MADHUR - ANANTHESWARA VINAYAKA AMBALAM

This famous temple enjoying the bounteous asylum at Bhagawan Maheswar's sannidhi reminds us the well known fable of the Arab and the Camel, which ends up that unbounded generosity recoils on the patron adversely sooner or later and the protégé bags both profit and comfort at the cost of the patron. He is christened as Siddhi Vinayaka at the time of installation in a niche of the hoary temple of Anantheswara, and perhaps due to granting boons liberally, he turned into Anantha Vinayaka and has successfully eclipsed the glory of his benefactor - his own father - Lord Siva, called here by the honorific name of Anantheswara.

The three-tired temple said to have been built in the dim past underwent renovations from time to time. Skanda Purana embodies an elaborate account that some Maharshis super-imposed this huge form on the northern wall of the garbha griha and prayed for his grace for lokakalyana. The Lord fulfilled their humanist aspiration, and since then he has been spilling spiritual bliss on the ardent devotees lavishly. As his munificence has been lifting the saranar this, his popularity mounted higher than the principal deity - Lord Siva, who it seems willingly accepted the secondary position in His own sannidhi out of infinite mercy, rather affection for His own elder darling son - Ganesh. This Vinayaka by his mystic powers is drawing a perennial stream of devotees round the year and the adorers are deeming him their unfailing refuge and invaluable friend, who never lets down a single pious bhakta at any time. He ensures victory to those who ardently inflame the life elevating spiritual energy lying dormant in everyone. The sacred shrine is worth a visit for blessings from the Almighty father - Siva and his every succouring son - Siddhi Vinayaka. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with due devotional zeal.

It lies on the bank of Madhuvahini, in a village called Madhur, about 7 km off Kasargad in the state of Kerala, accessible by bus from Kasargod and other neighbouring towns.

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