The Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, also known as Kumbashi Vinayaka Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the elephant-headed god) located in the village of Anegudde, around 9 kilometers south of Kundapura, in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.
The name Anegudde is derived from the Kannada words "Aane" meaning "elephant" and "Gudde" meaning "hillock", referencing the temple's location on a hillock and its dedication to the elephant-headed deity.
The temple is considered to be one of the seven "Mukti Sthalas" (liberation places) of Karnataka and is believed to be one of the places where Sage Agasthya performed penance to appease the Rain God Varuna. Legend also has it that the demon Kumbhasura troubled the sages during the penance. With a weapon given to him by Lord Ganesha, Bheema, one of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, is said to have killed Kumbhasura at this place.
The temple's main attraction is the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is said to be a naturally formed 12-foot tall structure.
Getting There:
The temple is located about 9 kilometers from Kundapura and around 86 kilometers from Mangalore. You can easily hire taxis or rickshaws from Kundapura to reach the temple.
If you are coming from Bengaluru, you can take the NH 66 highway to Kundapura, which is around 400 kilometers away. From there, you can hire cabs or local transport to reach the temple.
The nearest railway station is Kundapura Railway Station, located about 9 kilometers from the temple. You can hire taxis or rickshaws from the station to reach the temple.
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, located about 86 kilometers from the temple. Taxis are readily available from the airport to take you to the temple.
Temple Timings:
The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Dress Code:
A modest dress code is recommended for visiting the temple. Avoid wearing sleeveless clothes, shorts, or short skirts.
Things to Do:
- Seek blessings from Lord Ganesha at the temple.
- Visit the temple pond.
- Explore the surrounding area and the village of Anegudde.
- Enjoy a free lunch (Prasadam) offered by the temple.
Important Tips:
- Since the temple is located on a hillock, be prepared to climb a few steps to reach the temple complex.
- Photography is allowed inside the temple complex.
- Mobile phones should be switched to silent mode while inside the temple complex.
- Shoes and slippers need to be removed before entering the sanctum sanctorum.