Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

Introduction to the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is one of the famous Ganesha temples in Kerala. It is situated at the center of East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

Legend of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

According to legend, Padmanabhapuram was once the capital of the Travancore kingdom. A Yakshi repeatedly harassed the soldiers who guarded the palace at night times. One of the soldiers was an ardent devotee of Ganesha.

The soldier believed that Ganesha would protect him from Yakshi during his night vigil. He went to bathe that evening and stumbled upon a Ganesha statue lying on the river bed. The soldier took the statue and went to work along with it. Surprisingly, he did not experience any trouble from the Yakshi.

A temple was built at that place, and the soldiers worshipped the idol of Ganesha. As the headquarters was shifted to Trivandrum in 1795, the soldiers also shifted the idol. Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal built the present Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple in 1860 and installed Ganesha's idol. The temple is being managed by the Army.

The Architecture of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple blends Dravidian and South Indian architectural styles. The temple has a Gopuram (tower) with three kalasams at the entrance. The carvings on the walls and pillars showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. Visitors can see beautiful paintings of the 32 forms of Ganesha inside the temple complex.

There are two idols of Ganesha seen in the sanctum of the temple. One is made of pure gold, and the other is of granite. The presiding deity, Ganesha, graces with his right knee in a folded posture. This is unique as it differs from his typical seated or standing positions.

The idol of Vishnu is unique, and he reclines on the serpent Anantha. The idol is made from a blend of Kudusarkara, herbs, and Salagramam. Gold jewels and other expensive stones adorn the idol of Vishnu in his shrine. Ayyappa, Durga, Nagaraja, and the Brahmarakshas have separate shrines. Devotees can book vazhipadu (offerings) online through the official website of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.

Festivals in the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple celebrates Vinayaka Chaturthi with great devotion. Sankashti Chaturthi, Varad Til Chaturthi, Vijaya Dasami, Thiruvonam, Sahasra Kalasam, Thrikkarththika, Makara Vilakku, Maha Shivaratri, Vishu, Thriveda Laksharchana and Nira Puththari are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

Murajapam is another popular ritual performed in the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple every six years. It is a 56-day-long Pooja performed to please Ganesha. Many priests perform Yagnas and recite Vedic chants throughout the day and night.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

Breaking coconuts at a designated spot is believed to protect devotees from all obstacles and fulfill their innermost desires. Daily, over 2500 coconuts are broken on a small tank to perform this unique vazhipadu.