Temple

The exact antiquity of  Udumbanchola Vinayaka Sthanam is not known. About two centuries back, someone brought an idol of Lord Vinayaka and installed on the top of the hill and soon the local residents started worshiping it. It was only in 1957 that steps were taken to renovate the temple.

Legend

Legends say that Hidumban, a demon lived here and this is how the place got its name. Hidumbanchola got corrupted and became Udumbanchola. However, there had been some archaeological evidences pointing to early human inhabitations here.

Architecture

Even though Udumbanchola Vinayaka Sthanam owns nearly 3.5 acres, the temple complex is built in just 20 cents. This includes sreekovil, namaskara-mandapam with attached nadapanthal, deepasthambham , thidappally, sub-shrines and a small gopuram in the front. The temple has not carvings or paintings.

Darsan Info

Udumbanchola Vinayaka Sthanam is open from 6:30 AM to 11 AM and from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

At Udumbanchola Vinayaka Sthanam, Kerala traditional attire is preferred.

Famous Festival

March/April : Mahotsavam

Culture

Idukki is marked for its tribal settlements and specimens of indigenous culture. The stories and legends from the area are heavily loaded with the varied tribal culture.

Temple Rituals

The main tantri is Brahmasree Nityananda Saraswati of Chengannur, but the daily poojas are conducted by non-brahmins. The main sila idol is that of Lord Ganapati, with four arms and in sitting pose. There is another bronze sree-bali idol of Lord Ganapati.

Special Rituals

The other idols worshipped in this temple are Lord Sastha in sitting pose, Lord Siva in Linga form, Goddess Vana-Durga in mirror form, Goddess Bhadra in mirror form, and Yogeswaran and Rakshas in linga forms.

Additional Info