Famous Ganesh Temples of Tamil Nadu

Ganesha, son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, he is considered the obstacle remover and the most worshipped God in Hindu religion. There are 100s and thousands of Ganesha temples across Pan India in every suburb or villages. People like to worship him before starting their work, pray him to be blessed with good education, finance, health and success on new projects. I am interested in writing about Ganesha temples that more than 500-1000 years old and quite famous in Tamil Nadu.

1. 1. Uchishta Ganapathy, Manimoortheeswaram - The temple is near Tirunelveli founded in 1000 AD. This is the biggest Uchishta vinayagar temple in Asia and has five tier main rajagopuram. Temple is known for blessing couples with progeny. Uchishta is one for the 32 forms of Vinayagar.
2. Sri Poyyamozhi Vinayagar, Deevanur - This temple is near Tindivanam and founded in 400AD. Vinayagar is in linga form. Deevanur is on the way from Tindivanam to Tiruvanamalai.
3. Vatapi Ganapati, Tiruchenkattankudi - The temple is near Thanjavur founded by Pallavas and idol was brought from Vatapi (Badami). The temple dates back to 700AD. The temple entrance has a five tiered rajagopuram. The Vatapi Ganapati temple was raised by Sirutonda Nayanar in celebreate the expedition to Vatapi, the Chalukyan capital by the then Pallava Emperor. There is an image of Vinayaka with a human face here in this temple.
4. 4. Naramuga Vinayagar or Adi Vinayagar, Thilatharpanapuri - The temple founded is 178 AD in Thiruvarur. The idol resembles Ganesha’s faces in human form before being replaced with elephant face. The temple is one of seven temples that is famous for performing a ritual to pay tribute to ancestors. The temple is located near Kootanur where Saraswati temple is located, this is another famous temple.

5 .Military Ganapathy : Lord Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy is the guardian deity of Madras Regiment. But, he is popularly known as Sri Military Ganapathy or Military Vinayakam .His shrine is situated at East Fort military area in Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala. [1] ravancore army : Well, Lord Ganesh was guardian deity of Travancore army . It was better known as Nair Brigade and had won many battle honors. Indian army :Post independence, in 1951, Nair brigade integrated with Madras Regiment . It is now known as now 9th battalion or 1st Travancore battalion of Madras Regiment. It has additional 16th battalion or 2nd Travancore. Tradition : Nevertheless, Lord Ganesh still remains guardian deity of Travancore battalion as well as Madras Regiment. No wonder, Lord Ganesh is invoked before start of any military operation and other major activity. Patronage : Colonel of Madras Regiment serves as the chief patron of The Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy temple shrine ;while commandant of Madras Regimental Centre assist him in various religious ceremonies.

6 .Karpaga Vinayagar temple in PillayarPatti Tamil Nadu: This is an ancient rock cut temple. Scholars says that Lord Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom, As Vinayagar satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known "Karpaga Vinayagar". Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. Also he is seen seated without Angusapasam, with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of "Artha Padma" Asanam. The word Vinayaga means "Incomparable Leader" Devotees worshipping Valamburi Vinayagar seated facing towards north, will be blessed with all wealth. It is believed that by worshipping Kathyayini amman at this temple women get relived from sevvai dosham which prevent them from getting married. "Sabda Madhar" whom importance due to changing time are provided with a seperate sannidhi known as Sakthi sannidhi at this temple. Antiquity: Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. The Stalapuranam published by the temple classifies the growth of this temple into three distinct stages.

The deity of this temple is known as "Marudeeswarar" as Marudha tree (In Sansscrit Arjuna Virutcha, The Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculpture of pasupatheeswarar, "A cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk" is the special feature of this temple. Also kubheran the Lord of wealth had worshipped at this temple. Also adding to the sprituality Goddess Laxmi, Saraswathi and Durgai are found together at the same sport. Unlike other places the three Lingams Thiruveesar, Marudheesar and Senchadeswarar and the three Goddess Sivagami amman, Vadamalar Mangaiamman and Soundara Nayaga amman all appear together at the same place and bless the devotees. Om Gan Ganapataye Namah