Glory and Significance of Sri Rama Nama

Majority of people in India know about the story of Lord Sri Rama, the epic Ramayana, and Lord Hanuman (the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama) but only few know the significance of Rama Nama. To talk about Lord Sri Rama and the significance of Rama Nama perhaps Lord Hanuman is the most competent person. In this regard a small but sincere attempt is being made to share the information collected from various sources about the glory and significance of Rama Nama.

Who is this Rama?

“!Ramanthe Sarve Janaah Gunaih Asmin Ithi Ramah!
! Ramayatheethi Ramah! (Ramayatha ithi Ramah)
! Ramante yogino-nanthe brahmanande chidatmani!”

 

Rama is one of the names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in Vishnu Sahasra Nama. Sloka No.43 of Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram describes Rama as,

  

“Ramo Viraamo Virajo Margo Neyo Nayo-anayaH
Veerah Shaktimataam Shresshtah Dharmo Dharmaviduttamah”

The meaning of the above Sanskrit verse is that Rama is the one, who keeps the entire living beings happy, the one in whose memory Yogis always revel (take pleasure) in the bliss of Brahman. He is the one, who is omniscient and full of bliss. He is the place of final rest for all deserving souls. He is the one before whom, all else becomes pale and insignificant. He is the one, who has no desires for enjoyment or any luxuries. He is the lord, who creates path to the devotees to reach the zones of liberation and immortality. He is the one, who wishes to do anything for the devotees. He conducts, monitors and leads everybody in this world. He is the one, who cannot be felled by anybody. He is valiant and is the one, who strikes terror into the hearts of the evil doers. He is the greatest, the supreme most and the invincible. He is the foremost among the celestials and is the most valiant among the brave. He is the dharma and his very nature is dharma and his incarnation is for the purpose of dharma.

He is the embodiment of dharma and protector of dharma. He is the foremost and greatest among the knower of dharma. ! Ramo Vigrahavaan Dharmah! It means Rama is an epitome, a personification, a manifestation of Dharma. Rama is the very embodiment of righteousness. It was as if righteousness itself had incarnated on earth. Dharma and Rama are inseparable. It is said that when sage Valmiki was asked to write Ramayana he asked sage Narada “is there any person among the human beings, who has all the sixteen virtues” and that person was none other than Lord Sri Rama. Mythologically Rama was the seventh Avathara of Sri Maha Vishnu in the list of Dasa Avatharas. In Venkatesa Suprabhatham the very first sloka refers to Lord Sri Rama “Kausalya Supraja Rama”

As per the words of two great sages Vasishta and Viswamithra it is said that the four brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Sathrughna are the four forms of Vedas that have incarnated in the Treta Yuga to impart the most precious message to the mankind and to set an ideal world. Lord Sri Rama has been symbolized as the wisdom of Vedas. In fact the four brothers have established an ideal world called Rama Rajya and have preached and practiced many principles which have relevance even today.

What is the significance of the word Rama?

It is said that Rama Nama has come into existence much before the birth of Lord Sri Rama. It is said that the word Rama is divided into syllables Ra + Aa + Ma; Ra means Rudra; Aa means Brahma; Ma means Vishnu and the confluence of the three trinal lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara is Rama.The word Rama is a confluence of two letters Ra + Ma. It is believed and said that these two letters are Jivaakshara (life giving letters) carved out of the most significant Mantras the Narayana Astakshari and Shiva Panchakshari. The letter Ra is carved out of Narayana Astakshari (Om! Namo! Narayanaya!) and the letter Ma is carved out of Shiva Panchakshari (Om! Namah Shivaya!).

These two letters called life giving letters, the soul of these two powerful Mantras are put together to form the taraka Mantra Rama. Without these two letters, these manthras become ineffective. Any one chanting this taraka manthra is equivalent to worshipping both Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

What is significance of Rama Nama?

Rama Nama is given the same importance as that of a pranava manthra OM that has links to all the other Manthras that ever exist. Rama Nama is an essence of all the Vedas, Shastras, Ithihasas and Puranas. One of the Saptha Rishis, Sage Vasista meditated on Rama Nama for quite a long time that motivated him to suggest King Dasaratha to christen the Almighty with the manthra (Rama) that he had chanted.

The word Rama has the triple power of destroying sins, conferring peace, and dispelling ignorance. When you utter the word “RAM”, you first open the mouth with the sound “Ra”. All your sins go out when your mouth is open. When you utter “M” by closing the mouth, the entry is barred against the sins that have gone out.

Rama is not just a name. It is a Mantra, the only Mantra that is called Taraka Mantra. Taraka Mantra means the one that helps us to cross the ocean of Samsara and free us from the bondage cycle of birth and death. If it is chanted as Rama it is a name, if it is chanted as Ram it is a Mantra, if it is chanted with addition of the word Sri (Sri Rama, Sri Ram) power of Goddess Sita is added to it.

It is called as the family Manthra of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva himself tells Goddess Parvathi about the significance of Rama Nama and suggests her also to recite the same all the time. Lord Shankara, knowing the sweetness of it, initiated his beloved Parvathi to it. He tells her,

 

                                                          ”Sree Rama Rama Ramethi Rame Raame Manorame
                                                           Sahasranama Tat Thul-yam Rama Nama Varanane”

                                                          (Phala Stuthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothram)

It is only Rama Nama which is equal to a thousand names of Vishnu. Perhaps the above sloka indicates that chanting of Rama once isequal to 10 times chanting of Vishnu, chanting of Rama twice is equal to 100 times (10 x10) chanting of Vishnu and chanting of Rama thrice is equal to 1000 times (10 x 10 x10) chanting of Vishnu. Thus the effect of chanting Rama Nama gets multiplied in geometrical progression. It is believed and said that Lord Shiva always keeps meditating on this Taraka Manthra.

It is the most favourite manthra of all the deities and by chanting, one gets the benefit of invoking all the 33 crores of devathas. There are many instances in history where mere chanting of Rama Nama has resolved many miseries.

Lord Hanuman is hailed as the personification of selfless service to Lord Rama and Sita. Legends say that when Lord Rama was about to leave for His heavenly abode when the purpose of His incarnation was fulfilled, He asked Hanuman to accompany Him, but the latter politely declined the offer saying that he wanted to be present in the holy land where Lord Rama walked in human form and where Sri Rama Nama Japam was regularly conducted.

                                                               “Yatra Yatra Raghunatha Keerthanam
                                                               Tatra Tatra Kruthamasthakanjalim
                                                               Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam
                                                               Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam”

The prayer sloka of Hanuman says that wherever Rama Nama is sung, he is present though not visible, with his eyes full of tears and with his hands folded in prayer to His Lord. Lord Hanuman undoubtedly the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama continuously chanted this taraka mantra that helped him to achieve many feats during the epic Ramayana that also attained him the status of Bhavishya Brahma.

By chanting the Rama Nama, a notorious bandit Ratnakara got liberated of all his past sins and as Valmiki, went on to author the epic Ramayana containing 24000 slokas. Valmiki describes Rama as having sixteen great attributes. Rama stood for the truth, he was a believer of truth, and was a symbol of moral excellence.

The Ramayana is not just a great epic; it is a culmination of philosophy, history, mythology and spirituality. While the epic Ramayana contains several thousands of slokas it is not possible to remember and recite all of them. Just by chanting the Rama Nama one gets the effect of chanting all the slokas of Ramayana.

Rama Nama Smarana a tool for Man’s liberation:

Different means of liberation have been spelled out applicable for each Yuga. For example, meditation (Penance) has been prescribed as the means of liberation in Krita Yuga, performing Yagnas and chanting of Mantras in Treta Yuga, Archana (worship) in Dwapara Yuga. But in Kali Yuga only Nama Smarana (repetition of God’s name) has been prescribed as the main means of liberation for the mankind.Since in Kali Yuga the people will not have the required spiritual strength and capability to perform and carry out the rigorous sadhana, Nama Smarana has been prescribed and advised to achieve the required results of liberation. The name of Rama will make one free from Raga (attachment) and also roga (disease). This mantra can be chanted anywhere, anytime and by anyone. Rama Nama has the power of intercession for the dead. Sthala Purana of Kasi mentions that the Deity of Kasi, Viswanatha (Lord Shiva) initiates this Taraka Manthra in the right ear of the people who die in Kasi. Kasyanthu MaranaanMukhthi, means one who dies in Kasi will attain Mukthi. Even the Pall bearers repeat; Ram naam satya hai (the name of Rama is the absolute truth).

Rama Nama a reference to the present day world:

In the present day context we would have heard many great personalities utilizing this powerful taraka manthra for achieving success in their respective fields. Nearest examples are Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Thulasi Das, Kabir Das, Bhakta Ramadas (Bhadrachalam), Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Mantralayam), Saint Purandaradas, Saint Thyagaraju, and many others.Reciting of Rama Nama also called Rama Nama Japa, is a very popular and common practice in India. It became even more popularized by Mahatma Gandhi for whom Rama Nama was a constant practice.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi it is said I have suggested Rama Nama as I have been familiar with it since my childhood, and as it is my constant support in my struggles. Rama Nama gives one detachment and stability, and never throws one off the balance at critical moments. The incantation of Rama Nama will free one from addictions and make one clean and get adored by others. It is said that when he was assassinated his last words were ‘Rama, Rama.’ None of his prayers have passed without Rama Nama Keertana.

Saint Tulsidas said that even if one repeats the mantra unconsciously, he is taken from hell to paradise. He said that he is as eager to repeat the mantra as a Chataka bird is to drink rain drops, the only source of its survival. Kabirdas believed that the benefits of Rama Nama cannot be destroyed or robbed. Purandaradas, Thyagaraju and Ramadas have immortalized the Rama Nama in their beautiful compositions. Thyagaraju, the saint-poet, is said to have obtained the darshan of Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman after having recited the Rama Nama 950 million times in 38 years on the advice of his guru.

The Ramayana, the story of Lord Sri Rama, teaches us two lessons; the value of detachment and the need to become aware of the Divine in every being. Faith in God and detachment from objective pursuits are the keys for human liberation. Give up sense objects, and you gain Rama. Sita gave up the luxuries of Ayodhya so she could be with Rama during His exile. When she cast longing eyes on the golden deer and craved it, she lost Rama’s presence. Renunciation leads to joy; attachment brings about grief.

Sri Rama incarnated as a human being to promote peace and happiness in the world. Also called as Maryada Purushothama He was an embodiment and personification of all virtues, role model as a son, as a husband, as a brother, as an able administrator, as a friend, as a King, as a human being, and a role model for devathas. He was the best example of perfect character and human conduct, inspiring human beings for countless succeeding ages. Everyone should recognize the sweetness, sacredness, and divinity enshrined in the name Rama.

There is also a faith among Hindu families to write Rama Nama repeatedly several times called as Rama Koti. For writing this they use the words Sri Rama or Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama. It is believed that by writing Rama Koti, one will be benefited with progeny, progress and success in education, harmony among the couple, helps in poverty conditions, as a remedy for Saturn related obstacles, gain in employment, and fulfillment of desires. Whatever may be the myth or belief, it is always good to utter the name Rama with full understanding of all that it signifies. It is said that Rama Nama is mightier than Rama himself.

Readers are requested to listen to the fascinating song sung by the great Mangalampally Balamurali Krishna in praising the significance of Srirama Naamam in You Tube and be blessed by the Lord. Its lyrics are ” Srirama Naamam Maruvam maruvam, Siddhamu Yamunaku veruvam veruvam”. He sang this song in a very unique style.

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