Madhur, Kasargod, Kerala

Madhur, Kasargod, Kerala Madhur is a Hindu Pilgrim centre, about 8 km from Kasargod , Kerala . The famous Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple of Kerala is situated here at the distance of 8 km north east of Kasargod. With the rich architecture, imposing structure of the temple and the copper plate roofing rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of hills, the place is indeed fascinating. There are abundant paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of the temple. This place in Kerala has a picturesque beauty. The madhur temple is basically a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. But importance is also given to the deity Maha Ganapathi. The sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman named madharu. The special festival of the temple is mainly Moodappa Seva, which is covering the large figure of Maha Ganapathi with appam made of ghee and rice. The festival is conducted periodically. This happens because of the fact that huge expenditure is usually involved in the festival. It was celebrated in April 1962, after a lapse of about 160 years, and recently in April 1992. Namaskara Mandapam, which is situated in the temple, has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in wood. Woodcarvings usually depict the various episodes of the Ramayana, beginning with the Seethga Swayamvaram. The Mantapam in the interior of the temple building as well as the outside surface of the second and third storey of the main building are also profuse with attractive and exquisite woodcarvings. It is said that at the time when Tipu Sultan of Mysore attacked the temple during his invasion. He felt thirsty and drunk the water from the temple well. So this is believed that after drinking the water he has changed his mind and left the temple without damaging it. There is also a mask on the temple, which is made by Tipu with his sword.