<p>These idols have a special place in the history of the ancient temple. The idol located near the Yoganarasimha Swamy temple on way to Lakshmipura at the foot of the hill, is said to be sculpted during the construction of the temple at the directions of rulers of Mysore. <br /><br />The belief and history has it that while construction of the ‘Rajagopuram’, the gopura caved in several times. To ward off evil force and the obstruction in placing the Gopura, the workers sculpted a 12 feet monolith Ganesha idol on a rock on the foot of hill and prayed for it.<br /><br />The work done as per Maharaja’s instruction gave results when Gopura was placed firmly. Though, the Vaishnavas have no tradition to offer pooja to Lord Ganesha, the monolithic Ganesha on the foot of the hill is offered pooja once in a year. The Muzrai department makes a clay Ganapathi idol and it is taken near the idol for pooja. The idol is brought back to the premises of Chelluvanarayana Swamy and Yoganarasimhaswamy where the priests offer pooja. <br /><br />The ritual is observed on Ganesh Chaturthi day in ‘Bhadrapada’ maasa once in a year. The devotees offer mahabhisheka for the monolith Ganesha on the day. <br /><br />While, the Kunthibetta, which is 2 kms drive from Pandavapura, hosts a 15 feet monolith idol. According to folk tales, Pandava’s during their exile after losing in dice game to Kouravas, offered pooja to the idol. <br /><br />Interestingly, the Kunthibetta which is favourite destination place for trekkers and adventure buffs, Ganesha idol has been one of attraction. Many who start their expedition do offer prayers to this idol for the safe adventure. Also, these two idols of Ganesha attract tourists to the district.</p>
<p>These idols have a special place in the history of the ancient temple. The idol located near the Yoganarasimha Swamy temple on way to Lakshmipura at the foot of the hill, is said to be sculpted during the construction of the temple at the directions of rulers of Mysore. <br /><br />The belief and history has it that while construction of the ‘Rajagopuram’, the gopura caved in several times. To ward off evil force and the obstruction in placing the Gopura, the workers sculpted a 12 feet monolith Ganesha idol on a rock on the foot of hill and prayed for it.<br /><br />The work done as per Maharaja’s instruction gave results when Gopura was placed firmly. Though, the Vaishnavas have no tradition to offer pooja to Lord Ganesha, the monolithic Ganesha on the foot of the hill is offered pooja once in a year. The Muzrai department makes a clay Ganapathi idol and it is taken near the idol for pooja. The idol is brought back to the premises of Chelluvanarayana Swamy and Yoganarasimhaswamy where the priests offer pooja. <br /><br />The ritual is observed on Ganesh Chaturthi day in ‘Bhadrapada’ maasa once in a year. The devotees offer mahabhisheka for the monolith Ganesha on the day. <br /><br />While, the Kunthibetta, which is 2 kms drive from Pandavapura, hosts a 15 feet monolith idol. According to folk tales, Pandava’s during their exile after losing in dice game to Kouravas, offered pooja to the idol. <br /><br />Interestingly, the Kunthibetta which is favourite destination place for trekkers and adventure buffs, Ganesha idol has been one of attraction. Many who start their expedition do offer prayers to this idol for the safe adventure. Also, these two idols of Ganesha attract tourists to the district.</p>
