Chintamani Ganapati Temple - Kerala

The article Chintamani Ganapati Temple and Ganapathy Homam is a guest post by Sri. K. Ananda Ram from Kerala. Hindu Devotional Blog expresses our sincere thanks for sending such a detailed text about Chinthamani Ganaesh Temple, its history, Chinthamani Ganapathi Maha Mantra, and the Ganesha Homam. 

Chinthamani Ganapathi Temple History and Conducting of Chinthamani Ganapathi Havanam

The Chinthamony Ganapathy Temple, one of the Ashtavinayaka Temples of Ganesh, is situated at Theur, 25 kilometers from PUNE, in Maharashtra, India. Morya Gosavi attained Siddhi here and his son built the temple to commemorate the event. According to the legend King Abhijit and his wife Gunavathi had a son called Gana, on his visit to Saga Kapila he coveted the Chintamani (Wish fulfilling stone) which Kapila used to fulfill his wishes. Kapila refused to part with the stone but Gana took it forcibly. Goddess Durga advised Kapila to worship Ganapathy. With the powers of the worship Kapila fought and killed Gana. Abhijit returned the Jewel to Kapila but he did not wish to posses it any longer. Ganapathi stayed on the spot under the Kadamba tree and called himself CHINTAMANI. 

Ashta Vinayaka Temples 

In the State of Maharashtra there are eight temples dedicated to Ganesha, which are related to various episodes from the Puranas and other legends, and these deities are collectively known as ASHTA VINAYAKA. “ASHTA” means eight and “VINAYAKA” is another name of Lord Ganesh, the God loved and worshipped by every Hindu. Lord Ganesha is the protector of his devotees. Eight effigies found among the nature, and sculptured by nature have been housed in these temples created ages ago at the places where the effigies were first identified. These “Swayambhu” effigies include the Ganesha idols at Morgaon Mayureshwar, Ranjangaon, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Thevoor, Mahad, Pali, Siddhatek. These Sacred idols, make up the famous Ashta Vinayak. All the eight places are located within the range of 20 to 110 kilometers near Pune.

Thevoorcha Sri Chintamani is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha. The temple at Thevoor, near Pune in Maharashtra State, enshrines the idol of Chintamani Vinayaka. This temple and the deity relates to the Kapila Rishi and the Chintamani gem that he had obtained from Lord Shiva. An east facing image of Lord Ganesha is enshrined in this temple which has interesting features such as gold inlays. This temple is closely associated with the Maratha ruler Madhvrao Peshwa.

It is believed that there were three wish fulfilling items in the ancient days. They are 
(1) The Kamadhenu (a Cow) 
(2) Kalpa Vruksha (Tree) 
(3) The Chintamani (a gem)

All these 3 wish fulfilling items are now believed to be in possession of the Deva’s.
According to legends Kapila Rishi had received this gem, Called Chinthamani, from Lord Shiva after worshipping him at Talaiaalankaadu near Thanjavoor in Tamilnadu. It is believed that he had walked on his head to reach the shrine and hence the Tamil name Talaiaalankaadu (Talai - Head). 

The Legend surrounding this temple centers on the Chinthamani gem. Saga Kapila was in possession of a gem by name Chintamani which was capable of granting one’s desires. He was once visited by a young prince (Son of Gunavati and Abhijita) by name Guna. The Sage invoked the powers of the Gem and created a sumptuous meal for the prince. The Prince enamored by the power of the gem, stole it from the sage. A hurt Kapila Rishi prayed to Vinayaka (Lord Ganesh) for help. Vinayaka restored the gem from the Prince.

However the sage refused to accept it. He had developed such a conviction that when Lord Ganesha is himself available for him, there was no necessity to have gem like Chintamani. This Chintamanai gem had also found it way to Devaloka. Saga Kapila began to revere Vinayaka as Chintamani, as wish fulfilling God. Chinta means Sorrow. Saga Kapila through the powers of penance, (Thaposakthi), was able to compose a rare Moola Mantra, known as Chintamani Ganapathi Moolam.

The Chinthamani Ganapathi Maha Mantra

Saga Kapila, composed the Great Mantra on Chintamani Ganapathi. The Mantra is given below.

Om Hreem Sreem,
Chinthamani Ganapathaye Namaha:
Om Namo Ganesaya
Om Eeem Chinthamani Chinthithaha:
Artha Labha Pooraya Pooraya,
Lakshmee Aanaya Anaya,
Nama Swahaa….

“Hreem “Sreem” and Eeem are Beejakshara’s.

Sri Kapila Bhagavan Rishi,
Thrishtup Chandaha
Ganapathir Devatha:

This, in essence is the Moola mantra of Chinthamani Maha Ganapathi.

The Mantra invokes the Grace of Chinthamani Ganapathi, prays for fulfillment of desires to have all prosperity, and prays again to bring Goddess Lakshmy, through Grace of Chinthamani Ganapathi.

Upadesha (The Initiation)

The Moolamantra of any specific deity is to be received as Upadehsa from a Guru who himself had undergone the vigorous chanting exercises of the Mantra as had been stipulated by elders. A Mantra is composed using many aksharas in Sanskrit. It is stipulated that the Mantra is chanted one Lakh for every letter contained in that Mantra.In this Chinthamani Ganapathi Maha Mantra, there are about 58 letters, and this means the requirement of minimum chanting of Mantra is 58 Lakhs times over a period of stipulated time.

The initiation is generally offered on three different counts. 

The Manthra can be given for a specific ceremony and rituals that may be undertaken, individually or by a Group.

Next is the individual upadesa, which allows the seeker to chant the Mantra everyday as a spiritual sadhana.

It is also permitted to a deserving few, who wish to undertake “Anushtana” a ritual for a specified period which stipulates chanting of the Manthra 1008 times everyday, to ward off any calamity, or fulfillment of any specific desires, or to achieve any other specific achievements.

The new seeker should first get himself charged well before he undertakes to impart this Manthra to anybody else. He has to complete “Akshara Laksha” within a stipulated time, and then seek his own guide’s permission before he/she could initiate others. Chanting of this great Mantra may not give the desired results, unless this Manthra is received directly from a Guru who had attained Sidhi on this Mantra. 

CHINTHAMANI GANAPATHI YAGNA

While Chinthamani Ganapathi Maha Manthra can be chanted as a daily spiritual practice, the same Manthra can also be invoked for Homams and Yagnams. Homam is normally performed in the houses or temples on small scales. Yagnas, which is also known as ‘Yagaa’, is conducted on a large scale.

Chinthamani Ganapathi homam can be performed with a single Priest, with chanting of Moola Manthra for 108 times, and offering “Aahuthies” into the sacred fire 11 times. Normally, the minimum number of priests for conducting Chinthamani Ganapathi Yagna is 12. One Chief priest is assigned to conduct to organize the sacred fire and organizing the entire function. Since Chinthamani Ganapathi Manthra is a very rare and powerful one the organizer normally initiates all the 12 priests into this Manthra, before commencement of the Yagna. 




The other 11 Priests sit around the Sacred fire pit (Homa kutam) to offer different Aahuthis into the sacred fire, chanting the Mantras. In this Yagna, the Moola Manthra is chanted jointly. Each Priest accounts for 1008 times of chanting the Manthra. Each Priest offers different items as Aahuthis for 108 times only. The devotees, who gather to witness this great Yagna, can also get initiated during the occasion and all of them can join in chanting this Manthra.

While Chanting of the Manthra is in Progress, the Chief priest conducts “Avarana” pooja. After invoking Sacred Agni, ahuthies are offered by the chief Priest, chanting Ganapathi Moola Manthra, and also “Vallabha Ganapathi” Mantra.

The Yagna Concludes with Poorna Aahuthi. 

“Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu”.

Shri Mahaganapati Ashtavinayak Temple Ranjangaon Maharashtra

Shri Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, one of the 8 Ashtavinayak shrines, is located about 50 km from Pune, enroute to Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the temple enshires Maha Ganapati, the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha – usually depicted as having eight, ten or twelve arms. 

Temple and the deity

Shri Mahaganapati Ashtavinayak Temple was built during the period of Peshwas. The stone pillars of the temple indicate that it was built during the 9th or 10th century. The temple faces east and has a magnificent main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jay and Vijay. It is designed in such a way that during Dakshinayan (the movement of the Sun to the south), the rays of the sun fall directly on the deity. The idol of Lord Ganesh is seated on a lotus, with his consorts Siddhi (Goddess of success) and Riddhi (Goddess of prosperity) on both sides. He is facing east in a crossed legged sitting posture, with broad forehead and the trunk turned towards the left.

Legend of Temple 

According to a mythology, a demon named Tripurasura built three powerful fortresses (the evil Tripuram forts); He obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could not be defeated by anything and using this, he caused suffering to all beings in the heavens and on earth. On hearing the pleas of Gods, Shiva interfered. But he realized that he could not defeat the demon. Finally, according to Narada Muni’s advice, Lord Shiva greeted Lord Ganesh, shot a single arrow that pierced through the citadels and defeated the demon. Hence Lord Ganesh is also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati. Lord Shiva, the demolisher of the Tripura citadels, is enshrined at Bhimashankaram nearby.  

Festivals of Ranjangaon Ashtavinayak Maha Ganapati Temple 

Celebrations are held during Bhadrapada Shuddha Pratipada (the first day of the Bhadrapad month) to Shashthi (the sixth day). In the first four days the palanquin of Lord Ganesh is taken to different places in the village. It is called as Dwaryatra. For the first four days villagers are allowed to enter the sanctum and perform pooja on their own. On fifth day there is ‘Mahaprasad’ (big offering to Lord Maha Ganapati).

Temple Timings

Shri Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon is open from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Reaching there

The temple can be reached via Koregaon – Shikrapur – Ranjangaon, on Pune – Nagpur Highway. State transport buses ply from Pune. Rajangaon is 21 km before Shirur.

Kottarakkara Ganapathi Temple Kerala

Kottarakkara Ganapathi Temple is one of the important Lord Ganesh Temples in Kerala, situated in Kottarakkara about 25 km from Kollam and 72 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is around centuries old and is now one of the famous pilgrim centers in South India. Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple was previously known as Manikandeswaram Mahadeva Temple or Kizhakkekkara Shiva Temple, as Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped here. However, the shrine is renowned for the deity of Lord Ganesha who according to legends was not installed as per the tantra (spiritual practices and ritual forms of worship) rituals. Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple is said to be the birth place of Kathakali, the popular classical dance-drama form of Kerala.

Temple Features

Kottarakkara Ganapati Temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. The Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the main deity is round in shape, with its roof thatched in copper sheets. The idol of Lord Shiva faces east; His consortGoddess Parvati, known as the Padinjattu Bhagavathi, is located behind the sanctum sanctorum facing west. Lord Subrahmanya faces north-west and Lord Ayyappa (Sastha) in the south-west with Nagaraja and Nagayakshi installed in the kannimoola (south-west corner).

A huge lake found in the eastern side of the temple is an added attraction. The idol of Lord Ganesh, facing south-east, is carved in wood. This 3 feet high figure is seen with a small trunk and four hands, carrying coir, hook, rice cake, and plantain fruit. He wears a chain with beads of rudraksha on the neck and a golden pendant on the forehead. There is an 18 feet high bronze deepasthambam (pillar of lamps) with five circular plates for holding the lamps. 

Legend of Kottarakkara Ganapathy

According to legends, the idol of Lord Ganesh was installed in the temple by Perumthachan, the master craftsman. On creating an idol from the roots of a jackfruit tree, the craftsman asked permission from the chief priest of Pandinjattinkara temple to install the idol there. However, his request was denied by the priest. Alternatively, Perumthachan obtained permission from the priest of Kizhakkekara Shiva Temple and he installed the idol there in the south-east direction. Perumthachan considered the shrine as Kailas (the abode of Lord Shiva) as the temple enshrines all the family members of the Lord.

Offerings

A unique feature of the temple is the offerings made to Lord Ganesh. He is offered with Unniyappam or Koothappam, a foodstuff made from rice powder and Jaggery fried in oil. Legend says that this offering was made by Perumthachan to the Lord on a plantain leaf, when he noticed that Lord Ganesh was starving for food even after consuming Aval (flaked rice) from his father, Lord Shiva.

Other important offerings include Udayasthamaya Pooja, Ashta Dravya Ganapathy Homam, breaking of coconuts, Thulabharam (a ritual in which the devotee submits offerings equal to his weight), chathussatham, Thrimadhuram (offering made of three sweets), archana (offering of prayers to god by reciting his name with flowers/leaves/vermillion) and Pushpanjali (offering of floral garlands to deities).

Kottarakara Temple Festivals 

Thiruvathira Festival is held annually during the Malayalam months of Meenam - Medam (April/May). The festival starts with the hoisting of temple flag on the day of Thiruvathira and lasts for 10 days with attractive ceremonial offerings, grand processions accompanied by musical instruments, and a variety of entertainments including Kathakali.

Vinayaka Chathurthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesh, is celebrated in a grand scale. It falls on the fourth day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada month.

Prathishtadinam (Consecration day)

This falls on the Uthrattathy Nakshatra during the Malayalam month of Makaram (January-February). Major events held during the festival are Bhagavatha Sapthaham, Devibhaghavatha Navaham, and Annadhanam (free food distribution).

Besides, Ayilyam-Makam (special poojas for the serpent gods), Thai Pooyam,Sivarathri, Navaratri and Vishu Festival are celebrated here.

How to reach Kottarakkara Temple

Kottarakkara Ganapathi Temple can be easily reached through rail, as it is only half a kilometer from the Kottarakara Railway Station. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is about 72 km away. KSRTC buses and private bus services are available from all major towns and cities in Kerala to Kottarakara.

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple devotees make it a point to visit Kottarakkara Ganesha during the Manadala Pooja Makaravilakku Festival occassion

Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple Lenyadri, Maharashtra

Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple of Lenyadri, one of theAshtavinayak Temples of Maharashtra, is the sixth Lord Ganesh Temple to be visited on the Ashta Vinayaka Mandir Pilgrimage. Located at Lekhan Hills, Girijatmaj Ashta Vinayaka Temple is the only temple of the Ashtavinayaka which is on a mountain and is built in the locale of Buddhist Cave Temples. Lenyadri is situated on the North-west bank of river Kukadi. Here, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as Girijatmaja. The Lord is believed to be his manifestation as an infant. Girija is another name for Goddess Parvati and Atamaj means ‘Son’. This place is referred as Jirnapur or Lekhan Parbat in Ganesh Puran. 

The Temple

Lenyadri Temple, located on hill top, is approached after climbing 307 steps. Out of 18 Buddhist caves onmountain, Girijatmaj Vinayak's Temple is in the 8th cave. These caves are also known as Ganesh Gufa. The temple is built out of a single rock and is Dakshinabhimukh- facing south. The Sabhamandap (temple hall) has 18 Overees (small rooms for meditation) within it. The idol of Girijatmaj Ganesh is in one of the rooms. Lord Ganesh’s image is a fresco carved out into a rock, with his head turned to the left. Devotees can enter the Garbhagriha and offer their worship. A river flowing nearby adds beauty to the temple. All the 30 Lenyadri Caves including the Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. 

History of Girijatmaj Ganesh Temple

Legend says about Goddess Parvati’s creation of a child from the dirt of her body, who is now worshipped by everyone. She desired to see her child as an infant and underwent severe penance to achieve this objective. Her desire was granted and Lord Ganesh is said to have reincarnated himself as an infant and lived in the Lenayadri hills for 12 years. 

Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple Festivals

The Panchamrit puja is conducted daily in the morning.  Major celebrations are held during the Bhadrapad (August – September) and Magh Chaturthis. In the month of Magh, an Akhand Harinaam Saptah is held. Ganesh Jayanti andGanesha Chaturthi is celebrated in a great manner with cultural programs. Bullock cart racing is organized on this occasion. 

How to reach Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple, Lenyadri

By Bus / Road

Lenyadri is about 94 km from Pune, on Pune - Nasik Highway and Junnar is the nearby town, which is 5 km from Lenyadri. State transport buses ply to Junnar from Pune and from Mumbai. From Junnar, rickshaws, jeeps and buses are available to Lenyadri. Palanquins are available for the devotees to reach the temple on hill top.

By Train / Railway Station

Pune Railway Station and Talegaon Railway Station are the nearest railway stations to reach Lenyadri Ashta Vinayak Temple. 

By Flight / Air 

Pune Lohegaon Airport is the nearest airport to reach Girijatmaj Ashta Vinayak Temple