Devotees bring bells to the temple after their wishes have been granted.
The Sautadka Mahaganapati Temple, where Lord Ganesha is enshrined in an open area, is believed to be able to fulfil the wishes of devotees. Located near Kokkada on the route from Dharmasthala to Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada district, the temple is about 17 kilometres from Dharmasthala. It serves as a major centre of devotion for the faithful, surrounded by rows of bells and a serene atmosphere, with Lord Ganesha standing amidst nature. The close proximity of the deity allows devotees to worship with deep devotion, and many believe that all their troubles will be resolved through such worship. The Ganesha idol in this open shrine was reportedly discovered by children who were grazing cattle in the area. These children used to offer whatever food they had to Ganesha, and this simple act of devotion led to the place being named Sautadka. According to legend, if a temple were to be built for this Ganesha, it would have to be as tall as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and should be made within 24 hours, which is why Ganesha remains in the open.
The simplicity of the Sautadka Mahaganapati Temple extends to the offerings made here, where instead of the usual offerings of silver or gold, devotees are required only to offer a bell. This unique practice has become a special service at the temple. Devotees bring a bell to the temple after their wishes have been granted, with more than a hundred bells being offered in a single day.
Bells of various sizes, ranging from small ones to those weighing up to 100 kilograms, are offered as a form of gratitude. After their desires are fulfilled, devotees return to the temple to offer a bell, following the tradition of marking the end of their difficulties by hanging a bell at the temple. The numerous bells at the temple serve as a testament to the troubles that have been resolved for the devotees. It is said that around 11 tonnes of bells are offered to the temple each year.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, special rituals and prayers are performed at the temple, attracting thousands of devotees. The offering of Avalakki (flattened rice) as prasad is a distinctive service here, with many devotees participating. Continuous Rangapooja is conducted, and the prasad is also offered to the monkeys that visit the temple.
