Southadka Ganapathi

Southadka Ganapathi

Southadka is a pilgrimage centre in Dakshina Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangady Taluk. Lord Maha Ganapathi is in an open field without a Garbha gudi and temple structure. It is surrounded by greenery and always open for prayers.

According to the sthala purana of Southadka, a Ganapati temple revered by a royal family was destroyed there by enemies. Cowherds carried it away and installed it in a place where cucumber was grown. Since southe means cucumber and adka means meadow in Tulu, the place soon gained popularity as Southadka. Local farmers wished to build a temple there. But, according to a popular belief, Ganapati graced their dreams and asked them not to build a temple for him at Southadka as that would restrict devotees visiting the place to seek his blessings. The Lord expressed his wish to remain in open air with no formal structure surrounding him.