
Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple
Kottarakara Ganapathy Temple is a renowned shrine in South India, known for its rich historical significance. The temple is steeped in numerous legends, particularly those associated with Lord Ganapathy. Although the primary deity here is Lord Siva, Ganapathy has gained greater prominence among devotees. Originally, the temple was called Kizhakkekara Siva Kshethram, reflecting its dedication to Lord Siva, who faces eastward. Despite Ganapathy being a secondary deity, the temple is now celebrated more for its association with him than with Lord Siva.
Among the various sacred vazhipādus (offerings) performed at the revered Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, the most significant is the renowned Udayasthamana Pooja-a full-day worship from sunrise to sunset, observed with unwavering devotion and spiritual solemnity.
There is a divine legend associated with the origin of this unique offering, dating back to the time of the temple’s construction. It is said that Kottarakara Thampuran, displeased with the consecration of Lord Ganapathy at the Kizhakkekkara Temple by the famed carpenter and architect Perumthachan, decided to establish a new temple. The decision stemmed partly from his strained relations with the Mana that owned the older temple.
With a hint of pride and sarcasm, Thampuran once challenged Perumthachan, asking mockingly, “Is your Ganapathy that powerful?” To which Perumthachan replied with unshaken faith, “Yes.” Thampuran then tested the Lord by saying, “Ask your Ganapathy to bless me with a son. If it happens, I will offer Unniyappam in such quantity that it will completely cover the idol”.
In time, the Thampuratti conceived, and in due course gave birth to a beautiful son. As promised, preparations for the Choroonu (first rice-feeding ceremony) began with the offering of Unniyappam to Lord Ganapathy. Believing the idol to be small, Thampuran thought it would be quickly covered. Yet, despite preparing Unniyappam from dawn till noon, the offering barely reached the deity’s waist.
As the day wore on, an elderly man, witnessing the event, approached and humbly remarked, “Have you tried to test Lord Ganapathy? You cannot fulfill your promise, for your pride clouds your humility. You may now stop, as the lesson has been learned-man’s strength is insignificant before the Lord”.
That night, Thampuran had a divine vision in which the same old man appeared and revealed Himself as Lord Ganapathy. He said, “You must not test Me again. Instead, offer Udayasthamana Pooja every month with full devotion”. From that day onward, Thampuran performed the pooja faithfully until his final breath. Thus, the Udayasthamana Pooja became an enduring and sacred offering at the Kottarakara temple, revered by devotees to this day.
In addition to this divine observance, the temple also upholds other prominent vazhipādus, such as the Ashtadravya Mahaganapathy Homam, performed with eight sacred ingredients as prescribed in Agamic tradition. Other offerings include the ritualistic breaking of coconuts, Thulabharam, Chathussatham, Thrimadhuram, Archana, and Pushpānjali.
Devotees, with hearts full of humility and faith, undertake these offerings seeking the boundless grace, protection, and blessings of Lord Mahaganapathy. Both the Udayasthamana Pooja and Ashtadravya Homam are conducted by prior booking, ensuring that each act of devotion is carried out with due sanctity and care.
Medathiruvathira
Medathiruvathira is a highly revered and spiritually significant day, marked by the sacred Thiruvathira star in the Malayalam month of Medam. This auspicious occasion is most notable for the divine ritual of Thiruvathirattu, observed with deep devotion and traditional grandeur.
The eleven-day long festival, filled with various religious ceremonies and offerings, reaches its divine culmination on this sacred day. One of the most spiritually moving and visually captivating events is the Kettukazhcha, where beautifully decorated temple structures are paraded as an offering of devotion to the presiding deity. These displays reflect the unwavering faith and dedication of the devotees.
The day is observed with profound reverence, prayers, and rituals, seeking the blessings of the Almighty for protection, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Vinayaka Chathurthi
Vinayaka Chathurthi, the sacred birthday of Lord Vinayaka, is observed with deep devotion on the Chathurthi day during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Malayalam month Chingam. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with great spiritual fervor and reverence across temples and households.
One of the key highlights of the celebration is the grand Mahaganapathy Homam, performed with utmost sanctity, often involving the offering of 1008 coconuts as a symbol of devotion and surrender to the Lord. Devotees prepare and offer Modhakam and Unniyappam, the beloved sweets of Lord Ganapathy, with heartfelt prayers for his blessings.
Other significant rituals include the Sarvaiswarya Pooja for overall prosperity, Gajapooja (worship of elephants as a representation of Lord Ganesha), and Annadanam (mass feeding), all carried out with a spirit of humility and devotion, seeking the Lord’s grace for peace, wisdom, and auspiciousness in life.
Mandalachirappu
Mandalachirappu marks the sacred conclusion of the Mandala season, a spiritually intense period dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. During this time, the Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple serves as a revered Edathavalam (resting place) for the devoted pilgrims en route to the holy shrine of Sabarimala.
With deep devotion and unwavering faith, special Bhajans and Poojas are conducted at the sanctified Dharmasastha Nada within the temple premises. These sacred rituals are performed to invoke the divine blessings of Lord Ayyappa, seeking his grace for protection, spiritual strength, and fulfillment of vows.
The atmosphere is filled with devotion, echoing with the chants of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa, as devotees offer their prayers with humility and surrender at the feet of the Lord.
Sivarathri
Sivarathri, the sacred night dedicated to Lord Siva, is observed with profound devotion during the holy month of Kumbham. This spiritually significant occasion is marked by special Poojas and offerings at Lord Siva’s sanctum, performed with deep humility and reverence.
Devotees observe fasts, maintain vigil through the night, and engage in heartfelt prayers and chanting of Om Namah Shivaya, seeking the divine blessings of the Supreme Lord for inner purification, spiritual awakening, and liberation from worldly bondage.
This auspicious night, believed to be especially dear to Lord Siva, is a time for reflection, surrender, and deep connection with the divine presence of the Mahadeva.
Ayilyam-Makam
Ayilyam-Makam is a sacred and spiritually significant day, especially dedicated to the worship of Naga Devatas (Serpent Deities). On this auspicious occasion, special Poojas and offerings are conducted at the Nagadaivangal shrines with deep devotion, seeking divine protection, prosperity, and relief from Sarpa Dosha.
The Nagaprathishta (consecration of serpent idols) at the temple was performed with strict adherence to Tantric traditions by the esteemed Pambummekkattu Thanthrikal, known for their deep spiritual knowledge and divine authority in Sarpa worship.
Devotees approach this day with humility and devotion, offering prayers and Noorum Palum to the sacred serpent deities, believing in their benevolent grace and blessings for family welfare, fertility, and ancestral harmony.
Navarathri
Navarathri, the sacred nine-night festival dedicated to the Divine Mother, is observed with profound devotion and spiritual fervor at the Devi Temple each year. These auspicious days are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi—each symbolizing strength, prosperity, and wisdom.
The temple becomes a sanctified space of divine energy, adorned with traditional rituals, vibrant Poojas, and devotional music, drawing thousands of devotees who come with faith-filled hearts. A major highlight of the celebrations is the Vidyarambham ceremony, conducted on Vijayadasami day, where young children are initiated into the world of letters in the sacred presence of the Goddess Saraswathi.
Parents offer this first act of learning at the lotus feet of the Divine Mother, invoking her blessings for knowledge, virtue, and a life guided by righteousness and wisdom.
Prathishtadinam (Consecration Day)
Prathishtadinam, the sacred anniversary of the consecration of the deity, is observed with utmost devotion on the Uthrittathy star in the auspicious month of Makaram. This divine day marks the holy installation (Prathishta) of the presiding deity in the temple, and is celebrated with deep spiritual significance and reverence.
The temple reverberates with sacred chants and rituals, as major spiritual offerings such as the Bhagavatha Sapthaham (seven-day recital of the Srimad Bhagavatham) and the Devi Bhagavatha Navaham (nine-day devotional discourse on Devi Mahatmyam) are conducted with great sanctity. These scriptural recitations are intended to invoke the divine presence and grace of the Almighty upon the devotees and the entire community.
The celebration also includes Annadhanam, the noble act of feeding devotees and the needy, performed as an offering to the Divine Mother with humility and devotion, in the spirit of Narayana Seva.
On this hallowed occasion, devotees bow in gratitude and surrender at the feet of the deity, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Thyppooyam
Thyppooyam, a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Muruga, is observed with intense devotion and spiritual fervor. Celebrated in the auspicious month of Makaram on the Pooyam star, this day is especially significant for devotees who seek the divine blessings of the valorous Subrahmanya Swami.
At the Muruga Temple, the day is marked by vibrant yet deeply devotional rituals, the most prominent being Kavadiyattam-a symbolic act of penance and surrender. Devotees carry Kavadis on their shoulders as an offering of faith, devotion, and gratitude, often undertaking vows and physical austerities to honor the Lord.
The temple atmosphere resonates with chants of “Vel Muruga Haro Hara“, as devotees participate in various poojas and ceremonies with humility and reverence, seeking the Lord’s protection, strength, and grace to overcome the trials of life and attain spiritual fulfillment.
Vishu
Vishu is a sacred and auspicious festival celebrated with deep devotion, especially by the people of Kerala, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. It is a time of spiritual reflection and renewal, believed to set the tone for prosperity and divine blessings in the year ahead.
For Malayalees, Vishu is not merely a festival-it is a deeply cherished spiritual occasion. The day begins with the Vishukkani Darshanam, a holy sight arranged with items symbolizing abundance and offered at the feet of the deity, traditionally viewed at dawn as the first sight of the new year.
At the revered Lord Ganapathy Temple, devotees from all directions gather in large numbers to offer prayers and seek the divine blessings of Sri Mahaganapathy, the remover of obstacles and bestower of auspicious beginnings. With hearts filled with devotion, they bow before the Lord, praying for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth in the coming year.
The atmosphere is charged with piety, devotion, and hope, as Vishu unfolds as a divine celebration of light, gratitude, and blessings.
Temple Administration
The sacred Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, a revered center of worship and spiritual solace, is presently under the care and administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The day-to-day management of the temple’s functions is diligently carried out by the designated officials of the Board, in accordance with established temple traditions and spiritual protocols.
To support the Board in preserving the sanctity and heritage of this holy shrine, a devoted body of believers known as the Kshethra Upadesaka Samithy (Temple Advisory Committee) functions with dedication and humility. This Samithy, formed of faithful devotees, serves as a spiritual and administrative link between the divine and the community.
Under the divine guidance revealed through Devaprasnam (astrological and spiritual assessment), the Samithy leads and oversees all temple renovation and restoration activities, ensuring that every action aligns with the divine will and the age-old traditions of the temple.
With unwavering reverence to Lord Mahaganapathy, all efforts of the temple administration and advisory committee are undertaken as sacred service (Daivaseva), upholding the spiritual integrity and divine glory of this ancient and blessed temple.
Temple Advisory Board – Members
Sri. V Anilkumar
President
9744982916
Sri. Shanmughan Achari (Ambili)
Vice-President
9947511703
Smt. Smitha Ravi
Secretary
8075145063
Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple
Main Deity:
Lord Siva
Location:
Kottarakara
District:
Kollam
State:
Kerala
Ownership:
Travancore Devaswom Board
Established on:
1345
Nearest Bus Stand:
Kottarakara
Nearest Railway Station:
Kottarakara
Nearest Airport:
Thiruvanthapuram
Important Festival:
Meda Thiruvathira
Important Months:
April-May
Morning
- 04:00 AM Palliyunarthal
- 04:30 AM Nadathurappu
- 04.40 AM Nirmalyam
- 04:50 AM Abhishekam
- 05.30 AM Ashtadravya Ganapathihomam
- 06.00 AM Usha Pooja
- 07.00 AM Ethritheu Pooja
- 07.15 AM Sreebali
- 09.00 AM Pantheeradi Pooja
- 10:00 AM Navaka Pooja
- 10.30 AM Ucha Pooja
- 11:00 AM Uchasreebali
- 11:30 AM Nadayadappu
Evening
- 5:00 PM Nadathurakkal
- 6:30 PM Deeparadhana
- 7:30 PM Athazha Pooja
- 7:45 PM Athazha Sreebali
- 8:00 PM Nadayadappu
By Road:
The Kottarakkara Bus Stand, a key point of access for devotees and pilgrims, is conveniently located just 1 kilometer from the sacred premises of the temple.
By Rail:
The Kottarakkara Railway Station is located just 1 kilometer from the sacred temple premises. Public transport facilities such as passenger buses and auto rickshaws are readily available from the station to the temple.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located approximately 70 kilometers from the temple, providing convenient access for devotees traveling by air.