Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram - A Divine Guide

Kollam, KeralaTEMPLE

An ancient Shiva temple in Kottarakkara, renowned for its prominent Ganesha shrine and the delicious 'Unniyappam' sweet offering.

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Info

TEMPLE

Info

1 hour

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram is a popular Hindu temple located in Kottarakkara town. Although the main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, it is widely recognized for the shrine of his son, Lord Ganesha. The temple complex follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with tiled roofs and a calm, spiritual environment. Devotees primarily visit to worship Lord Ganesha and make offerings. The temple is especially known for its unique 'prasadam' or food offering called 'Unniyappam', a sweet, fried rice cake. A dedicated kitchen within the temple premises prepares these fresh throughout the day. Visitors will find a constant flow of devotees, especially in the mornings and evenings when the main rituals are performed.

Contact Information

Phone: -2454931

Why This Place is Special

• The famous 'Unniyappam' sweet offering
• Lord Ganesha idol believed to be carved by Perumthachan
• Main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kizhakethilappan)
• Traditional Kerala temple architecture
• Celebration of Vinayaka Chaturthi festival
• Daily rituals and poojas attracting numerous devotees

Ideal For

PilgrimsFamiliesCultural explorersHistory enthusiastsCouplesSolo travelers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Cloakroom for footwear
• Prasadam counter
• Seating areas
• Information office

Visitor Tips

• Be sure to try the famous Unniyappam
• it's sold at a counter within the temple premises throughout the day.
• Visit early in the morning (around 5-7 AM) to experience the rituals in a quieter atmosphere.
• Avoid visiting on auspicious Fridays and during the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival if you want to avoid large crowds.
• Men might be required to remove their shirts to enter the inner sanctum, which is a common practice in many Kerala temples.
• Parking space is available near the temple, but it can get congested during peak hours and festival days.
• Combine your visit with the Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum, located nearby, to learn about the history of the Kathakali dance form.
• Carry small denominations of cash for offerings and purchasing prasadam.

Rules & Restrictions

• Remove shoes at the designated counter before entering the temple
• A strict dress code is enforced
• no shorts, sleeveless tops, or short skirts
• Photography and videography are not allowed inside the main temple shrines
• Mobile phones should be switched off or put on silent mode
• Maintain silence and respect the religious sanctity of the place

Safety Information

• Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas during festivals.
• The temple floor can be slippery, especially after cleaning rituals, so walk carefully.
• Stay hydrated, especially if you are visiting during the hotter months from March to May.
• Follow the queue system for darshan and at the prasadam counter to maintain order.
• If traveling with children, keep a close watch on them in the crowd.
• Respect the local customs and traditions to have a smooth and pleasant visit.

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Location & Address

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram, Kottarakkara P.O, Kollam, Kerala 691506, Kottarakkara, Kollam, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The temple can be visited year-round. The period from September to March offers the most pleasant weather for travel. The Vinayaka Chaturthi festival, celebrated in August or September, is a special time to visit, though it gets very crowded. For a peaceful experience, any weekday is suitable. Avoid the heavy monsoon months of June and July if you are not comfortable with rain.
Peak Crowd: Vinayaka Chaturthi festival (August/September), weekends, and during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season (November-January).
Moderate Crowd: Weekday evenings, public holidays, and auspicious days as per the local calendar.
Low Crowd: Weekday mornings and afternoons.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), located approximately 70 km away. A taxi from the airport to the temple takes about 2 hours.

Train

Kottarakkara Railway Station (QLK) is the closest station, just 1 km away. However, for better connectivity, Kollam Junction (QLN), a major station 27 km away, is a better option.

Road

Kottarakkara is situated on the Main Central (MC) Road, connecting it to major cities. Frequent KSRTC and private buses operate from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and other towns.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of local transport and are easily available throughout Kottarakkara town. Taxis can also be hired for local travel.