Temples In Coorg

Omkareshwara Temple :- Karnataka is often hailed for its quaint, most beautiful and oldest temples. The Omkareshwara Temple, in Coorg, was built by Lingarajendra in 1820. It is located just 1 Km away from the heart of the Madikeri, the capital of Coorg. The temple incorporates a unique mix of architectural styles, using both the Islamic, as well as the Gothic style of architecture. There is a tank in front of the temple and a footpath leading to a small Mantap.

It is said Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfil his political ambitions. That Brahmin became a Brahmarakshasa and started troubling the king. The king got rid of the so called Brahmarakshasaonly when he brought a Shivalinga from Kashi and installed it after building a temple. The Shivalinga was named Omkareshwara and regular rituals were performed. The bars of the windows of the temple were made of Panchaloha and an alphabet lim has been placed in between the bars.

The King used the gold leaf inscription atop a narrow flight of steps to survey his kingdom. The fish in the pond leap in symphony to gobble food offered to them. The annual Teppothsava or Boat Festival is a memorable event.

Padi Iggutappa Temple :- The Padi Igguthappa temple resembles the temples of Kerala in style. The temple governs and plays an important role in the traditional and cultural life of Kodagu. However, interestingly enough very little information is available regarding the history of this temple. In 1810 Lingarajendra captured eight tigers and killed thirty four elephants in the surroundings of this temple. To symbolise this culture he donated a silver elephant to this temple. According to scripts available Apparanda Bopu, a Dewan of Halarie rulers, renovated this temple between 1834-35.

On another hand, the Padi Igguthappa temple, one of most important temple of Kodavs the tribal inhabitants in Kakkabe, is dedicated to Iguthappa another name for Lord Subramanya. The devotees believe in the miracles by Iguthappa, where any one can ask for anything from this super power God. Farmers in and around this area usually offer prayers and offerings for rains during the famous Annual festival in the temple conducted during the month of March. Tulabhara, weighing oneself against fruits, sugar, coconuts, rice etc, is an important offering here. This temple governs significant role in the cultural and traditional life of the place.

The Shiva Temple at Talakaveri houses a rare and ancient Shivling, while another temple is devoted to Lord Ganesh. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva- gave darshan to sage Agastya.