The Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati temple draws thousands of devotees every week. Its deity is unusual: a standing Ganesha with two arms, carved from a single stone, which local tradition holds to be centuries old.
Mornings begin with abhisheka, when the idol is bathed in milk, honey and holy water and devotees can take part with their own offerings. The temple has spacious pooja and dining halls and serves free lunch prasada (ask for a token).
Idagunji also gives its name to the famous Yakshagana troupe based in nearby Gunavante. On the way, stop at Mari Bhattara Hotel for its celebrated ghee dosa.
Photo: Deepak Patil (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Tips
- Weekends, Sankashti days and festivals bring long queues.
