Hattiangadi is one of the ancient and historical places of Tulunadu and located 5 miles to the east of Kundapur. A place, which was once a capital, is now a small village. But it has still managed to retain its attraction with lush green mountains on one side and the curvaceous Varahi river on the other. On the bank of the river is a spot called Aramane Adi, which earlier housed a palace. At an elevated spot nearby is the Chandranatha Basadi and behind it is the Jattiraya’s temple. A view of this beautiful spot fills the mind with serenity.
The Siddivinayaka Temple of Hattiangadi is supposed to have been constructed around the third century. The ancient name was ‘Goshtipura’ for many a great intellectual debates were conducted here.
History
It is the only temple in India, where the idol of Lord Vinayaka sports a jata-hair. The idol itself is carved of a Saligrama stone and is 2 1/2 ft. high and Vinayaka’s hair is left loose at the back. He is also referred to as Bala Ganesh (Baby Ganesh). The trunk of this elephant headed God rests on the left side of the Idol and depicts Lord Vinayaka tasting Modakas, which is held in the left hand of the idol. The right hand of the idol has disappeared in the Panipeeta. It is believed that the idol may be in standing posture. The Idol grows in size every year and this is visible from the fact that it has outgrown the silver casting. The entire garbhagudi is carved from black marble.
Precincts
Praying to the Lord Siddivinayaka when the mind is tense is believed to give solace to the devotees. Devotees visit here from everywhere. Since the God is supposed to grant the wishes of the devotees the title ‘Siddi’ is conferred on Lord Vinayaka.
The devotees coming from far are provided free food at Shri Balchandra Prasad the temple-dining hall which can accommodate 400-500 people at one sitting. The hall is constructed from granite and white marble. On the top floor are the Pravachana Mandir and Sabhagriha. It also houses the Siddivinayaka School of ancient scriptures, where students are given free accommodation, food, clothes and education.
Various developmental activities are conducted with help of the money received in charity.
Various cultural activities are held throughout the year along with state level Yakshagana Kammata-workshop, study and demonstration of medicinal herbs and shrubs, agricultural and yoga camps etc.
Jain temples, Gopalakrishna Swamy, Lokanatheshwar, Maraladevi, Shankaranarayan, Shivamunishwar, Ekantheshwar and Shaktharabrahma Temples are also found here.
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