Maha Ganapathy Temple Malliyoor
Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple in Kottayam
The Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple is an ancient temple in Kottayam District which is visited by many pilgrims from all over India. This temple belongs to the family of Bhagavatha Hamsam Brahamasree Malliyoor Shankaran Namboothiri. Only his descendants can become the main priest of this temple. Son of God Shiva and Paravathy, Lord Ganesha occupies main place in this temple and is worshipped here in the form of Beeja Ganapathy with a lime on the tip of the twisted trunk and axe, rope, horn and laddoo in hands.
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and the main offerings are Ganapathy Homan, Mukkutti Pushpanjali, Aayiram Kudam abhishekam, Palppayasam, Thadi Nivedyam, Pazhamala etc. The main auspicious days considered for worship are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The temple opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 11.30 a.m. In the evening it opens at 5.30 and closes at 8.00. The best season to visit this temple is February, March and September to December.
The main festival of this temple is Vinayaka Chaturthi, the day on which Lord Vinayaka was created by Goddess Parvathy. It comes in the month of August-September. Special poojas and fasts are held on this day. In March-April 8-day-long annual festival is also held. In January-February the birthday of Brahmasree Malliyoor is celebrated with great pomp and show.