Tiruchenkattankudi ganapateswara temple is one of the nine Nava - tandavams of Shiva.
Legends: Ganapati prayed to Shiva here to seek atonement for killing Gajamukhasuran, hence the name Ganapateeswaram. The demon`s blood flowed to create the red land, Chenkaadu. Shiva Bhairava killed Raktabheejan and other demons here.
Temple: It occupies an area of two acres. A five-tiered rajagopuram adorns the entrance. The Vaataapi Ganapati temple was raised by Sirutonda Nayanar and the then Pallava Emperor. Utharapateeswarar refers to Bhikshandakar manifestation of Shiva. There is an image of Vinayaka with a human face here in this temple.
Festivals: Navaratri, Sivaratri, Skanda Sashti and Kartikai Deepam are celebrated here; so is the Amudhu Padayal festival in the month of Chittirai. Vinayaka Chaturthi is also celebrated with great pomp.
