Shri Ganapthy
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Ganapathy is the leader of the Ganas, i.e., the leader of groups, tribes, race, army, escorts, and hence Lord Siva’s son is described as the supreme leader (Vinayaka). These names clearly show that He is a master of all Circumstances. Ganapathy is represented as yellow skinned, short with a big round belly, elephant headed with on
e trunk, four arms, large ears, bright shining eyes. There are multiple versions about the origin of Lord Vinayaka. According to the Varahapurana, once upon a time the Devas approached Lord Siva and submitted before him the need of a baby who can do away with all obstacles. With the consent of Parvathy devi, Siva agreed to the proposal. Devi become pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful baby. The ladies of Devalokam gathered around him. Keeping in mind the character of the ladies Parvathy blessed her child with these words: “May your beauty change to that of a tusker headed body with a big belly.” Her desire was fulfilled. But Lord Siva, though unhappy, named him Ganesa and he blessed Ganesha saying, ”Your position will be above all Ganas. All gods will acknowledge the prominence of Ganesa, and those who are not ready to worship you will fall into deep waters." The Skandapurana says that Ganapathy was formed from the dirt collected from the body of Goddess Parvathy. Devi created an extraordinary elephant-headed creature with four arms and deputed him to safeguard the entrance towards the Chandraprathishta, which was being performed in heaven. As per the Matsyapurana, Lord Siva had the habit of peeping while Goddess Parvathy had her oil bath. On one occasion Devi come across the peeping Siva. Though her husband, she did not like this action of his. Parvathy thus created a figure out of the dirt she had washed away from her body and give breathe to it by sprinkling water from the Ganges. As usual Siva tried to enter the bathing place of Parvathy. The guard didn’t allow him in. Furious, Siva cut the guard’s throat. Fearing Parvathy’s anger, Siva swiftly went out. He saw an elephant there, cut down its head and fixed it to the body of Parvathy’s creation. Thus was born Parvathy’s son, the elephant headed Ganapathy. According to the Padmapurana, Parvathy, like all of God’s creations, had the desire to give birth to a son who would be the embodiment of all virtue. For this she prayed to God Vishnu who appeared before her. He granted her wish by taking birth in her womb. The son thus born to Parvathy is Ganapathy. The Uthararamayana, portrays Siva and Parvathy as a couple who were interested in novel ways of sexual in*******se. One day they accepted the posture of an elephant, and thus was born the elephant headed Ganapathy. Offerings
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The main Vazhipadu (Offering) is the breaking of coconuts at the temple. Other Offerings associated with Lord Ganesha like Ganapathy Homam, Appam, etc. are also performed here. Major Festivals
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One of the major festivals celebrated at the temple is MEDAM 10(NIRAMALA ULSAVAVUM THULABHARAM THOOKKALUM). Special Poojas are also performed on the occasion of Thiruonam, Vishu, etc. Temple dress code
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As with many prominent temples in Kerala, in order to enter the main temple complex of the temple men need to be wearing aMundu and no upper body clothing. Women are required to wear traditional attire like a Sari. How to get there
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The temple is located 50 km from the Kannurl railway station and the central bus station. The nearest city bus stand is at Chemperi.
