About Sri Mahaganapathi Temple
Opening hours: Morning: 04:00 AM - 11:30 AM; Evening: 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday
Suggested Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway Station, about 25 km away
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 74 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Kottarakkara Bus Stand, about 1.6 km away
The Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple is located about 27 km away from Kollam city, Kerala, and is one of the well-known temples of Kerala dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is visited by thousands of devotees daily and is believed to have a historical connection with the great sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kollam. Over the years, the temple has become a major place of interest among peace and spiritual seekers.
In this temple, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the main deity in the temple, beautifully carved from black stone. The temple is famous for its traditional offerings, including the special Unniyappam, which is a local sweet delicacy made in the temple kitchen. This temple features everything from architectural beauty, rhythmic chants, temple bells, serenity.
This temple is also home to other deities like Lord Shiva, Parvathi Devi, and Nagaraja. With its rich cultural importance, the temple is often included in Kerala pilgrimage circuits and makes a meaningful stop during temple tours in South India.
Sri Mahaganapathi Temple Highlights
• Experience the spiritual power of Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, which is known for its centuries-old rituals.
• Explore the Kerala-style temple architecture that has complex wooden carvings and a beautifully decorated sanctum.
• Witness the traditional rituals and poojas, which are hosted during early morning and festive days.
• Taste the temple prasad, Unniyappam prasadam, famous in the region, and freshly made in the temple’s kitchen.
How To Reach Sri Mahaganapathi Temple
By car/taxi: The Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple is 1.7 km from Kottarakkara city centre, you can reach there in around 7 minutes via NH 744. Visitors can also take taxis from the city centre to Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple.
Best Time To Visit Sri Mahaganapathi Temple
Peak Season (December to February)
- Weather Insights: Mild, pleasant temperatures and low humidity, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Things to Do: Participate in the temple festivals and experience the spiritual atmosphere. This is the time when the temple attracts many devotees for special prayers and rituals.
Moderate Season (March to May)
- Weather Insights: Warm temperatures with occasional rains, still quite comfortable for visits.
- Things to Do: Enjoy a quieter visit and explore the nearby attractions like Kottarakkara town and local markets.
Low Season (June to September)
- Weather Insights: Heavy monsoon rains and high humidity. While the temple is serene, accessibility may be affected.
- Things to Do: Visit for peaceful spiritual experiences, but expect fewer crowds. Carry umbrellas or rain gear if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
Sri Mahaganapathi Temple Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Keep a check on temple timings when visiting during the festival season, as the opening and closing times may vary.
- Follow the clothing norms, men should wear a mundhu or dhoti, while women should opt for a saree.
- The temple is wheelchair accessible with ramps and chairs for the devotees, making it easy for everyone to visit.
- The local market is just near the temple, where you can buy souvenirs and food with ease.
Attend the Morning Pooja Rituals
Visitors can delve into the serenity of this temple by attending the morning prayer rituals. The serene chants, oil lamps, and rhythmic bells offer a meditative spiritual experience. Devotees often start their day with darshan and prayers here, especially on Tuesdays and Chaturthi, which are considered highly auspicious for Lord Ganesha.
Relish the Unniyappam Offering
Visitors are advised not to leave without having the prasadam in the form of Unniyappam. It is a famous sweet serve made locally within the temple kitchen. Consuming Unniyappam brings prosperity, health, and divine blessings to your family.
Visit During Festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi
You can plan your visit during the Ganesh Chaturthi to witness the beauty of this temple, decorated and lighted during the festival, visited by numerous devotees. This temple becomes a busy spot and provides the best opportunity to witness Kerala’s religious tradition and culture.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sri Mahaganapathi Temple FAQs
What is the temple famous for?
Sri Mahaganapathi Temple is known for its prasadam, which is made in the temple itself and is a sweet dish called Unniyappam. And this temple is considered one of the most powerful temples of Lord Ganesha in Kerala. This temple's spiritual energy and atmosphere attract pilgrims from all regions of India.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Yes, anyone can visit this temple, but there might be areas restricted to Hindus only. However, non-Hindus can explore the outer region of the temple and can also observe the rituals respectfully. The architecture of this temple is beautiful with complex wooden and stone carvings, which makes it a place worth visiting for people all around.
Are there any nearby places to explore?
Yes, there are attractions nearby to visit after you are done visiting the temple. Attractions like Kottakakara Sree Mahadeva Temple, or the scenic backwaters of Munroe Island, are nearby, and tourists visit these places after they visit the temple.
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