Sowthadka Shri Maha Ganapathi Temple is an 800 year old temple.The idol of Ganesha, worshipped in this temple, was found by cow herd boys. These innocent boys carried this idol with bhajan, pooja all along the way to the present place of worship and placed the idol under the tree.
Everyday they offered Ganesha with tender cucumber as naivedya, performed prayers, chanted bhajans. Hence from then, this shrine derived the name SOWTHADKA. (In kannada Southe(Cucumber) + Adka (A vast plain).
As per the hindu vasthu tradition, Temples are built with Gopuras facing towards east, idols of diety are installed. Southadka’ is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without a ‘Garbha Gudi and temple structure. It is surrounded by fascinating greeneries and opens round the clock for offering prayers.
The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of Prasadam. Surprisingly, not many from outside the district are aware of the existence of this temple which is located just 20 km away from the pilgrim town of Dharmasthala.
The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without any roof.