Admiring the sunset's hues with clear sand beneath your feet and intense happiness and peace within yourself! Doesn't it sound amazing and stress free?? Break out of reverie, grab those back packs and keys to your car along with wallet and drive away on a scenic road which leads you to spirituality and peace....
A vivid memory streaked past when my parents mentioned the pilgrimage trip to Idagunji, Gokarna and Murdeshwara. I was nostalgic with the prior trips taken with family and relatives. The adrenaline of driving through lush greenery and curvaceous ghat section was overwhelming. Immediately, i confirmed the plan and went along... Presenting you, the Gems of Coastal Karnataka..
Idagunji
A huge Kaman (entrance) on the left side of the state highway, proudly proclaims the tiny hamlet of idagunji with its resident deity, Lord Ganesha.
The legend of this temple is a simple story of the fulfilment of devotee's prayers by the generous lord.
On the onset of kali yuga , sages feared the unknown evils which would be associated with the era and hence performed severe austerities in order to negate it. However, many obstacles besieged this quest, rendering it incomplete.
Celestial sage Narada, tried to reinstate this penance by convincing mother Parvati to send her son, Lord Ganesha to the designated spot and give his blessings. But, was refuted by mother parvati owing to the dangerous nature of the place (it had many elephants and other wild animals).
Narada then set out to lure the lord himself by making him eat a special kind of laddu made by 5 elements, specific to that region, named as PANCHAKHADYA.
Lord Ganesha loved it so much that he requested for more. Narada being very crafty, mentioned that only if he stood over the puja site and blessed it for eternity, he would get more of them.
Thus, the Lord consented to reside over there provided the laddu being offered as prasadam everyday!! The chief priest of the temple chuckled and recited this story to us and proudly showed us the magical prasadam which will be offered everyday till eternity!
The diety is a swayambhu (self generated/self made) which dates back to almost 4th century BC and is in the standing position with 2 hands. This sets it apart in legend and in devotion. Also, it is a form of bal ganesh/ child ganesh. The charm of the deity instantly makes your heart fill with awe, devotion and positivity.
Every wish made surely gets fulfilled here.
How to reach there and accommodation:
The nearest big railway station is Hubli. It is a 4 hour drive from there. Idagunji falls in honnavar district and is just 17 kms away from the sea side town of murdeshwara.
Accommodation is available at honnavar ( 14 kms ) or at murdeshwara (17 kms) away.
Gokarna
4 beautiful and serene beaches along with a centuries old shiva temple (which is supposedly the atmalinga of the Lord) is what makes gokarna a auspicious place and a getaway spot. Gokarna means the cow's ear and has a interesting legend associated.
This is the current hippie/foreigner destination in karnataka. You will find lots of foreign tourists on a bliss holiday. The market place has interesting knickknacks,such as- leather bags, trinkets, beach wear, junk jewellery etc, for purchase.
The lore recounts a tale featuring Ravana, King of Lanka and Lord Ganesha.
Ravana was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and once, was granted a atmalinga (self statue) by the god himself. The only condition was that he wasn't supposed to place it on any ground before he reached Lanka and installed it on the designated spot.
Other Gods panicked and approached Ganesha to prevent it from reaching Lanka. They feared the might of Ravana might increase even further.
Lord Ganesha appeared in front of Ravana as a cowherd and magically transformed the sky,from noon to dusk.
Ravana always worshipped Shiva at sunset and thus was perplexed what to do now?. He spotted the cowherd and requested him to hold the atmalinga till he returns back after a bath in the river. He strongly cautioned him not to keep in on the ground under any situation.
The cowherd promised him, he will yell ravana's name once before keeping it down. Cunningly, he gave a soft call and kept it down. When Ravana found out what transpired, he was mighty furious and tried to move the atmalinga by using his full force.
Few fragments of it, dislodged and flew away to a place wherein a temple dedicated to the fragments still stands. It is called Murdeshwara.
How to reach and accommodation :
Gokarna is almost 3 hours drive from hubli. this is the nearest airport as well.
Konkan railways runs a train from mumbai to gokarna station. for other places, kindly google. It's advisable to drive through the beautiful countryside. The accommodation ranges from top notch 5 star resort of swaswara, medium ranged resorts like sanskruthi and modestly priced namaste cafe and home stay.
Would highly recommend visiting namaste cafe. Perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee/ beer while viewing the sunset. BLISS!
Murdeshwara
The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, makes his presence felt from afar. His gigantic sculpture looms over the small temple town of murdeshwara.
On the shore of the Arabian Sea, you will find families enjoying in the waves on the beach after offering their prayers in the temple. The temple's legend has been mentioned above. The temple has a huge courtyard featuring other gods as well.
Gopuram, the traditional south indian temple door, is a massive 18 floor structure, which lends supreme aura and character to the temple. You can travel to the 18th floor by paying the lift charges of Rs.10/-
The beautiful view of the sea and the shiva idol arrests your attention and makes you lunge for your cameras and mobile phones.
There is a museum of statues beneath the shiva sculpture which tells a mythological story.
How to reach and accommodation:
RNS residency is the best option here. Rooms are decently priced and the view from them are phenomenal. One night stay is highly recommended here.. Soak in the moonlight sprayed across the sea and gaze at the beautiful stars!
Hope you liked my post about my sojourn. Do write to me about what you liked, disliked and suggestions. Also, advise if i should keep writing more on travel topic..
Love,
Anu
A vivid memory streaked past when my parents mentioned the pilgrimage trip to Idagunji, Gokarna and Murdeshwara. I was nostalgic with the prior trips taken with family and relatives. The adrenaline of driving through lush greenery and curvaceous ghat section was overwhelming. Immediately, i confirmed the plan and went along... Presenting you, the Gems of Coastal Karnataka..
Idagunji
A huge Kaman (entrance) on the left side of the state highway, proudly proclaims the tiny hamlet of idagunji with its resident deity, Lord Ganesha.
The legend of this temple is a simple story of the fulfilment of devotee's prayers by the generous lord.
On the onset of kali yuga , sages feared the unknown evils which would be associated with the era and hence performed severe austerities in order to negate it. However, many obstacles besieged this quest, rendering it incomplete.
Celestial sage Narada, tried to reinstate this penance by convincing mother Parvati to send her son, Lord Ganesha to the designated spot and give his blessings. But, was refuted by mother parvati owing to the dangerous nature of the place (it had many elephants and other wild animals).
Narada then set out to lure the lord himself by making him eat a special kind of laddu made by 5 elements, specific to that region, named as PANCHAKHADYA.
Lord Ganesha loved it so much that he requested for more. Narada being very crafty, mentioned that only if he stood over the puja site and blessed it for eternity, he would get more of them.
Thus, the Lord consented to reside over there provided the laddu being offered as prasadam everyday!! The chief priest of the temple chuckled and recited this story to us and proudly showed us the magical prasadam which will be offered everyday till eternity!
The diety is a swayambhu (self generated/self made) which dates back to almost 4th century BC and is in the standing position with 2 hands. This sets it apart in legend and in devotion. Also, it is a form of bal ganesh/ child ganesh. The charm of the deity instantly makes your heart fill with awe, devotion and positivity.
Every wish made surely gets fulfilled here.
How to reach there and accommodation:
The nearest big railway station is Hubli. It is a 4 hour drive from there. Idagunji falls in honnavar district and is just 17 kms away from the sea side town of murdeshwara.
Accommodation is available at honnavar ( 14 kms ) or at murdeshwara (17 kms) away.
Gokarna
4 beautiful and serene beaches along with a centuries old shiva temple (which is supposedly the atmalinga of the Lord) is what makes gokarna a auspicious place and a getaway spot. Gokarna means the cow's ear and has a interesting legend associated.
This is the current hippie/foreigner destination in karnataka. You will find lots of foreign tourists on a bliss holiday. The market place has interesting knickknacks,such as- leather bags, trinkets, beach wear, junk jewellery etc, for purchase.
The lore recounts a tale featuring Ravana, King of Lanka and Lord Ganesha.
Ravana was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and once, was granted a atmalinga (self statue) by the god himself. The only condition was that he wasn't supposed to place it on any ground before he reached Lanka and installed it on the designated spot.
Other Gods panicked and approached Ganesha to prevent it from reaching Lanka. They feared the might of Ravana might increase even further.
Lord Ganesha appeared in front of Ravana as a cowherd and magically transformed the sky,from noon to dusk.
Ravana always worshipped Shiva at sunset and thus was perplexed what to do now?. He spotted the cowherd and requested him to hold the atmalinga till he returns back after a bath in the river. He strongly cautioned him not to keep in on the ground under any situation.
The cowherd promised him, he will yell ravana's name once before keeping it down. Cunningly, he gave a soft call and kept it down. When Ravana found out what transpired, he was mighty furious and tried to move the atmalinga by using his full force.
Few fragments of it, dislodged and flew away to a place wherein a temple dedicated to the fragments still stands. It is called Murdeshwara.
How to reach and accommodation :
Gokarna is almost 3 hours drive from hubli. this is the nearest airport as well.
Konkan railways runs a train from mumbai to gokarna station. for other places, kindly google. It's advisable to drive through the beautiful countryside. The accommodation ranges from top notch 5 star resort of swaswara, medium ranged resorts like sanskruthi and modestly priced namaste cafe and home stay.
Would highly recommend visiting namaste cafe. Perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee/ beer while viewing the sunset. BLISS!
Murdeshwara
The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, makes his presence felt from afar. His gigantic sculpture looms over the small temple town of murdeshwara.
On the shore of the Arabian Sea, you will find families enjoying in the waves on the beach after offering their prayers in the temple. The temple's legend has been mentioned above. The temple has a huge courtyard featuring other gods as well. Gopuram, the traditional south indian temple door, is a massive 18 floor structure, which lends supreme aura and character to the temple. You can travel to the 18th floor by paying the lift charges of Rs.10/-
The beautiful view of the sea and the shiva idol arrests your attention and makes you lunge for your cameras and mobile phones.There is a museum of statues beneath the shiva sculpture which tells a mythological story.
How to reach and accommodation:
RNS residency is the best option here. Rooms are decently priced and the view from them are phenomenal. One night stay is highly recommended here.. Soak in the moonlight sprayed across the sea and gaze at the beautiful stars!
Hope you liked my post about my sojourn. Do write to me about what you liked, disliked and suggestions. Also, advise if i should keep writing more on travel topic..
Love,
Anu