Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

This living heritage temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Ganesha, revered here as Mahaganapathi, and is also home to shrines for Lord Shiva (Sharabeshwara), Mangaladevi, Kudroli, Kadri, and Valmiki (anthill).

The temple welcomes devotees daily from 6:00 AM to 12:45 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, making early mornings and evening aarti times especially recommended for a peaceful darshan experience.

The winter months from November to February and the vibrant festival season are considered the best times to visit, with major celebrations including Ganesh Chaturthi in September, the Annual Car Festival (Rathotsava) during March-April, Deepotsava in November-December, and Sankashti Chaturthi observed every month.

Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple offers free darshan for all visitors.

A variety of poojas are performed in Sanskrit and Kannada, such as Panchamritha Abhisheka (Naga Brahma and Shiva), Ranga Pooja, Rudrabhisheka, Bilvapathrarchana, Karthika Pooja, Shiva Pooja, Thambila, and the elaborate Shatha Rudrabhisheka.

Devotees can participate in these rituals by booking online through the temple’s official website. Traditional attire is preferred for entry: men are encouraged to wear dhoti or modest clothing, while women should opt for sarees or salwars/churidars.

Photography is restricted in the inner sanctum, but visitors may capture the temple’s architecture and festive moments in the outer premises, subject to temple guidelines. Reaching the temple is convenient.

It is just 1–2 km from Mangalore Central Railway Station, accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Mangaluru International Airport lies about 16.5 km away, with pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs available.

The temple is within walking distance from Hampankatta Circle and easily reachable from local bus terminals. Numerous accommodation options are available in Hampankatta, ranging from budget hotels like Hotel Rays Inn to mid-range and luxury stays such as Hotel Ocean Pearl and Hotel Moti Mahal.

Basic temple accommodation may also be available. Parking is provided in nearby complexes, though specialized wheelchair facilities may be limited. Devotees can relish the famous Panchakajjaya prasadam, and free anna prasadam is distributed during festivals and special occasions.

For those exploring Mangaluru, nearby attractions include Kadri Shree Manjunatha Temple, Mahathobara Shree Mangaladevi Temple, Panambur and Ullal Beaches, and Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple. For more information, visit the temple’s official website or contact the temple office directly.