Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram is a famous temple located in Kerala. The idol of Lord ganesha was installed in the temple by Perumthachan.

Share this Article:

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram, KeralaKottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram is one of the famous temples located in Kerala. This Ganapati temple is located in Kottarakkara which is 25 km from Kollam. The temple is visited by Hindus and non-Hindus as well. It is the family of Lord Shiva. Kottarakkara was the capital of the famous Ilayidathu swaroopam. The place that is now called as Mahaganapathy temple was actually Kizhakkekara Shiva Temple. Here the main deity is Lord Shiva that faces the east direction. However, the temple is now famous as a Ganapathy temple rather than a Shiva temple. Some of the deities that are installed in the Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram are Parama Shiva, Parvati Devi, Sree Maha Ganapati, Sree Murukan, Sree Ayyappan, and Nagaraja. The main offerings of the temple are Unni Appam Udayasthamanapooja, Mahaganapathi homam and Pushpanjali.

Legend of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram
According to the legend of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram the idol of Lord Ganesha was places here by Perumthachan. Once there was a consecration ceremony in the Padinjattinkara Shiva temple. At this time Perumthachan was carving on a tree. Surprisingly he carved out an image of Lord Ganesha. He then asked the priest to install it in the temple. But the priest refused saying that it the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Perumthachan then went to Kizhakkekkara Shiva temple and requested the priest to consecrate the image. The priest agreed to his proposal and the image was installed in this temple.

Festivals of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram
The Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram celebrates many festivals during which the temple is decorated beautifully with lights and flowers. Some of the festivals that are celebrated here are:

Vinayaka Chathurthy
The birth date of Lord Vinayaka`s falls on the chathurthy day of the bright half of chinga masa. This day is celebrated with great Mahaganapathy Homam, using 1008 coconuts. Apart from Unniyappam, Modhakam is also offered to Lord Ganesha. The other major ceremonies that are also celebrated are sarvaiswarya pooja, gajapooja, annadanam etc.

Ayilyam Makam
This festival is celebrated for offering special Poojas to the Nagadaivanjal. The Nagaprathishta was done by Pambummekkattu Thanthrikal.

Navaratri
Every year the temple hosts the grand festival of Navaratri. Thousands throng to the temple to perform the Vidyarambham of their little one`s.

Prathishtadinam (Cosecration day)
This festival is celebrated on the Uthrittathy nakshatra of Makara masa. Few important events take place during the festival like the Bhagavatha Sapthaham, Devibhaghavatha Navaham, Annadhanam.

Thyppoyam
During the festival of Thyppoyam Kavdiyattam and other rituals are performed in the Muruga temple.

Shivaratri
Shivaratri is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. During the festival many special poojas are also conducted for Lord Siva.

Vishu
The Vishu festival is very important for the malayalees. This day marks a prosperous beginning for them. People from nook and corners of the area come here to seek the blessings of Lord Ganapathy.

Medathiruvathira
This is the famous day of Thirvarattu. The large scale festival celebrations of eleven days come to an end on this day. Kettukazhcha forms the major attraction of the day.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.
Temple Architecture During Rajput Period
Temple architecture during the Rajput period was inclined to the aspect of Bhakti. Rajput kings encouraged this art which is reflected in the grandeur style of the temples.
Architecture of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple
Architecture at Vaishnodevi has been the source of artistic enjoyment for many, reinstating the vitality of the Indian religiosity and cultural fervour.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple
Steeped in glorious history this is indeed a legendary temple.
Temples in Munnar
Munnar houses myriad temples that are visited by many people. The temples of Munnar are especially known for their festivals that are celebrated with great grandeur.
History of Indian Temples
The history of Indian temples dates back to the ancient ages and variant dynasties that have ruled throughout the ages. Every temple of every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the specific dynasty.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
Kalyaneshwari Temple is one of the well known Shakti peeth of India. Located at a distance of 20 kms from Asansol this age old temple is known for its miracles and a number of legends that attract the devotees and tourists as well.
Kalika Temple in Udhampur
Also known as Maha Kali Temple, the Kalika Temple located at the Reasi town is a holy shrine.
Medieval Temples of India
Medieval temples of India vary from each other due to the style and architecture. The impact of the prevalent kingdom is prominent in the style of building.
Temples of Ramanathapuram District
Temples of Ramanathapuram district have special significance in the state, owing to its architectural attributes.
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur reflects the Dravidian style architecture. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.