According to mythology, Tulu ruler Maharaja Veerabahu erected the Shri Sharavu Maha Ganapathi temple to atone for the sin he committed when he accidentally slaughtered a cow instead of a tiger who was merely standing by the cow. The king was uninformed of the jungle's peaceful animal life and felt that the tiger would murder the sacred cow, so he shot an arrow at the cow instead of the tiger in an attempt to save the cow. To make amends, he was told to build a Shivalinga and a sanctum sanctorum around the Lingam and worship it every day for the rest of his life.

A Shivalinga and pictures of Maha Ganapati can be found in the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple. A tank and a stone idol of the sacred cow can be found on the temple grounds. The Mukha mandapa, or main porch, leads worshipers to the sanctum sanctorum. Silver sheets are used to cover the idols. A compound wall surrounds the complex, which leads to an outer courtyard from which the main entrance connects to an inner courtyard. The Maha Ganapati shrine is located to the south of the temple complex, while Lord Shiva's is located to the west.

• Lord Sharabeshwara Lord Mahaganapathy has the sacred "Darshana" of a great number of devotees. This temple is the hub of a number of cultural events such as Yakshagana, Dance Drama, and other humanitarian and social service endeavors. 
• You can click photos and record videos outside of the temple. 
• People also give offerings to the deity there.

• Do not take any food items inside the temple. 
• Keep your shoes outside of the temple. 
• You can also meditate inside the temple. 
• Keep silence at all times.

Mangalore is best visited in the months of October to February. Expect the tourist places to be a bit crowded during this time because it is peak season. The months from June to September have mild weather. If your sole purpose is to visit the temple then you can visit during any time of the year.

• Mangalore Amche Kodial
• Sultan Bathery
• St. Aloysius Chapel
• Ganapathi Temple
• Shree Kalikamba Vinayaka Temple

Numerous shrines connected to the deities Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, and Kudroli can be found within the temple complex. 'Sharatheertha' is the name of a temple tank. The temple's significant festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Rathosthava, and Deeposthava. It's also a popular destination for cultural events including dance, theatre, and Yakshagana.