9.064876.7792Kollam, Kerala

TEMPLE

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram - A Divine Guide

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

Kollam, Kerala1 hour4:00 AM – 8:30 PMFree EntryNo Photography

View On Map Nearby Hotels

Best Season: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.

Duration:1 hour

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Adoor?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

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.

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

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Vinayaka Chaturthi festival (August/September), weekends, and during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season (November-January).

Moderate

Weekday evenings, public holidays, and auspicious days as per the local calendar.

Low Season

Weekday mornings and afternoons.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

4:00 AM — 8:30 PM

The temple is open daily in two sessions: from 04:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM. Timings are subject to change during festivals and special events.

Entry to the temple is free for all visitors. Payments are required for special rituals (poojas) and for purchasing offerings like Unniyappam.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

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

Coordinates

9.0648, 76.7792

Nearest City

Kollam

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By 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 hou...

By 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, ...

By Road

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

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.

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The temple's history is closely associated with the legendary master craftsman of Kerala, Uliyannoor Perumthachan. According to folklore, while working at the main Shiva temple, he carved an idol of Lord Ganesha from the root of a jackfruit tree. After having a vision, he installed this idol in a sub-shrine facing south. Over time, the Ganesha shrine grew in prominence, attracting more devotees than the main deity. The temple was historically under the patronage of the Kottarakkara royal family and remains a significant pilgrimage center in the region.

Significance

This temple is one of the most important Ganesha temples in Kerala, primarily due to the legend of its consecration by Perumthachan. Its main significance lies in the unique offering of 'Unniyappam', which is famous across the state for its distinct taste and is believed to have originated here. The temple serves as a major cultural and religious hub in the Kollam district, especially during the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Its unusual characteristic, where a sub-deity is more famous than the principal one, makes it an interesting place of study and worship.

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

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.

Safety Tips

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.

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

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum - 1 km

Jatayu Earth's Center - 25 km

Thenmala Ecotourism - 35 km

Palaruvi Waterfalls - 45 km

Kollam Beach - 28 km

Ashtamudi Lake - 30 km

Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler

Explore More Destinations

View Map Nearby Hotels

9.064876.7792Kollam, Kerala

TEMPLE

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram - A Divine Guide

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

Kollam, Kerala1 hour4:00 AM – 8:30 PMFree EntryNo Photography

View On Map Nearby Hotels

Duration:1 hour

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Adoor?

Discover what makes this destination truly 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

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Vinayaka Chaturthi festival (August/September), weekends, and during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season (November-January).

Moderate

Weekday evenings, public holidays, and auspicious days as per the local calendar.

Low Season

Weekday mornings and afternoons.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

4:00 AM — 8:30 PM

The temple is open daily in two sessions: from 04:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM. Timings are subject to change during festivals and special events.

Entry to the temple is free for all visitors. Payments are required for special rituals (poojas) and for purchasing offerings like Unniyappam.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

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

Coordinates

9.0648, 76.7792

Nearest City

Kollam

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By 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 hou...

By 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, ...

By Road

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

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.

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

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.

Safety Tips

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.

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

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum - 1 km

Jatayu Earth's Center - 25 km

Thenmala Ecotourism - 35 km

Palaruvi Waterfalls - 45 km

Kollam Beach - 28 km

Ashtamudi Lake - 30 km

Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler

Explore More Destinations

View Map Nearby Hotels

Exclusive Deals

Our Trusted Airline Partners

Reserve flights online for leading routes within India and across the globe. Discover popular city pairings and secure the best airfare deals with a wide range of airline choices.