Nestled in the sacred land of Kottarakkara, Kerala, the Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is one of the most revered and spiritually significant temples in the region. Renowned for its powerful deity, Lord Ganesha, and its rich historical and cultural heritage, the temple has been a beacon of devotion for centuries. Located in a town famous for its many temples, Kottarakkara has a long-standing tradition of spiritual importance, making the Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple a must-visit for pilgrims and devotees seeking divine intervention and blessings.
The History and Significance of Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple
Kottarakkara, situated approximately 25 kilometers from Kollam, is often referred to as the “Land of Temples.” The town is home to many historical and mythological sites, with places such as Jadayumangalam, Valiyonkunnu, and Ugramkunnu being linked to the epic Ramayana. These sacred sites have deep spiritual connections with legendary figures like Jadayu, Bali, and Sugreeva.
The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, originally known as Kizhakkekara Siva Kshethram, holds a prominent place in Kerala’s religious landscape. Though Lord Shiva is the primary deity enshrined in the temple, it is Lord Ganesha who enjoys the highest reverence. The temple is famous for its sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, making it one of the most important Maha Ganapathy temples in Kerala.
The Divine Deities of the Temple
While Lord Shiva is the main deity at the Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, the shrine houses several other important deities, creating a spiritual environment that offers peace, protection, and divine blessings. Among the deities worshipped here are:
- Lord Shiva: The supreme deity of the temple, representing destruction and transformation.
- Parvati: Lord Shiva’s consort, symbolizing fertility, love, and devotion.
- Lord Ganesha: The beloved son of Shiva and Parvati, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom.
- Lord Murugan (Karthikeya): The warrior god and son of Shiva, symbolizing valor and purity.
- Lord Ayyappan (Sastha): A deity representing spiritual growth, celibacy, and devotion.
- Nagaraja: The serpent god, revered for protection, healing, and removing negative influences.
Interestingly, all deities, except for Parvati and Ganesha, face east in the temple, symbolizing alignment with the cosmic forces.
The Legend Behind the Temple
The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is steeped in an intriguing legend that adds to its mystique and spiritual significance. According to Puranic lore, the temple was originally owned by the Akavoor and Oomanpally Namboothiri families. It is said that Uliyannoor Perumthachan, a legendary artisan, was once performing consecration rituals for Lord Shiva at the Padinjattinkara Siva Temple. While listening to the sacred mantras, Perumthachan began chiseling a piece of jackfruit wood, which, to his astonishment, transformed into the form of Lord Ganesha.
Realizing the divine significance of this idol, Perumthachan requested the chief priest to enshrine the Ganapathy idol after consecrating Shiva. However, the priest initially refused. Undeterred, Perumthachan traveled eastward to the Kizhakkekara Siva Temple. Here, the priest was preparing offerings for Lord Shiva and, after much persuasion, agreed to enshrine Lord Ganesha in the temple.
It was decided that Lord Ganesha would be installed in the southeast corner of the temple, completing the family of deities. Perumthachan, devotedly offering the first Koottappam (a sweet delicacy) to Lord Ganesha, made a prophetic statement: “Though the father is the main deity, the son will be much more famous.” This prophecy came true, and the temple soon became known as the Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple.
Offerings and Rituals at the Temple
The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is renowned for its unique offerings and rituals, which play a vital role in the spiritual practices of devotees. Some of the most prominent offerings include:
- Udayasthamana Pooja: A ritual offering conducted at dawn to honor the deities.
- Unni Appam (Koottappam): A sacred sweet offering made to Lord Ganesha, a tradition that originated from Perumthachan’s offering.
- Coconut Breaking: A symbolic act in which devotees break coconuts as an offering to Lord Ganesha.
- Thulabharam: A ritual where the devotee offers items equivalent to their weight as a sign of devotion and gratitude.
- Chathussatham: A special offering made on select days.
- Thrimadhuram: A sweet offering made during specific poojas.
- Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam: A homa (ritual fire offering) performed with eight sacred items dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
It is important to note that Unniyappam Vazhipadu (offering) is not performed on Udayasthamana Pooja days.
Major Festivals and Celebrations
The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple celebrates several festivals with grandeur and devotion, attracting devotees from across the region. Some of the key festivals and rituals include:
- Vinayaka Chaturthi: The grand festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which includes the performance of a Maha Ganapathy Homam using 1008 coconuts. Offerings of Unni Appam and Modakam are made to Lord Ganesha on this day.
- Meda Thiru Athira: A temple celebration marking the arrival of the spiritual season.
- Mandalachirappu: A special occasion when the temple begins its annual spiritual observances.
- Ayilyam-Makam: A ritual dedicated to the worship of serpent deities.
- Navaratri: The nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga.
- Thyppooyam: A festival celebrating the victory of the goddess over evil forces.
- Shivaratri: The sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva, filled with prayers and rituals.
- Vishu: The Malayalam New Year celebration.
- Prathishtadinam: The consecration day of the temple, marked by special rituals and offerings.
Temple Timings
The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is open to devotees at the following times:
- Morning Timings: 4:00 am – 11:30 am
- Evening Timings: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Dress Code
- Men: Traditional Dhoti or Mundu
- Women: Saree or Salwar Kameez
Contact Information
Address:
2Q2C+927, Chenthara,
Kottarakkara, Kerala 691506
Phone:
0474 245 7200
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