Deccan Chronicle

Ganesha Temples

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It’s that time of the year when we celebrate the much loved and every one’s favourite elephant headed God, Ganesha.

You will find him everywhere from your car to your phone to your home and of course in temples. This Ganesh Chaturthi let us go exploring the myriad facets of Lord Ganesha in some of these famous South Indian temples.

Here are some temples whose legends are as mystical as they are fascinating:

  • Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor
  • Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry
  • Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple, Kerala
  • Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple
  • Hattiangadi Siddhi Vinayaka Temple
  • Gokarna Mahaganapati Temple
  • Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry

Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple

Located in the Kollam district of Kerala, the Kottarakkara Ganpathy Temple is several centuries old and is said to be the place where pilgrims stop enroute Sabrimala. The Kottarakkara Uniappam is the favourite food offering here and the Unniappam is made in front of the shrine of the Lord using a holy fire lit for the purpose. This is made with raw rice, jaggery, ‘kadali’ a local banana, ghee and sugar and is later distributed to the devotees. The 11-day annual festival Meda Thiruvathira and Vinayaka Chathurthi are celebrated with much fervour here.

Read the full story that first appeared in Deccan Chronicle dated Sep 10, 2021 here:

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