Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple

Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple
BY
Abhilash MS
Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple is one of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples
in Kerala, situated at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. Located in the heart of Trivandrum
city, the original idol of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is a small idol of Lord
Ganesh, with the right leg is in folded posture.
Other deities worshipped at Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapati Temple are Lord Ayyappa,
Goddess Durga, Nagaraja, and Brahmarakshas. Devotees can also see beautiful paintings
of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh inside the temple complex.
Short History of Pazhavangadi Ganapati Temple
The original Ganesha idol installed in the temple was worshipped by a soldier of
Travancore Army stationed at Padmanabhapuram. In 1795 A.D, when the capital of
Travancore was changed to Thiruvananthapuram, the garrison was also shifted and the
idol was installed at its present place at Pazhavangati.
Offerings to Lord Ganesh
The main vazhipadu (offering) of Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapati is the breaking of
coconut for removing obstacles and fulfillment of any desire. Ganapathi Homam, Appam,
and Modakam are other main offerings to Lord Ganesh.
Temple Festivals
Vinayaka Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi), Ganesh Jayanthi, Varad Chaturti, and Sankashti
Chaturti are the main festivals in Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple. Special poojas
(pujas) are performed for other festival including Thiruvonam, Vijaya Dasami, Ayilyam,
Sahasra Kalasam, Thirkkarththika, Thirvathira, Makara Vilakku, Maha Shivaratri, Vishu,
Thriveda Laksharcchana, and Nira Puththari.
Temple Dress Code
To enter inside the main complex male devotees need to wear Mundu (Veshti or Dothi or
Laacha). Any traditional dress code like Saree, Churidar, Salwar Kameez, or Pavadai
Chattai is fine for ladies.
How to Reach
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is just 1.5 kms from Trivandrum Central Railway Station
and Bus Stand. The nearest City Bus Stand is East Fort (Kizhakkekottah).
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 8 km from the Temple.
Temple Address
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple,
Pazhavangati,
East Fort
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, India Pin- 695 023
Phone - 0471 2461929
Nearby Temples
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Sreekanteswara Shiva
Temple and Sreevaraham Temple are located nearby.