- Ganesh
Chinthathura Vinayaka Temple
- Kollam,Kerala
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Overview
The renowned temple of Chinthathura Vinayaka is located at the heart of Kollam, merely a kilometre from the Kollam Junction Railway Station. Lord Ganapathy (Vinayaka) is the principal deity of this temple. This is temple hold the special distinction of being the only temple in Kerala where Lord Ganapathy faces the direction north. Despite having Lord Ganapathy as its principal deity, Lord Siva is also worshipped here with equal importance. A separate shrine for Naga is also found in this temple.
History of The Temple
The Chinthathura Vinayaka Temple was constructed by the tobacco merchants from Sri Lanka. Long ago, few merchants from Sri Lanka were sailing towards Kollam in India when they lost their route and thus had to return back to their native country. A devaprasna (an astrological method to find out reasons) revealed that they should construct a Ganapathi temple to avoid such incidents in the future. They also believed that this would bring them happiness and prosperity. Hence they constructed this temple at Kollam. The temple’s architectural style prominently resembles that of the Sri Lankans, which stands as a proof to this legend. An inscription seen near the sanctum sanctorum of this temple mentions that the temple was renovated by a Kerala ruler in 1496. The Travancore Devaswom Board is in charge of the temple’s administration.
Pooja
Daily two poojas are performed in this temple namely the Usha pooja and Athazha pooja.
Festivals
Vinayaka Chadurthi is the major festival celebrated in this shrine.
How to Reach Kollam
Airport
The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (76 km) is the nearest located airport. Flights are a better option for those who travel to Kollam from North India.
Railways
Kollam has its own railway station which is well connected to important towns and cities of Kerala. The Chennai – Kollam and Kollam express are the most convenient option for people coming from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Road
Kollam is well connected by road through the national highways of NH-47, NH-220, and NH-208. Regular and frequent interstate buses ply in this route from all major cities of India like Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Pondicherry, Thrissur and many more.
Temple Address
Chinthathura Vinayaka Temple,
Kollam, Kerala,
India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Auspicious beginnings of work
- Removal of obstacles
Shlokas
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.