Kottarakkara ganapathi temple

This is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathy. Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram is one of the old and famous pilgrim centres in South India. It is centuries old, and the most important Maha Ganapathi Temple in Kerala. Non-Hindus are also permitted in the temple.

This temple is the family of Lord Siva. The deities of this temple are Parama Shiva,Parvati Devi, Sree Maha Ganapati, Sree Murukan, Sree Ayyappan, and Nagaraja. Even though main deity is Parama Shiva, the main priority is given to Sree Maha Ganapati.The eastward darshan is for God Siva.Ganapathy idol is installed in the south direction.The Ganapathy idol was installed by Perumthachan.It is believed that the idol was sculptured by Perumthachan from the root of the jack tree.Perumthachan, the master craftsman had done the idol in wood and had seeked the permission of the tantri of Padinajarekkara temple to install the idol there. The tantri denied permission and that prompted Perumthachan to change his plans and later, having secured the permission of the tantri of Kizhakkekara temple installed the idol there. The melsanthi (head priest) was preparing neyvedyam (offerings for the Lord) there. Perumthachan had studied the place and had found it ideal to install the deity there in the southeast direction. He felt that it was like kailasa (abode of Lord Shiva). He had asked the head priest what the neyvedyam for ganapathy will be. The priest suggested unniyappam and Perumthachan readily agreed. It is said that Perumthachan immediately offered half a dozen unniyappams in a plantain leaf before the deity. And still, koottappam is considered the favourite neyvedyam of ganapathy.

Perumthachan had then predicted that even though the principal deity is father (Siva), the son (Ganapathy)will become more famous. Now, Kizhakkekara siva temple is known as Kottarakkara ganapathy temple


The main offerings of the temple are:
Unni Appam
Udayasthamanapooja
Mahaganapathi homam
Pushpanjali.

kottarakkara is the birthplace of KATHAKALI which is one of the most popular and ancient art forms of kerala.Near to the temple there is a kathakali meuseum,in the name of Kottarakkara Thamburan,the father of Kathakali.This temple is also famous for the main nayvedyam “UNNIYAPPAM”.The Thiruvathira festival is held in the month of medam,which ends with an arattu of more than 50 elephants.


visit: There are regular bus services from Kottarakkara to various towns/cities like Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram etc.
Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 25 km from Kottarakkara.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 km from Kottarakkara