Hattiangadi, a village located in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi district, is renowned for its ancient Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple. This temple, dating back to the eighth century, holds significant historical and religious importance and serves as a prominent pilgrimage center for Hindus in the coastal region. Hattiangadi, formerly known as Pattinagara, was once the capital of the Alupa Kings, who ruled over Tulunadu during the seventh and eighth centuries. They had strong connections with other Jain cities such as Purigere (Lakshmeeshwara) and Hombuja (Humcha). Later, the region came under the rule of the Hoysala and Honnekambala Kings and was also known as Goshtipura due to its hosting of intellectual debates.
Hattiangadi, situated about 8 km northeast of Kundapur, is not only famous for the ancient Siddhi Vinayaka Temple but also houses several other ancient temples and Jaina Basadis. Some of these include the Gopalakrishna Temple, Lokanatheshwara Temple, Maraladevi Temple, Shankaranarayan Temple, Shivamunishwara Temple, Ekantheshwara Temple, and Shaktharabrahma Temple.
Despite its historical significance as the capital of the Alupa Kings, Hattiangadi is now a small village. However, it continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, surrounded by lush green mountains on one side and the winding Varahi River on the other. Along the riverbank stands a place known as Aramane Adi, which once housed a palace. Nearby, you can find the Chandranatha Basadi and the Jattiraya’s Temple.
During the 16th century, Hattiangadi served as a sacred place for the meditation of Sri Govindarama Yathivarya (Saint). The Saint blessed his disciple, Rama Bhatta, who was the temple priest at that time. Rama Bhatta later composed numerous poetic works and gained a reputation as Kavi Rama. The saint also predicted that the temple would gain worldwide fame within the next three hundred years, a prediction that has indeed come true as the temple now attracts devotees from all corners of the globe.
The Siddhivinayaka Temple in Hattiangadi is particularly famous for its unique features. It is believed to have been constructed around the seventh or eighth century. The temple is situated on the bank of the Varahi River and is the only temple in India where the idol of Lord Vinayaka has jata-hair (curly hair). The idol is carved from Saligrama stone and stands at 2.5 feet tall. Lord Vinayaka’s trunk is bent towards the left, and in its right hand, it holds a vessel full of Modakas, a popular sweet associated with Lord Ganesha. Experts believe that the idol represents Bala Ganesha, with just two arms and various ornaments adorning it. The statue grows in size every year, as evident from its outgrowing of the silver casting. The entire shrine is made of black marble. Given the belief that this deity fulfills the wishes of devotees, it is known as ‘Siddi’ Lord Vinayaka.
The temple hosts various rituals and poojas, including the Sahasra Narikela Ganayaga (a Yaga using 1008 coconuts), Sri Sathya Ganapathi Vratha, Laksha Doorvarchane, Sindhura (kumkum) Archane, and others, on special occasions like Sankashtahara Chaturthi, Ganesha Chowthi, Navarathri, and every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday as per devotees’ requests. Additionally, devotees offer daily poojas like Ashtadravyathmaka Ganahavana and Thrikala Pooja.
The temple underwent renovations in 1980, inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Devaraj Arasu. In 1997, it was further renovated with the use of granite. The temple premises also house thirty-two Ganapathi idols as described in the Mudgala Purana. A Navagraha Mandir was added, and a concrete tower was erected on the Tallur-Vandse Highway to welcome devotees.
Apart from its religious significance, the temple also plays a role in education. It operates the Central Gurukula English Medium residential school, focusing on providing quality education.
The temple management is also involved in the development of Varahi Thapovana, a herbal plantation project, at a cost of one crore rupees. This project includes the creation of Navagraha Vana, Rashivana, Nakshathravana Saptharshivana, and Panchayathanavana, as described in Hindu scriptures. Thapovana includes facilities such as a guesthouse, Guru Kuteera, a fountain, and other light and sound equipment for the entertainment of visitors.
The managing trustee of the temple, Sri Ramachandra Bhat, has made significant efforts to develop the temple into a perfect Hindu pilgrimage destination. The temple has been equipped with all basic amenities, including an approach road. Devotees traveling from distant places are provided with free food at Sri Balchandra Prasada, the temple dining hall, which can accommodate 400-500 people at once. The temple also has well-equipped lodges, a choultry, seminar hall, Yaga Shala, Goshala (cowshed), and Kalyana Mantapa (wedding hall) for the convenience of devotees.
Hattiangadi, a village located in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi district, is renowned for its ancient Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple. This temple, dating back to the eighth century, holds significant historical and religious importance and serves as a prominent pilgrimage center for Hindus in the coastal region. Hattiangadi, formerly known as Pattinagara, was once the capital of the Alupa Kings, who ruled over Tulunadu during the seventh and eighth centuries. They had strong connections with other Jain cities such as Purigere (Lakshmeeshwara) and Hombuja (Humcha). Later, the region came under the rule of the Hoysala and Honnekambala Kings and was also known as Goshtipura due to its hosting of intellectual debates.
Hattiangadi, situated about 8 km northeast of Kundapur, is not only famous for the ancient Siddhi Vinayaka Temple but also houses several other ancient temples and Jaina Basadis. Some of these include the Gopalakrishna Temple, Lokanatheshwara Temple, Maraladevi Temple, Shankaranarayan Temple, Shivamunishwara Temple, Ekantheshwara Temple, and Shaktharabrahma Temple.
Despite its historical significance as the capital of the Alupa Kings, Hattiangadi is now a small village. However, it continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, surrounded by lush green mountains on one side and the winding Varahi River on the other. Along the riverbank stands a place known as Aramane Adi, which once housed a palace. Nearby, you can find the Chandranatha Basadi and the Jattiraya’s Temple.
During the 16th century, Hattiangadi served as a sacred place for the meditation of Sri Govindarama Yathivarya (Saint). The Saint blessed his disciple, Rama Bhatta, who was the temple priest at that time. Rama Bhatta later composed numerous poetic works and gained a reputation as Kavi Rama. The saint also predicted that the temple would gain worldwide fame within the next three hundred years, a prediction that has indeed come true as the temple now attracts devotees from all corners of the globe.
The Siddhivinayaka Temple in Hattiangadi is particularly famous for its unique features. It is believed to have been constructed around the seventh or eighth century. The temple is situated on the bank of the Varahi River and is the only temple in India where the idol of Lord Vinayaka has jata-hair (curly hair). The idol is carved from Saligrama stone and stands at 2.5 feet tall. Lord Vinayaka’s trunk is bent towards the left, and in its right hand, it holds a vessel full of Modakas, a popular sweet associated with Lord Ganesha. Experts believe that the idol represents Bala Ganesha, with just two arms and various ornaments adorning it. The statue grows in size every year, as evident from its outgrowing of the silver casting. The entire shrine is made of black marble. Given the belief that this deity fulfills the wishes of devotees, it is known as ‘Siddi’ Lord Vinayaka.
The temple hosts various rituals and poojas, including the Sahasra Narikela Ganayaga (a Yaga using 1008 coconuts), Sri Sathya Ganapathi Vratha, Laksha Doorvarchane, Sindhura (kumkum) Archane, and others, on special occasions like Sankashtahara Chaturthi, Ganesha Chowthi, Navarathri, and every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday as per devotees’ requests. Additionally, devotees offer daily poojas like Ashtadravyathmaka Ganahavana and Thrikala Pooja.
The temple underwent renovations in 1980, inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Devaraj Arasu. In 1997, it was further renovated with the use of granite. The temple premises also house thirty-two Ganapathi idols as described in the Mudgala Purana. A Navagraha Mandir was added, and a concrete tower was erected on the Tallur-Vandse Highway to welcome devotees.
Apart from its religious significance, the temple also plays a role in education. It operates the Central Gurukula English Medium residential school, focusing on providing quality education.
The temple management is also involved in the development of Varahi Thapovana, a herbal plantation project, at a cost of one crore rupees. This project includes the creation of Navagraha Vana, Rashivana, Nakshathravana Saptharshivana, and Panchayathanavana, as described in Hindu scriptures. Thapovana includes facilities such as a guesthouse, Guru Kuteera, a fountain, and other light and sound equipment for the entertainment of visitors.
The managing trustee of the temple, Sri Ramachandra Bhat, has made significant efforts to develop the temple into a perfect Hindu pilgrimage destination. The temple has been equipped with all basic amenities, including an approach road. Devotees traveling from distant places are provided with free food at Sri Balchandra Prasada, the temple dining hall, which can accommodate 400-500 people at once. The temple also has well-equipped lodges, a choultry, seminar hall, Yaga Shala, Goshala (cowshed), and Kalyana Mantapa (wedding hall) for the convenience of devotees.