Padi Igguthappa Temple, which is devoted to the Kul Devta of Kodagu or Coorg and the most revered deity of the Kodavas, is named after Igguthappa. During ancient times, he was most likely the deity associated with precipitation and agriculture. It is rational that precipitation is essential for crop survival, just as crops are vital to human subsistence. Local farmers continue to present the initial harvest of paddy to the sanctuary at this temple on an annual basis. Following this, the Puttari harvest festival commences in the Coorg region.
Temple of Igguthappa, Madikeri
According to legend, he is the fourth of seven celestial siblings who arrived at the coast of Malabar in a conch shell. There was a single sister and six siblings. Each of the three older brothers selected and established residence in a village located in Kerala. The four youngest siblings arrived in the Coorg region by traversing the western Ghats. The siblings coexisted and fought on this land, just as any other sibling would. Igguthappa, their eldest sibling, made the decision to remain in this location and supply the regions of Kodagu with rice and precipitation. Others proceeded to relocate to different areas.
Subramanya, also referred to as Karthik, is the principal deity at the Padi Igguthappa temple. He is regarded as the progeny of Shiva and Kaveri Amman, an avatar of Gauri. The temple is adorned with Shiva and Igguthappa Murtis. The river Kaveri is associated with Kaveri Amma, the ubiquitous divinity of Coorg and its inhabitants. I was conversed with by the temple’s cleric while he prepared lunch for the devotees. Hundreds of years old, he said, this temple was constructed by King Veer Rajaraja. It was recently renovated with the combined contributions of crores of rupees from the residents of Coorg. Igguthappa, in his opinion, signifies the local appellation of Kartikeya, the progeny of Shiva. It literally signifies the God of sustenance. Locals are convinced that he once inhabited Coorg in the guise of a human. He instructed them to present rice to him. The Puttari harvest festival has been observed in Coorg ever since that time.
Festival of Harvest in Puttari
Mid-December is the typical time for Puttari to descend, when the Sun is in Rohini Nakshatra. Igguthappa Bhagwan is led from the temple in a procession, where he is bathed, adorned with Shringar, and enlivened with dance and music prior to his return. It appears to be a yearly gathering of the divine. When the deity returns to the temple, nine varieties of Shiva’s celestial dance, or Shiv Tandav Nritya, are performed. Following this, a lavish Pooja is performed for the deity. Anna-Daan is then completed, or the food is donated. Additionally, this Tulabhar is donating cereals that are substantial in value. Pujari Ji stated that he or a member of his family performs the Tandav Nritya. They have undergone extensive training in this regard.
A Tulabhar is performed in the temple on Wednesdays and Saturdays each week. Additionally, he informed us that individuals gather here to offer prayers for rainfall, should the anticipated precipitation fail to materialize. In fact, he provided the example of a Tata Coffee representative who also gathered here in devout prayer during a period of unfavorable rainfall. It seems that the rain gods granted their request within hours of the pooja being performed.
Couples without children also visit this location, and according to Pujari Ji, 600 couples have been bestowed with children subsequent to performing puja at the Padi Igguthappa Temple. While conversing with us, he continued to prepare meals for the devotees. We were served a selection of delectable nibbles, pineapple halwa, and a sip of hot Chai.
Located in the town of Kakkabe, approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Madikeri, it is readily accessible by road. You ascend to the temple via a staircase and are able to admire the picturesque valleys of Coorg while seated. It is a hilltop temple that is albeit modest in size but exceptionally well preserved. As we approached the temple. The majority of them were adorned with fresh blooms. Before a collection of larger Naga stones, a lamp was illuminating. Naga occupies a prominent position throughout this entire region. It brought to mind the Tharu people of Nepal, who similarly adorn the exteriors of their dwellings with a coiling Naga figure. An individual engaged in the sale of glass bangles. It is unclear whether this item is intended for the devotees or to be presented to the deity.
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The current structure is evidently less than a decade old. It is a stone temple with a wooden slat canopy, similar to those found on temples in Kerala. An exquisite intricacy of metal embellishments adorns the roof adjacent to the entrance. The elephant motifs were visible on both sides. You are not permitted to enter the temple as a visitor; therefore, you can only observe the flower-adorned deity from a distance. The primary entrance is adorned with silver embellishments that bear numerous Kodagu legends and symbols. Stone slabs embellishing the outer walls of the temple recount narratives pertaining to the Kodavas. Scenes of devotion, Tulabhar, martial arts, celebrations, music, and dances are all.
