A Temple Without Walls

Sowthadka Mahaganapathi Temple, 20km from popular pilgrimage center, Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada, is unique in the sense that it has no temple structure. I am not aware of any other temple for which there is no temple structure.This temple nestled in tranquil natural surroundings is open round the clock for offering prayers, with simple worshipping opportunity to the public. Devotees themselves have the opportunity to perform pooja to Lord Ganapathi. It is not crowded as most of the popular temples are. With lush greenery around and Lord Ganapathi in middle of it, this place is ideal for meditation. If you are looking for calm, serene surroundings, this is the place for you. Well, I see these settings continuing the ancient Indian tradition of worshipping the nature. One can also see a lot of cows freely wandering around the place of worship. Monkeys can also be seen jumping from tree to tree. Prasada of the pooja is also offered to these animals. Thus, love towards animals is nurtured. Simplicity of this place is sure to delight you.There is also a park near the temple, where there is a statue of Lord Shiva.Bit of History : Long ago, a temple was in control of a Royal family. During one of the battles, the temple was destroyed. At that time, cowherds in and around this area took away the Mahaganapathi idol and started worshipping wherever they went and finally installing the idol here at Sowthadka. They were growing cucumber and during their worship started offering same to Lord Mahaganapathi of this temple. In Kannada, "sowthe" means cucumber and "adka" means meadow hence the name "Sowthadka". No temple structure has been allowed as per the traditional norms.
For more info on the temple, you can visit the temple website
Sowthadka Temple

Temple Address:
Southadka Sri Maha Ganapathi Kshetra,
Kokkada Post,
Belthangadi Taluk,
Dakshina Kannada district
Pin code: 574 198
Ph: 08251 - 254 351, 254 161

Pooja Timings : 7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 7:15 pm

Distances to Sowthadka from major places:
Dharmasthala: 20 km
Kukke Subrahmanya: 45 km
Mangalore: 82 km

How to reach Sowthadka by Road: One can reach Southadka, on the National Highway 48(Mangalore-Bangalore) from Uppinangady towards Bangalore, first left turn after Nellyadi, on Dharmasthala Road.

Route Map:(Click on the picture to view it in larger size)

Picture Courtesy: SowthadkaTemple.com

Yegdagella Aithe - A Spiritual Book by Belagere Krishna Shastri

Read this article in Kannada here.

'Yegdagella Aithe' in Kannada means 'Everything is there in Yoga'. Kannada book 'Yegdagella Aithe' by Belagere Krishna Shastri is a memoir of Shree Mukundooru Swamiji. As the author says Swamiji used to use this phrase, 'Yegdagella Aithe' more often in his talks, hence the name of the book.Belagere Krishna Shastri is witness to several miracles performed by Shree Mukundooru Swamiji. While reading the book you may face questions like 'What?', 'Whether it is real/possible?' Your logical mind, which is used to scientific explainations may refuse to accept the events described here. But, we having not seen such supernatural events does not mean that they are fake. Also, those phenomena for which we cannot give any scientific explaination just means those are the areas, which need to be explored. Even the author himself did not believe initially what people were saying about the miracles Swamiji performed. But if you keep your logical thinking aside and read Krishna Shastri's experiences as your own you will be amazed. In addition, there are instances in the book about how Swamiji used to explain ordinary people about spirituality using the language they understand better.

In 1949, Krishna Shastri came to Devanooru village in Kadur taluk of Chikmagalur district to work as a teacher. There he met Swamiji and his interactions with Swamiji is the content of the book. Mukundooru Swamiji, who never wanted publicity, also remained modest of his miracles. He acted as if he had not performed those at all. In the book, there are sayings, idioms in particular dialect of Kannada which is common to malnad and surrounding regions of Karnataka. So, if you are not from these places, you may find it new/difficult. But even then, this book is a good read for an amazing spiritual experience.

[Belagere Krishna Shastri now runs Shree Sharada Mandira Educational Institution in Belagere, Challakere taluk, Chitradurga District and is involved in social work. In 2004, Karnataka Government honoured him with Rajyotsava Award in recognition of his work.]