Idagunji is a small place in Honnavara taluk, Uttar Kannada district, which has the famous Vinayaka temple. The temple is the main attraction at Idagunji, receiving more than 1 million devotees per year.

History

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Towards the end of the Dwapara Yuga, anticipating that Shri Krishna was about to leave for Vaikunta and fearing the advent of Kali Yuga once he departed, many sages led by Sage Valakilya were performing penances. But their penances were hindered in various ways. So they prayed to Lord Krishna, who sent Maharishi Narada to help them.

Narada came to the Rishis and told them to pray to Lord Vigneswaraya (Ganapathi) who is the remover of all obstacles. The Rishis asked Narada where they should perform the Puja to propitiate Shri Ganapathi. Maharishi Narada led them to the banks of the River Sharavathi. Here, he pointed out a place called Kunjaranya. Maharishi Narada told the Rishis that in a previous age, the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva had come here to stop the destruction wreaked by the Asuras on Earth. They had created the Chakrathirtha and Brahmathirtha lakes.

Maharishi Narada and the other Rishis created a new lake called Devathirtha here. Then Narada brought Shri Ganapathi along with all the other Gods and the Trinity here. Ritual rites were performed and hymns were chanted in praise of Shri Ganapathi. Pleased with his devotees, Lord Ganapathi agreed to stay in this place to help the Rishis conduct their penances without any hindrance. Another lake called Ganeshathirtha was formed here to bring water to the temple. This place eventually came to be known as Idagunji.