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History of Padi Sri Subraya (Sri Igguthappa) Temple

The people of Coorg worship and strongly believe in two main dieties. One is Goddess Kaveri and the second one is Padi Sri Igguthappa Deva of the four lands. When people from Padi, Nelaji, Peroor and other places get together to celebrate the Malma festival, it is here from the Padi temple, that the Holy Procession of Sri Igguthappa Deva begins, with all the traditional rituals and celebrations.

Legend has it that, in the olden days, somewhere in the state of Kerala, 7 children - 6 boys and a girl, took birth from a golden conch, because of the holy and magical powers of the God. The details about their parents, family, native etc are unknown. These 7 people, having taken the human form beacause of some divine power, are famous as the 'Evvamakka Devaru', meaning Children of God, in Kodava folklore. The eldest became famous as Kankratappa, second one was Thiruchambarappa, third was Bendru Kolappa, fourth was Igguthappa, fifth was Paaloorappa, sixth was Thirunelli Pemmayya and their sister was Thangamma, who later became famous as Pannangaala Thamme.

Igguthappa Deva made Malma his headquarters and spread his divine power and knowledge in Padi, Nelaji and Peroor. Since then, this place became famous as Igguthappa Kshetra. Sri Igguthappa Deva is in the form of Shiva Linga here, along with the Nagarike (Snake Hood covering). Hence it is also known as Igguthappa Mahadeva, Subrahmanya, Subbaraaya, Eeshwara Igguthappa etc. Sri Igguthappa Deva is one of the most worshipped and a favourite deity among the people of Coorg.

Sri Igguthappa temple has its own elaborate history. In 1810, Lingarajendra Urs ruled the region of Coorg. One day when he had gone hunting and he couldn't find any prey. The frustrated King decided to punish his minister who suggested them to go to that place. The minister then prayed to Sri Igguthappa and the animals suddenly came into view. Then, Lingarajendra hunted down 34 elephants, 8 tigers and lion cubs. Having realised that all this was because of Sri Igguthappa, he donated a silver elephant as a sign of his gratitude.