Shree Sadashiva Rudra Temple is very near to Ujire (3-4 KM). Even though the temple is called Sadashiva Rudra Devasthana, it is popular and famous as "SURYA" Temple. Surya Temple has a history dating back to the 13th Century. The Surya temple is probably only one of its kind because of its unique tradition of clay offerings (symbolizes man's Earthly desires). The devotees along with their clay offerings have to go to the temple preferably on Mondays along with a coconut and a kg of rice. After a thorough examination of the idol the priest accepts the offerings on behalf of God. All the offerings are placed in a circular shaped pile near the temple.
There is a specific mud idol associated with every wish. If you wish to construct a house and if your wish is fulfilled, then you should offer an idol of house made of mud. If you pray for a kid at Harake Bana, Sadashivarudra Temple at Ujire, after you are blessed with a kid, you will need to visit this place and offer a small cradle made of mud. If you wish to buy a car and your wish comes true, then you will need to offer an idol of Car. You can see different idols offered here, it starts from dog, cat ,book, pen, cradle, house, auto rickshaw, heart, computer, bus, lorry, etc., The offerings are available in temple premises only & they are clay Sculptures (Mannina bombey) of your request (Like if you want job you can offer a chair & table, if its marriage you should offer Vadu vara, if its ear or eyes problem offer ear or eye Sculptures like wise). The cost of these clay Sculptures are priced between RS 50-200.
The Place was then ruled by the "BANGA" Kings. Banga Kings Contributed to the development of the Surya temple. There is small detail inscribed near the Nandeeshwara Idol which indicates that the temple's history dates even prior to the 13th century. There is an interesting legend as to how the place got the name "SURYA". Once upon a time, a woman was chopping grass with her son, when she hit a stone. Blood started oozing out from the stone she had hit. Afraid at seeing blood from the stone, the woman cried out "SUREYA" to her son. After the incident the place was named SUREYA, which gradually became "SURIYA" and finally "SURYA'" as called now. Please note that temple is opened from 7.30AM to 2PM and 4PM to 6.30PM only.
Copyrights of all images: Vishwanath Pai M.