Kamandala Ganapathi Temple

Kamandala Ganapathi Temple, Koppa – An Ancient Temple

Kamandala Ganapathi temple is an ancient shrine in the Kesave village of Koppa, a small town in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is located on the Siddaramata Road in Kesave village of Koppa taluk. Koppa is surrounded by the Sahyadri Hills and is 763 metres above sea level, boasting a pleasant climate and beautiful views. Apart from Koppa’s scenic splendour, the thousand year old temple adds to the value of this small, cosy town.

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Kamandala Ganapathi Temple, Koppa – An Ancient Temple
AUGUST 3, 2023 BY PRIYA RADHAKRISHNAN

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Kamandala Ganapathi temple is an ancient shrine in the Kesave village of Koppa, a small town in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is located on the Siddaramata Road in Kesave village of Koppa taluk. Koppa is surrounded by the Sahyadri Hills and is 763 metres above sea level, boasting a pleasant climate and beautiful views. Apart from Koppa’s scenic splendour, the thousand year old temple adds to the value of this small, cosy town.

Kamandala Ganapati Temple, Koppa. Source Shree Kamandala Ganapati
Kamandala Ganapathi Temple Koppa. Source Shree Kamandala Ganapathi Temple
History of Kamandala Ganapathi temple, Koppa
Goddess Parvati was once troubled by the malefic effects of the planet Shani (Saturn). In order to free herself from the clutches of Shani, she decided to perform tapas (engage in austerities) in Bhooloka, as advised by the gods. She thus chose a suitable place to carry out her tapas in Mrugavadhe, which lies 18 kms from this temple. So, in order to remove the obstacles for her tapas, Goddess Parvati wanted to offer worship to Lord Ganesha first. She thus installed Lord Ganesha’s idol in the chosen spot to offer worship. Lord Brahma, pleased by Goddess Parvati’s decision, appeared on the spot and as an act of blessing her, sprinkled some water from his kamandala (holy pot). Soon there gushed forth a river called the Brahmi just in front of the Ganesha, installed by Goddess Parvati. Hence, Lord Ganesha here came to be hailed as the Kamandala Ganapathi and the shrine got its name as the Kamandala Ganapathi temple.

The Brahmi River as the Kamandala Theertha in the Kamandala Ganapathi Temple
Since River Brahmi originated from the sprinkling of water from Lord Brahma’s kamandala at the feet of Lord Ganesha installed by Goddess Parvati, it came to be known as the Kamandala theertha. The river also acquired its name as Brahmi, as it was created by Lord Brahma. The River Brahmi originates from a hole in a small square stone platform carved like the petals of a flower. It is a mystery that the water gushes forth ceaselessly from there.

Ellu Amavasya
It is a belief that Goddess Parvati performed worship on Ellu Amavasya, the no moon day, which falls in the Margashirsh month (November–December). It is considered auspicious, especially for women to perform worship in the Kamandala Ganapathi temple on this day.

One is assured of Lord Ganesha’s blessings if one worships or meditates in this Ganesha temple. Worship here eases the sufferings of people afflicted by Shani dosha.

The temple is open from 7.30 AM to 12.00 PM only.