Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi Temple
Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi temple, the abode of Lord Vigneshwara is situated at Thazhuthala, a serene and peaceful village two kilometers north of Kottiyam Junction in Kerala. The temple is famous for the great elephant procession known as ‘Thazhuthala Gajothsavam”, an event equivalent to Thrissur Pooram. Today thousands of devotees flock to the feet of Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathy seeking eternal salvation from the bonds of Karma and solace from the evils of Kaliyuga.
According to local narrative, five decades ago on a fine morning the idol of lord Ganesha was found beneath the huge banyan tree near the Desa Seva Samajam Library and SNDP Shaga Mandiram. People who gathered around the banyan tree decided to seat the idol in a suitable location near the banyan tree where it was found. A small structure was built and the idol was placed inside. People started worshiping it. Later it was learnt that it was the handiwork of Sri. Paramu Panikkar, who was a Railway staff. The Idol was presented to him by his senior officer. Though he had kept it in his home for some days, he got a call from his inner voice to locate the idol beneath the banyan tree near his house. There after he led a secluded and ascetic life and years after left for Kashi in search of Moksha. The Idol was seated there for years with small pujas conducted by locals. Too many hindrances, mishaps and unfortunate incidents were reported, villagers generally felt discomfort and dissatisfaction. While seeking the reason for the disasters and mishaps in the village, the holy ‘devaprasna’ (astrological findings) revealed the presence of the mighty power residing there and suggested to construct a proper temple and place Lord Vinayaka accordingly. Villagers, irrespective of religion, caste and creed came together to built a suitable shrine for Maha Ganapathi.
In the year 2000, at the dawn of the new millennium, a mahapuja was performed and Vinayaka was consecrated in sanctum sanctorum. The omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi Thampuran reigns over the region warding off all evils and ‘vignas’, showering solace and blessings to all who reaches to him.
The ten-day annual festival in the temple is known as Avittam Thirunal Mahotsavam. The festival ends with the famous elephant display on Avittam Nakshatra in Makaram month (January – February). The festival is famous traditional temple arts, beautiful decoration, procession and temple music.
Thazhuthala Gajotsavam, which is held on the last day of the festival, includes Aana Neerattu (elephant bath) Aanayoottu (feeding elephants) Chamaya Pradarshanam (exhibition of elephant ornaments) and two kilometer long grand procession of caparisoned elephants along with traditional art forms and music.
