The Madhur Temple or Srimad Anantheshwara Sidhi VinayakaTemple, one of the rarest temple with its rich architecture, unique three-tiered dome (Gajaprishta Mathrika) built in the shape of an elephant’s torso, copper plate roofing, and a cloistered court rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River. Believed to contain the essence of spirituality, a cleansing dip here is considered to be purifying.
Madhur Temple
The Madhur Temple situated at Madhur in the Kasaragod District of Kerala and is about 8 km northeast of Kasaragod town.
The Madhur Temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. The statue of Lord Anantheshwara (Shiva Linga) is an Udbhava Moorthi (a statue that was not made by a human). The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been discovered by a harijan woman, Madharu.
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Though the reigning deity in Madhur temple is Lord Anantheshwara, the temple gained fame due to Lord Mahaganapathi. The Ganapathi statue is an integral part of the wall of the Garbhagruham (Sanctum sanctorum). This temple is the most famous among six Ganapathi temples of ancients Tulunadu. The statue of Ganapathi was drawn by a brahmin boy, the son of a priest. He drew a small Ganapathy but the image became big and fat.
The special festival of the temple is Moodappa Seva, in which the large figure of Maha Ganapathi is coveredwith appam made of ghee and rice. The festival is conducted only periodically in view of the huge expenditure involved. It was celebrated in the years 1787, in April 1962, and recently in April 1992.
Namaskara Mandapam of the temple has been decorated with beautiful wooden carvings of mythological heroes of Ramayana starting with the Seethga Swayamvaram.
There are six sub- deities in this temple. They are Kashi Vishwanatha, Hamsaroopi Sadashiva, Shri Dharmashastha, Shri Durgaparameshwari, Shri Subrahmanya and Shri Veerabhadra and the temple has separate sanctuaries for them.
The legend of Kumble seme says Tipu Sultan wanted to demolish the temple during his invasion of Coorg, Tulunadu, and Malabar. But after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind but he made a cut with his sword symbolizing the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.
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During the rainy season the Maduvahini River will flow to Sidhivinayaka Temple. During these days the priests used to come rowing in big round boats to the Sreekovil to conduct poojas. Thus it is not the best time to visit the temple.
Veda Classes
The temple also offers veda classes to young vatus. Students from Kerala and Karnataka come here to Vedic studies. The students stay in the temple for two months (April and May) during this Veda class. And during these time the temple will be filled with Veda chanting.
Festivals
Vinayaka Chathurthy, Navarathry, Vishu and Shivarathry are the main celebrations. The five day long annual utsavam begins with kodiyettu on Medavishu samkrama day.
“Ganesh Chaturthi” and annual festival called “Madhur Bedi” are the occasions during which the devotees from far and near throng the temple. Madhur Bedi is a colourful five day event. On the fourth day the utsava moorthi (Thidampu) is taken out in a procession.
The presentation of various folk arts and Yakshagana add colour to the festivities and excitement.