Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Kerala

Address

Padmavilasam Rd, Pazhavangadi, Padma Nagar,

Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram,

Kerala 695023

Moolavar

Ganapathy

Introduction

The Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy temple is situated at East Fort in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala, India. The main Deity of the temple is Sri Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture with the right leg in a folded stance. The temple is situated in close proximity to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Other Deities worshiped at the temple include Dharmasasta, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. The temple sculptures include 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha.

Puranic Significance

The history of the erection of this temple dates back to the time when the Travancore Kingdom army as at war on the Padmanabhapuram front. The regiment was on guard at the fort but was continually harassed by a Yaskhi, a relentless demon. Every soldier was petrified of encountering this demon. One of these soldiers was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesh and believed that the lord is always with him. When he was stationed at the fort, he was fearless because he knew that Lord Ganesh would protect him.

When he went to the nearby river for his bath, he was surprised to stumble upon the idol of Lord Ganesh. The soldier considered this to be a good sign and decided to keep the idol with him at all times. The entire Travancore army was left undisturbed and unaffected by the Yakshi forever. Acknowledging the limitless power of this idol, a temple was constructed where the soldier had found the idol. However, when the headquarters of the Travancore Kingdom was moved to Trivandrum in 1795, they decided to move this holy idol with them. The present temple was erected in 1860 by the then reigning king Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal, and unlike other temples, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple was maintained and looked after by the army.

Special Features

Situated in the centre of the city, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple has now become a religious as well as a historical landmark for many. Adorned with an astounding blend of Dravidian as well as South Indian architecture, this temple is indeed an illustration of beauty at its best. There are two idols of Lord Ganesh inside the shrine, one made of pure granite and the other made entirely of gold. Even though Lord Ganesh is the principal deity of this temple, there are stupefying idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja and the Brahmarakshaks.

The idol of Lord Vishnu is a unique one where Lord Vishnu majestically reclines on the serpent Anantha. You will be surprised to know that the idol is made out of a blend of Kudusarkara, herbs and Salagramam and is decorated with gold jewels and other expensive stones. The most celebrated way of offering ‘vazhipadu’ is by breaking a coconut at a designated spot which signifies the overcoming of all obstacles that one may face in fulfilling their innermost desires. Since all devotees passionately believe in this ritual, more than 2500 coconuts are cracked on a small tank at the temple every day.

Another popular ritual of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is that once in every 6 years, a 56-day long Murajapam is performed to please the great Lord Ganesh. The festival is carried out by many priests who gather at a yagna and perform Vedic chants through days and nights. It is concluded by lighting over one lakh lamps which float through the night sky like countless twinkling stars- truly a magnificent sight to watch.

Festivals

The main Vazhipadu (Offering) is the breaking of coconuts at the temple. Other offerings associated with Lord Ganesha like Ganapathy Homam, Appam, Modakam etc. are also performed here. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are Vinayaka Chathurthi (Ganesh Jayanthi), Virad Chathurthi and Sankashti Chathurthi. Special Poojas are also performed on the occasion of Thiruvonam, Deepavali, Vijayadashami, Vishu, etc