Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple

Introduction to the Malliyoor Temple

Malliyoor Maha Ganapati Temple or Malliyoor Temple is in Kuruppanthara town, Kottayam, Kerala. This is a unique temple as Sree Krishna sits on the lap of Ganesha. This venerable abode of worship is dedicated to the primary deity, Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and good fortune in Hindu mythology.

As one of the famous religious destinations in southern India, the Malliyoor Temple is a significant spiritual beacon, attracting thousands of devotees every year across the country. Unique rituals, annual celebrations, and the temple's ambiance bring mental peace and tranquillity to devotees.

Legend of the Malliyoor Temple

The Malliyoor Temple has numerous legends around it. One of the most famous legends is associated with the origin of the main deity. It is believed that Ganesha's idol spontaneously manifested from the earth. The Malliyoor Temple legend describes a divine aura and holy fragrance that surrounded the place where the idol appeared. This 'Swayambhu,' or spontaneous manifestation, further elevates the spiritual status of the temple. It is considered a miraculous event.

The Architecture of the Malliyoor Temple

The Malliyoor Temple is built in a traditional Kerala architectural style. Chuttambalam, Thidappally, and Mulayara are its main structures.
The sanctum (Sreekovil) is in the classic Nalukettu architectural style, featuring a square plan and a pyramidal roof. The main deity in the Malliyoor Temple is Vaishnava Ganapati, with a young Sree Krishna seated on his lap. But, he is sculpted in the concept of Beeja Ganapati with a twisted rightward trunk and lemon at its tip. His hands hold an ax, a rope, a horn, a laddu, and cradle little Sree Krishna on his lap.

Namaskara Mandap is around the sanctum, a pillared pavilion where devotees offer worship. Beautifully carved pillars in the Mandap reflect the craftsmanship of the local artisans. Various religious rituals are performed in the Mandap.

Agrashala, or the dining hall, is another prominent feature of the Malliyoor Temple. It is a vast hall with a high roof supported by wooden pillars, where devotees offer Prasadam after the rituals.
Anthimahakalan, an incarnation of Shiva, Vishnu Maheshwara Temple, Brahma Rakshas, Aaya Yakshi, Sastha, and Bhagavathy are the Upadevathas who have separate shrines in the Malliyoor Temple.

Adhyathmika Peedom Trust administers the Malliyoor Temple. Bhagavatha Hamsaviharam Smriti Mandapa is under construction. A music school, a school for temple arts and rituals, a Sanskrit school, and Veda and Upanishad classes are part of the Mandap in the temple complex.
Divakaran Namboothiri is the Managing Trustee of Malliyoor Temple.

Festivals in the Malliyoor Temple

Malliyoor Temple celebrates Vinayagar Chaturthi with great pomp. Unique offerings are given to the primary deity Ganesha.

Mandalam Makara Vilakku Chirappu summarizes the special holy rituals during the Vilakku season. Special Poojas are also performed.

Malliyoor Ganesha Sangeetholsavam is a 60-day-long music festival at the Malliyoor Temple. It begins on the 1st of Vrischikam (Nov-Dec) every year. World-renowned musicians will participate in this event and pay musical tributes to Ganesha.

The Malliyoor Temple conducts Bhagavatha Saptaha Yagna every year on Moolam star of Makaram (Jan-Feb) to celebrate the birthday of Malliyoor Thirumeni.
The eight-day-long Thiruvulsavam is another grand festival here.
The Malliyoor Temple conducts Bhagawatha Prabhashanam and Aghanda Naama Japam on the second Sunday of every month.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Malliyoor Temple

Devotees make unique offerings to Ganesha to fulfill their wishes.
'Mukkutti Pushpanjali' is an offering of one hundred eight Mukkutti saplings to Ganesha, along with chanting Maha Ganapati Mantra 108 times. This offering is believed to bring solutions to problems.
'Thadi Nivedyam' is an offering of rice flour to Ganesha in different quantities. It is believed to give relief from chronic illness.
Barren couples offer Pal Payasam to Vaishnava Ganapati for progeny blessings on twelve Thursdays.