- Ganesh
Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
- Pazhavangati,Kerala
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Overview
This is one of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples in Kerala, situated at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram.
About the Temple
The temple is situated in close proximity to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Devotees can also see beautiful paintings of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh inside the temple complex.
About The Deity
The main Deity of the temple is Sri Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture with the right leg in a folded stance. Other deities worshipped at Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapati Temple are Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja, and Brahmarakshas.
Legend and Stories
The original Idol was maintained by The Nair Brigade initially at Padmanabhapuram and later when they were shifted to Thiruvananthapuram they installed the Idol and the current temple came into being. After the integration of the Travancore army with the Indian Forces, the temple is being maintained by the Indian Army.
Festivals
Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are Vinayaka Chathurthi, Ganesh Jayanthi, Virad Chathurthi and Sankashti Chathurthi. Special Poojas are also performed on the occasion of Thiruonam, Vijayadashami, Vishu, Maha Shivaratri, etc.
Prasad and Offering
The main Vazhipadu (Offering) is the breaking of coconuts at the temple. Other offerings associated with Lord Ganesha like Ganapathy Homam, Appam, Modakam etc. are also performed here.
Dress Code
As with many prominent temples in Kerala, in order to enter the main temple complex of the temple men need to be wearing a mundu and no upper body clothing. Women are required to wear traditional attire like a sari.
Accessibility
Airport
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 8 kilometers away from the temple.
Railways
The temple is located 0.5 km from the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station.
Road
The central bus station. The nearest city bus stand is at East Fort.
Temple Address
Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple,
Pazhavangati, East Fort,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, Pin Code - 695023
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To remove obstacles
- To fulfill desires
Shlokas
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Timings
The temple is open from 4.30 AM to 10.45 AM, And from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.