Madhur Temple

Madhur Temple is located 7 km from Kasaragod town.

History

Madhur temple was originally a Mahaligeshwara(Shiva) temple and as the lore goes, an old lady discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of Ganapathi. The statue is made of alluvial soil. This statue was later installed in the temple and that's how Madhur Mahaganapathi came into being. Tipu Sultan is supposed to have visited the temple to drink water, during one of his fights in the area. A cut from his sword is still visible in the building that is built around the temple well.

Facts

This is one of the most famous Ganapathi temples in the south. 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.

Prayers and offerings made

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.

For the devotees

During the rainy season, a river adjoining the temple overflows and spills onto the temple campuses and thus this is not the best time to visit the temple. The temple is busier on Sundays than on weekdays. Poojas are performed daily at 8:00am, 12:30 noon and 8:00pm.

References

* [http://www.listkerala.com/kasargod.htm List of Kasargod Tourist Places]