Kottarakkara Ganapathi Temple is a famous temple for Lord Ganapathi located in Quilon, Kerala. It is one of the oldest and famous pilgrim centres of South India. The fact is this is a Siva temple (Kizhakkekara Siva temple) , but it is not known by the principal deity’s name and known as a Ganapathy temple widely. Moreover, the Ganapathy idol here was not installed according to the tantra rituals. Also the important art form of Kerala having international repute – Kathakali has its origins in Kottarakkara.
Legend has it that it was it was Perumthachan who installed the idol here. Perumthachan, the master craftsman had crafted an idol from the roots of jackfruit tree and had was seeking the permission of the tantri of Padinajarekkara temple to install the idol there. The tantri on the other hand denied permission and that prompted Perumthachan, the craftsman to change his plans. Later having secured the permission of the tantri of Kizhakkekara temple Perumthachan,installed the idol there. He is believe to have studied in detail and found it ideal for the installation in south east direction. He felt that it was like kailasa (abode of Lord Shiva).
The strange fact is that the main offering (Nivedyam) for Lord Ganesha is the Unniyappam or Koothappam, a food having very sweet and delicious taste. The story behind this offering is that when Perumthachan had asked the head priest what the neyvedyam for Ganapathy will be. The priest suggested unniyappam. It is said that Perumthachan immediately offered half a dozen unniyappams in a plantain leaf before the deity.
Prof. John Kurakar
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