About Us
Establishment and Historical Heritage
The background of how the revered Mahaganapathi came to reside at Alvegaddhe is a very fascinating story. It is believed that nearly 850 years ago, our ancestors brought the idol of Lord Ganapati from a nearby forest area called Kochre and began worshipping it here. The place which has now become a boat docking point was once the sacred spot where devotees prayed for the fulfillment of their wishes around 850 years ago.
In the year 1568, Maharani Chennabhairadevi, who was popularly known in this region as “Avvarasi,” was travelling on horseback towards the Mangalore port. When she reached the front of this temple, the horse’s legs got deeply stuck in the mud, making it impossible for her to continue the journey. Despite trying many methods, nothing worked. Finally, she completely surrendered herself to Lord Mahaganapathi and prayed with devotion. Miraculously, the horse’s legs were released from the mud and the journey continued. Not only that, the work she had set out to accomplish turned out to be even more successful than expected.
Realizing that this success was due to the divine grace of Lord Mahaganapathi, the Maharani came to the temple and offered her prayers and vow. As a mark of her visit, she had a sculpture carved in stone depicting herself riding a horse and installed it on the right front side of the temple. She also ordered that daily worship and other religious rituals should be conducted properly in the temple and took active steps to ensure their implementation.
Even today, the temple continues the tradition of daily worship with the offering of Anna Naivedya (food offering). On Chaturthi day, special worship is performed with Panchakajjaya offering. From Karthika Padya, devotional singing (bhajans) is conducted for nine days, and on Karthika Amavasya, a special Deepa Aradhana is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur.
It is strongly believed that if devotees perform Panchamrita Abhisheka to the deity with a sincere prayer for the fulfillment of their wishes, their desires will be granted.
The Kashibhatta family, who were appointed by the Maharani, still reside near the temple even today. This temple, which carries a heritage of nearly six centuries, has now been rebuilt for the third time. Its artistic architecture, traditional design, and rare wood carvings attract visitors like a guiding milestone of heritage and devotion.
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