Pazhavangaadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple

Situated in the centre of the city, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple has now become a religious as well as a historical landmark for many. Adorned with an astounding blend of Dravidian as well as South Indian architecture, this temple is indeed an illustration of beauty at its best. There are two idols of Lord Ganesh inside the shrine, one made of pure granite and the other made entirely of gold. Even though Lord Ganesh is the principal deity of this temple, there are stupefying idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja and the Brahmarakshaks.

The idol of Lord Vishnu is a unique one where Lord Vishnu majestically reclines on the serpent Anantha. You will be surprised to know that the idol is made out of a blend of Kudusarkara, herbs and Salagramam and is decorated with gold jewels and other expensive stones. The most celebrated way of offering 'vazhipadu' is by breaking a coconut at a designated spot which signifies the overcoming of all obstacles that one may face in fulfilling their innermost desires. Since all devotees passionately believe in this ritual, more than 2500 coconuts are cracked on a small tank at the temple every day.

Another popular ritual of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is that once in every 6 years, a 56-day long Murajapam is performed to please the great Lord Ganesh. The festival is carried out by many priests who gather at a yagna and perform Vedic chants through days and nights. It is concluded by lighting over one lakh lamps which float through the night sky like countless twinkling stars- truly a magnificent sight to watch.

The temple dress code requires each visitor to be dressed in modest and simple clothes. Men are not allowed to wear a shirt inside the nabhalam, i.e. the sanctum sanctorum. They are also expected to wear the traditional Kerala Mundu or the dhoti inside the temple. Women can only wear traditional clothes inside the premises of the temple that is at least knee length and with appropriate sleeve length. Dupattas are compulsory for ladies. No footwear is allowed to be worn inside the temple.

The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is an absolute marvel to visit all throughout the year, but you can adjust your travel period if you want to witness the glory of the temple during specific festivals.

Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated from mid-August to mid-September and is a pompous affair that goes on for 1 to 11 days- depending on the place and tradition. The Varad Chaturthi is celebrated in January and February and is believed to bring prosperity, health and true happiness. A fast is observed on this day. Sankashti Chaturthi is a joyous celebration at the temple because it is a highly auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha during the Hindu lunar month. It is also known as Angarak Sankashti, and it always falls on a Tuesday. The next Murajapam will be conducted in 2019 and will start in November.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station is closest to Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple at a mere distance of 600 meters, an 8-minute walk. You can also opt to travel from Kochuveli Railway Station which is at a distance of 9 kms, approximately 17 minutes by road.

Vizhinjam Bus Station is the nearest bus stop to the temple and is only 16 kms away, approximately 30 mins by road.  You can hail a cab or auto rickshaw from anywhere in the city at an economic cost and is a speedy and comfortable way to commute to the temple.