Paying Obeisance to the Father
Published on: 22/06/2026

Photo title: A woman selling bangles at Padi Igguthappa Temple
|Photo Credits: Bindu Gopal Rao
As the road forks and snakes its way towards the temple, the landscape is unmissable: mist-clad mountains, waterfalls (especially in the monsoon) and lush coffee shrubs that keep you company.
Located in the Kakkabe town a fair distance from Evolve Back Coorg, the Padi Igguthappa Temple was built by Lingarajendra in 1810. Perched on a small elevation, the temple has also thoughtfully laid out a carpet as you walk up – especially useful in the cold winter months.
All devotees wash their legs before entering the main temple. The architectural structure of the temple resembles ancient Keralite temples to a large extent. The main sanctum is built in Kerala-style architecture, complete with sloping tiled roofs, a grey stone structure with carved figurines of gods, an ornate golden roof with intricate elements, and a gilded finial with a cobra head.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Igguthappa, which is another name for Lord Subramanya. This temple holds great importance amongst Kodavas and influences their culture and tradition. The main temple premises are strictly out of bounds as far as photography is concerned, so it is advisable to keep your mobile phone away.
The first thing you see here is the Nagara Sthana, which has idols of snakes under a sprawling peepul tree. As I walked ahead, I also spotted a woman selling a lot of colourful glass bangles. Going further ahead, there is a small flight of stairs that leads me into the main temple premises. On my left is an old building that has signage in Kannada that roughly translates into 'This building was built by Koravanda barrister Muthanna and his wife, Dechavva, in 1929.'

Photo title: The exterior of Padi Igguthappa Temple
|Photo Credits: Bindu Gopal Rao
Inside there is another enclosed space called the Sri Aiyyapa Sthana, and a beautiful stone lamp fixture in black stone is unmissable here. The temple also offers several sevas that can be booked by devotees.
According to Nagesh Chinaappa, a local from Virajpet, Padi Igguthappa Temple has a lot of significance for the locals here. “This is a powerful temple, and I have been visiting since I was a child. I can say one thing that no one goes hungry from here.”
Priest E.R. Kusha Bhat tells me that this is a revered shrine that has Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya here, and in Coorg, Igguthappa means the god that gives rice. With a history dating several thousands of years, it is said that this area called Brahma Kshetra is where Lord Shiva once meditated. The silver door has an image of paddy, and it is believed that the Lord wanted this to be what people here must eat.
In fact, as you enter the temple, the lush green patch of paddy is unmissable.
This is also why the Kodavas celebrate Huttari Habba, or Puthari, a harvest festival when the ceremonial first harvest of paddy, the district’s staple crop, is offered amidst rituals to express their gratitude. This is the temple where the devotees come to offer the same as well. Interestingly, this temple serves breakfast, lunch and even dinner as prasad. It is completely free, and many hundreds of devotees eat here every day. As Cauvery is considered the mother, Iguthappa is counted as the father deity for the locals here who fulfils wishes of the devotees. The serene surroundings and the calm environs make this a must-visit. Do make sure to bookmark this temple on your next visit to Coorg.
Fact File
• Located 264 km from Bangalore, 34 km from Madikeri and 30 km from Virajpet.
• When you are visiting this temple, a strict dress code is in place. Sleeveless tops and shorts are strictly not allowed.
• The temple is open from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bindu Gopal Rao
Bindu Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bengaluru, who believes writing provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of people while exploring new places. She has a keen eye to learn about offbeat, unusual and local angles when she travels. Her work is documented at www.bindugopalrao.com
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