Thiruchenkattankudi Vathapi Ganapathy Temple – Thiruvarur

Address

Thiruchenkattankudi Vathapi Ganapathy Temple – Thiruvarur

Thiruchengattangudi, Thiruvarur district,

Tamil Nadu 609704

Moolavar

Vathapi Ganapathi

Introduction

• Location:
  • The Vathapi Ganapathy Temple is situated in Tiruchenkattankudi, a village in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, India.
  • The ancient name of the village is Ganapatheesaram, reflecting its strong connection to Lord Ganesha.
• Historical Importance:
  • This temple is approximately 1000–2000 years old, making it a significant heritage site.
  • It is one of the Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams, revered in Tamil Saivite traditions.

Puranic Significance

Origin of Vathapi Ganapathy:

• The Vathapi Ganapathy idol was brought to this temple by Paranjothi, a Chola general, after his victory in a war against the Chalukyas at Vatapi (modern-day Badami).
• The idol was originally installed in Vatapi, the capital of the Chalukyas, before being relocated to this temple.

Mythological Connections:

1. Lord Ganapathi and Gajamukasuran:
   • Lord Ganapathi is said to have slain the demon Gajamukasuran at this site.
   • Following the battle, the bloodshed of the demon turned the land red.
   • This is why the village is called Thiruchengattankudi (Cheng means red, kudi means place).
2. Ganapati Worshipping Shiva:
   • Although Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple, Lord Ganapathi is given prominence, with special significance attributed to the Vathapi Ganapathy idol.

Special Features

1. Iconography of Ganapati:
   • The main Ganapati shrine depicts the deity with a human head, a rare form, rather than the elephant head commonly associated with Lord Ganesha.
   • A separate shrine houses the Vatapi Ganapathy idol, brought from the Chalukyan capital.
2. Cultural Reference:
   • The famous Carnatic music composition “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje”, composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar, is dedicated to this deity.

Festivals

• Margazhi Festival (December–January):
  • A grand festival in the Tamil month of Margazhi celebrates Ganapati worshipping Lord Shiva, reenacting the mythological significance of the temple.

Century/Period

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruchenkattankudi

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur junction

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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