Temple

Located at Kottarakkara, Kollam, Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre. It is the most important Ganapathi Temples in Kerala. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. However, the temple is famous as a Ganapathi temple.

Legend

According to the legends, Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple was originally Kizhakkekara Siva temple which was the property of two Nampoothiri houses - Akavoor and Oomanpally. The Padinjattinkara Siva temple belonged to the royal house of Elayidathu. One day before the sunrise, rituals were taking place at Padinjattinkara Siva temple for the consecration of Siva. The work of the temple was managed by the legendary Uliyannor Perumthachan. Outside the temple, while listening to the manthras, he started chiselling a piece of jackfruit tree. To his surprise, he found that the piece was taking the form of 'Ganapathy'. Uliyannor Perumthachan told the priest to consecrate Lord Ganapathy after Siva, which the chief priest denied. Disheartened, Perumthachan went to Kizhakkekkara Siva temple. The priest after hearinf everything agreed to consecrate Ganapathy there. Perumthachan himself installed Ganapathy there. Perumthachan gave Unniyappam as the offering to Lord Ganapathy. The chief priest told Perumthachan that 'although father (Lord Shiva) is the main deity, the son (Lord Ganapathy) will be more famous in this temple'. At present, Kizhakkekkara Siva temple is recognized as Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple.

Architecture

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is a Mahakshetra (major holy destination) with a golden dwajasthambam (flagpole). The sreekovil is circular in shape with a copper covered conical roof. Lord Ganapathy faces southwest. Lord Murugan, Ganesha's brother and Lord Ayyappa and Lord Nagaraja are also installed in the complex.  There is a big pond in front of the Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram .

Darsan Info

Darsan Dresscode

Kerala traditional attire is preferred.

Famous Festival

January-February: Prathishtadinam

Culture

Kottarakkara is the birthplace of Kathakali, which flourished during the 19th century in this town. This small town once was the land of palaces of kings of Kerala; the oldest structure dating back to the 14th century. Other than the Hindu temples this place is considered the epicenter of Malankara Orthodox churches. This town has got an interesting mix of temples, churches, mosques, and palaces which reflect a rich artistic history that has played a significant role in influencing the culture of this region.

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Temple Rituals

The deities of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram are Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Lord Ayyappan, and Nagaraja. Even though the main deity is Lord Shiva, the main priority is given to Lord Ganesha.

Special Rituals

Ganapathy is the leader of the Ganas, i.e., the leader of groups, tribes, race, army, escorts, and hence Lord Siva's son is described as the supreme leader (Vinayaka). He is also known as Vigneswara - Lord of all obstacles. These names clearly show that He is a master of all Circumstances.

Additional Info