Sri Swarna Gowri Temple Kalgundi,Karnataka

Sri Swarna Gowri Temple is located in Kalgundi (also called Madalu village), near Arsikere in Hassan District, Karnataka.The presiding deity is Goddess Parvati in the form of Swarna Gowri. She is worshipped as the embodiment of purity, prosperity, marital harmony, and feminine power. The idol of Gowri is made in a special traditional way, often connected with clay and turmeric rituals during festivals. Locals lovingly call her Madalu Gowramma.

The temple is believed to be around 120 years old. Initially, it was a small shrine worshipped by the local villagers. Over time, with increasing devotion and pilgrim visits, the temple was renovated and expanded.The temple architecture is simple and traditional, reflecting village temple styles of Karnataka. It has a sanctum (garbhagriha) where Goddess Swarna Gowri is installed, a small hall for devotees, and space for rituals and collective worship.

Long ago, Goddess Parvati performed penance to please Lord Shiva and was blessed with the name Swarna Gowri, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and divine strength. According to the Skanda Purana, those who worship Swarna Gowri with devotion are blessed with long life, prosperity, and happiness in family life. This Puranic background is linked with the tradition of Swarna Gowri Vratha in Karnataka.

History

The temple’s history goes back to the devotion of local villagers more than a century ago. According to elders, the temple started as a small shrine dedicated to Gowri Devi. Over time, many miraculous experiences and fulfilled prayers of devotees increased its importance. Women especially consider this temple very powerful for blessings of a happy married life, family well-being, and prosperity.

Sthalapurana

In Kalgundi (Madalu village), the villagers believe that Goddess Gowri herself chose this place as her abode to bless women. About 120 years ago, local elders began worshipping her in a small shrine, and many miracles are said to have taken place here. Women who prayed here with devotion received blessings for marriage, children, and family prosperity.

One of the most unique and touching beliefs of this temple is that during the annual festival, after the Swarna Gowri Vratha, when the nose-ring (mukuthi) of the Goddess is removed, tears are seen flowing from her eyes. Devotees believe these tears symbolize the Goddess’s love and affection for her devotees, as if she is emotionally parting from them after the Vratha days are completed. This divine sign has strengthened faith in the temple for generations.

Another special feature in the Sthalapurana here is the practice of offering Baagina not only to Goddess Gowri but also to Ganga Devi after the Vratha. This is linked to the belief that Gowri and Ganga are divine sisters, and both should be worshipped together. By offering Baagina to both, women receive complete blessings of purity, prosperity, and protection from misfortune.

Unlike in most homes where the Swarna Gowri Vratha is performed for a single day, in Kalgundi temple the Vratha is performed collectively by hundreds of women for 9 to 12 continuous days. This practice is said to have originated from a divine instruction that collective worship at this place would bring multiplied blessings not only to individual families but to the whole community.

At the Sri Swarna Gowri Temple, Kalgundi, the most important festival is the Swarna Gowri Vratha, celebrated on Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, a day before Ganesh Chaturthi. Women from surrounding villages gather here and perform the Vratha collectively for 9 to 12 days, which is a unique tradition of this temple. During this time, the Goddess is beautifully decorated, special poojas are performed, and women tie the sacred Gauridaara thread while offering prayers for family prosperity and marital happiness. On the concluding day, a grand Visarjana (immersion) of the Gowri idol is held with devotion and festivity.