aarti’ is the highlight. ‘Sahasra Narikela Ganayaga’ (a pooja done using 1008 coconuts) is one of the special prayers conducted at the temple. The idol is believed to grow in size each year and since it is believed that all wishes are granted by the lord, the title of ‘Siddhi’ is conferred on God Ganesha. Attracting devotees from all over the world, this place of worship is not be missed while in the Tulu region. Besides, the road leading to the temple offers scenic views with lush greenery on either side.