Arathi Ukkada - Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple Mandya

Aarathi Ukkada Temple

Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple (Arathi Ukkada Temple), Mandya – Complete Travel & Ritual Guide

When exploring temples around Mysuru and Srirangapatna, one powerful and deeply rooted religious site you may come across is the Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple, popularly known as Arathi Ukkada Temple in the Mandya district.

This temple is not just a place of worship—it is a living example of local beliefs, rituals, and folk traditions that continue to draw thousands of devotees every week.

In this guide, you will learn about the history, rituals, location, timings, crowd experience, pros & cons, and whether this temple is worth visiting during your Mysuru–Srirangapatna trip.

🏛️ About Aarthi Ukkada Temple

Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple - Aarti Ukkada Temple
Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple - Aarti Ukkada Temple
  • Name: Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple (Arathi Ukkada Temple)
  • Location: Arathi Ukkada, Kadathanalu, Kyathanahalli – 571427, Mandya District, Karnataka
  • Type: Hindu Religious Place
  • Famous For: Powerful Goddess worship, Thade Pooja ritual, belief-based healing and protection rituals
Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma is believed to be a mighty village deity, and devotees strongly believe that their personal problems—especially those related to black magic, evil eye (Drishti), and unexplained ailments—are resolved after performing specific rituals here.

📜 History & Legend of the Temple

According to the temple’s traditional narrative:

Several decades ago, eleven fishermen from Ukkada village discovered a wooden stump while fishing. Thinking it was an evil object, they discarded it. Surprisingly, they encountered the same stump repeatedly.

Eventually, a divine voice revealed itself, saying:
“I am Ahalyadevi, an incarnation of Maramma. I am here to protect you.”
The fishermen placed the wooden idol under a neem tree and began worshipping it. Over time, the place came to be known as Arathi Ukkada, and the deity was worshipped as Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma.

One of the most astonishing beliefs associated with the temple is that despite repeated abhishekas using water, the wooden idol has not deteriorated, which devotees consider proof of the Goddess’s divine power.

📍 Location & How to Reach

Distance from major places:
  • 46 km from Mysuru
  • 6 km from Srirangapatna Railway Station
  • 33 km from Mandya City
How to reach:
  • 🚌 Bus: Available from nearby towns
  • 🚖 Auto / Cab:  Accessible from Srirangapatna & Mysuru
  • 🚗 Personal Vehicle: Recommended (use Google Maps)
Parking:

Paid parking is available near the temple premises.

⏰ Timings & Entry Details

  • Temple Timings: 06:00 AM – 09:30 PM
  • Open on: All days
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Camera Fee: No
  • Guide: Not required
⚠️ Note: Rituals such as Thade Pooja involve separate payments at each step, and parking charges apply.

👗 Dress Code & Rules

  • Dress Code: Decent attire advised
  • Footwear: Allowed in the complex, but not inside the inner temple
  • Photography/Videography: Allowed
  • Food & Water: Allowed

🌟 Highlights & Unique Rituals

🔥 Thade Pooja (Hitting the Barrier Ritual)

The most important ritual here is “Thade Pooja”, believed to remove:
  • Black magic
  • Evil eye (Drishti / Nazar)
  • Unknown fears and ailments
Aarthi Ukkada Ritual
Pond near the temple where rituals are performed

The ritual is usually performed near the temple pond (Kalyani) using items such as coconut, lemon, eggs, flowers, and sometimes animal offerings.

📌 Visitors can buy ritual items locally and follow the crowd to understand the process.

⏳ Time Required & Visitor Suitability

  • Time Needed: 1–2 hours (depending on crowd)
  • Suitable for:
    • Families – ✅
    • Kids – ✅
    • Senior Citizens – ✅
  • Wheelchair Friendly: ❌ (No dedicated facilities)

📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Best Time of Day: Any time
  • Crowded Days: Sundays, Amavasya, Hunnime, festivals
  • Festival Visits: Worth experiencing if you want to witness the intense devotional atmosphere
If you prefer peaceful darshan, avoid weekends and special ritual days.

Aarathi Ukkada Temple Rush
Crowd at Aarathi Ukkada Temple

⭐ Visitor Reviews & Ground Reality

Visitors often describe the temple as:
  • Extremely powerful and belief-driven
  • Highly crowded on special days
  • Poorly managed in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure
Many devotees appreciate the spiritual experience, but also express concerns about:
  • Multiple charges at every step
  • Cash-only payments
  • Poor crowd control
  • Aggressive fee collection

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

✅ Pros

  • Unique local rituals and traditions
  • Strong cultural experience for non-locals
  • Photography-friendly
  • Opportunity to observe folk Hindu practices

❌ Cons

  • Excessive commercialisation of rituals
  • Cash payments only
  • Poor crowd management
  • Not ideal for those uncomfortable with animal sacrifice

🗺️ Nearby Attractions & Food Options

  • Nearby Places:
    • Srirangapatna (Sri Ranganatha Temple, Nimishamba Temple)
    • Mysuru city attractions
  • Food Options:
    • Restaurants available on the Mysuru–Bengaluru Expressway
📌 This temple can be covered along with the Srirangapatna temples in a single day.

💡 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Visit first as an observer before deciding on rituals
  • Carry sufficient cash
  • Avoid arguments with temple staff
  • Keep belongings safe in crowded areas
  • Be mentally prepared for animal offerings

🤔 Is Aarathi Ukkada Temple Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if:
  • You are interested in local Hindu beliefs and rituals
  • You want to experience raw, non-commercial religious traditions
  • You are exploring temples around Srirangapatna & Mysuru
You may skip this place if:
  • You prefer calm, well-maintained temples
  • You are uncomfortable with belief-based rituals or animal sacrifice
Ritual Items
Temple ritual items being sold at temple premises

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple famous for?

Powerful Goddess worship, Thade Pooja, and belief-based rituals.

What are the temple timings?

06:00 AM to 09:30 PM.

Is there any entry fee?

No, entry is free.

How much time is required to visit?

1–2 hours.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes.

📌 Final Thought about Aarthi Ukkada Temple

Aarathi Ukkada or the Sri Ahalyadevi Maramma Temple is not just a temple—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether you visit as a devotee or a curious traveller, this place offers a deep insight into local faith, fear, hope, and tradition that you won’t find in mainstream tourist spots.

👉 Explore responsibly, observe respectfully, and decide wisely.

You may like to read other posts from Srirangapatna & Mysuru!
Location: SH 7, Arathiukkada, Kadathanalu, Karnataka 571427, India

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