Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram – Kerala

Address

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram Kottarakkara. Kollam District, Kerala- 691506

Deity

Shiva, Ganapathy

Introduction

• Name: Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram
• Location: Kottarakkara, approximately 25 km from Kollam, Kerala
• Significance: One of the most important Maha Ganapathi temples in Kerala and a centuries-old pilgrimage center.
• Main Deity:
  • Lord Shiva (Shivalingam) is the principal deity.
  • The temple is renowned for its sub-shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
• Special Offering: Famous for its delicious Unniyappam, a sweet ghee-fried snack made with rice and bananas.
• Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: Approximately 80 km.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board and belongs to the Kottarakkara King family.
  • The temple is associated with the Ramanattam, a form of dance inspired by the Ramayana, performed for the 151st time by Kottarakara Thampuran.
• Legends and Idols:
  • Though the main idol is of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha has gained fame in this temple.
  • The temple was originally known as Kizhakkekara Siva Kshethram.
  • The story of the temple involves the legendary Uliyannor Perumthachan, who, while chiseling a jackfruit tree, discovered the form of Ganapathy.
  • After a series of events, Ganapathy was installed southeast of the temple, completing the divine family alongside Shiva, Parvathy, and others.
• Offerings:
  • Perumthachan offered Unniyappam, which has since become a favored nivedhyam (offering) for Kottarakara Ganapathy.
  • His declaration that “though the father is the main deity, the son will be much more famous” has indeed come true, as the temple is now popularly known as Kottarakara Ganapathy Temple.

Festivals

• Vinayaka Chaturthi:
  • Celebrated as Lord Vinayaka’s birthday on the chathurthi day of the bright half of the Malayalam month ‘Chingam’.
  • Marked by a grand Mahaganapathy Homam using 1008 coconuts, with offerings of Unniyappam and Modhakam.
  • Other ceremonies include Sarvaiswarya pooja, Gajapooja, and Annadanam.
• Medathiruvathira:
  • The conclusion of the eleven-day Thirvarattu festival, featuring large-scale celebrations and the major attraction of Kettukazhcha.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Kottarakkara

Nearest Railway Station

Kottarakkara

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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