Southadaka Vinayaka Temple, Dharmasthala

Southdaka Vinayaka temple is a temple dedicated to lord Ganesha in Southdaka, a village near Dharmasthala. Lord in this temple is placed in a open field and there will be no garbha gudi or a temple structure. 

This temple is fully surrounded by greenery and is always open for prayers.  In front of the idol there are rows of brass bells that are tied to wooden beams for devotees to sound them during the pooja. 

This temple is situated on the banks of Netravati river. A goshala (cow shed), a small temple office to buy seva tickets & prasadam are present near temple. The idol here is installed under the leafy shelter of a old age tree. Surrounding the black stone idol there is an arch which lights up by brass lamps.

Festivals:

The Mahapuja is performed in the month of January. The temple serves food(prasadam) to devotees.

History:

The name Southadka is a word in Tulu in which sowthe means 'cucumber' and adka means 'field'. Local cowherds grew cucumber here and offered it to Lord Ganapathi during worship. So, this place is called Southadka.

According to sthala purana, a Ganapathi temple was built by a royal family but was destroyed by enemies. Cowherds carried it away and installed it in a place where cucumber was grown which was being called as Southadka.

Many sevas offered at the temple, the most popular one is avalakki panchakajjaya seva which is performed regularly. In this seva a delicious mixture of beaten rice, jaggery, sesame seeds, coconut, honey and banana will be offered to the deity.

How To Reach:

Kokkada junction is the nearest bus stop to this temple with a distance of around 3.4 KM. You can reach the temple by taking a auto or a taxi from the bus stop.