Kamandala Ganapathi & Brahmi River origin

Shridhara Balakrishna

Kamandala Ganapathi & Brahmi River origin

8 Jan 2024

Location: Karnataka / Chikmagalur / Koppa / Kesave

Categories: Natural Heritage

Kamandala Ganapathi is famous throughout the country for its ‘Kamandala Tirtha’ which is a mysterious, unending, constantly flowing water reservoir throughout the year.

Purana of Kamandala Ganapathi:

The Kamandala Ganapathi temple in Koppa has a fascinating history. Goddess Parvati, troubled by the malefic effects of the planet Shani (Saturn), decided to perform tapas (austerities) in Bhooloka to free herself. She selected Mrugavadhe, located 18 kms from the temple, as the spot for her tapas.

To remove obstacles for her tapas, Goddess Parvati first wished to worship Lord Ganesha. She installed Lord Ganesha’s idol at the chosen location. Pleased by her decision, Lord Brahma appeared and, as a blessing, sprinkled water from his kamandala (holy pot). This act led to the emergence of the Brahmi River just in front of the Ganesha idol installed by Goddess Parvati.

Thus, Lord Ganesha in this temple became known as Kamandala Ganapathi, and the shrine earned its name as the Kamandala Ganapathi temple.

The Brahmi River, known as Kamandala Theertha, holds a unique significance in the Kamandala Ganapathi Temple. Its origin is traced back to the sprinkling of water from Lord Brahma’s kamandala at the feet of Lord Ganesha, who was installed by Goddess Parvati. The river earned the name Kamandala Theertha due to its divine origin and also received the name Brahmi, acknowledging its creation by Lord Brahma himself.

Interestingly, the River Brahmi emerges from a hole in a small square stone platform, intricately carved to resemble the petals of a flower. The perpetual flow of water from this source remains a captivating mystery, adding to the spiritual aura of the temple.

Ellu Amavasya holds a special place in the history of the Kamandala Ganapathi temple. On this auspicious day falling in the Margashirsh month (November–December), Goddess Parvati is believed to have performed worship. This sacred day is considered particularly propitious for women to engage in worship within the temple premises.

Worshipping or meditating in the Kamandala Ganapathi temple assures the devotee of Lord Ganesha's blessings. The divine atmosphere of the temple is believed to bring solace and relief to those afflicted by Shani dosha. Thus, the Kamandala Ganapathi temple stands not only as a place of worship but as a source of divine grace and blessings.