Trivandrum's Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, one of the most well-known Ganesh temples in the south, has a particular place in the hearts of both the people and the devoted followers of Lord Ganesh. The serene serenity and unwavering tranquilly of the marvellously holy environment overwhelm the devotees who come to this temple. When devotees approach Lord Ganesh at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, they claim that he grants their greatest wishes and resolves their most difficult issues.
This lavish Ganpati Temple in Trivandrum is well-known for two things: its unusual Ganesh statue and its remarkable jet-black colour, which is uncommon for Indian temples. The idol in this temple is positioned differently from most others. In contrast to his usual standing or sitting stance with his legs crossed, Lord Ganesh is shown here languorously relaxing with only his right knee folded beneath him. An open, husked coconut that has been cracked at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is the most popular "vazhipadu," or offering, presented to Lord Ganesh there. Cracking open this coconut represents conquering any barriers that stand in the way of achieving one's deepest ambitions.

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple's Legend and History:
This temple was built during the period when the Travancore Kingdom army was engaged in combat on the Padmanabhapuram front. A Yaskhi, an unrelenting demon, kept harassing the regiment while they were on guard at the fort. The thought of facing this demon terrified every soldier. One of these soldiers was a devoted follower of Lord Ganesh and thought the Lord was always around him. He was brave while stationed at the fort because he was confident that Lord Ganesh would keep him safe.
He was shocked to find the idol of Lord Ganesh when he went to the neighbouring water for a bath. This was seen favourably by the soldier, who made the decision to always carry the idol. The Yakshi never affected or troubled the entire Travancore army. A temple was built where the soldier had discovered the idol, acknowledging its boundless power. But in 1795, the Travancore Kingdom chose to relocate this sacred statue along with their headquarters to Trivandrum. In contrast to other temples, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple was maintained and cared for by the army. It was built in 1860 by the then-ruling monarch Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal.

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple's Religious Significance :
The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, which is located in the city core, is today regarded by many as both a religious and historical landmark. This temple, which features an incredible fusion of South Indian and Dravidian architecture, is a prime example of beauty. The shrine contains two idols of Lord Ganesh, one made entirely of gold and the other of solid granite. The main deity of this temple is Lord Ganesh, but it also has stupefying statues of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja, and the Brahmarakshaks.
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Lord Vishnu reclines gloriously atop the serpent Anantha in a remarkable idol. You'll be shocked to learn that the idol is adorned with pricey stones and gold jewellery and is composed of a mixture of Kudusarkara, herbs, and Salagramam. The most well-known method of presenting "vazhipadu" is to break a coconut at a certain location, which represents conquering any challenges one may encounter in achieving their deepest aspirations. Every day, about 2500 coconuts are cracked on a small tank at the temple since every devotee fervently believes in this rite.
In order to appease the mighty Lord Ganesh, a 56-day Murajapam is conducted at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple once every six years. Many priests participate in the celebration by gathering in a yagna and spending days and nights chanting Vedic verses. At the end, more than a lakh bulbs are lit, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they soar over the night sky like many sparkling stars.

Dress Code for Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple:
Every visitor is required by the temple's dress code to wear modest, basic attire. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, or nabhalam, men are not permitted to wear shirts. Inside the temple, they must also wear the traditional Kerala Mundu or dhoti. Within the temple's grounds, women are only permitted to wear traditional attire that is at least knee length and has the proper sleeve length. For women, dupattas are required. Wearing shoes within the shrine is prohibited.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
MORNING
04.00 AM : PALLIUNARTHAL
04.30 AM : OPENING WITH NIRMAALYA DARSANAM
05.30 AM : ABHISHEKA DEEPAARADHANA
05.45 AM : GANAPATHY HOMAM
06.45 AM : USHA POOJA
07.30 AM : ETIRTTH POOJA
08.30 AM : PANTEERATI POOJA
10.00 AM : 25 KALASAM
11.00 AM : UCCHA POOJA
11.30 AM : CLOSING OF TEMPLE
EVENING
05.00 PM : OPENING OF TEMPLE
06.40 PM : SANDHYAA DEEPAARAADHANA
08.00 PM : ATHAAZHA POOJA
08.30 PM : CLOSING OF THE TEMPLE