A journey to this village at Karnataka-Kerala border will introduce you to the Madhur Temple near Kasaragod! Madhur Temple is also known as Madanantheshwara Siddhi Vinayaka Temple and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. This enchanting temple situated on the banks of Madhu Vahini and is believed to be a famous shrine.
Madhur Temple houses a shrine of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. It is a three-tiered building constructed in 'Gaja Prista' style. The beautiful architecture is a prime attraction of this place. Here Lord Ganesha is offered 'Appa'. 'Mood Appam' - (Ganesha is dressed in 'Appa' ) is another ritual followed here. Though Lord Shiva is the main deity in Madhur Temple, the place is famous for Ganesha temple.
A legend states that an old lady 'Madharu found the self-manifested Shiva Linga'. Thus, the temple became famous as Madhur Temple. Another myth mentions about the Ganesha idol at Madhur Temple. A story states that a small Brahmin boy carved a Ganesha picture on the temple wall. Soon it grew into an idol of Lord Ganesha. The boy started calling him Boddajja or Bodda Ganesha. Later, the idol was named Madanantheshwara Siddhi Vinayaka.
Madhur Temple is famous for its location, and legends associated with it. It is also renowned for an exceptional offering known as Moodappam Seva in which the deity will be covered with Appam.
Vinayaka Chathurthi and annual Madhur Bedi are the major festivals celebrated here. Madhur Bedi is a five-day festival on the fourth day; the deity is taken out for the procession.
Vishu Sankrama Utsavam and Sivarathri are the other festivals celebrated in Madhur Temple. During festival days, the temple premises witness the presentation of folk art forms like Yakshagana along with many others.