Pazhavangadi Ganesh temple- Kerala temples – Part 10

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple

There are numerous Ganapthy temples around Trivandrum but the most famous one is Pazhavangadi Ganapathy temple located near East Fort on the main road.Situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city at Pazhavangadi, nearly 1.5 kms from railway station as well as from bus stand.
It is a fact that for the natives of Trivandrum, virtually, there is no function conducted without breaking a coconut at the deity of “Pazhavangady Ganapathy” Temple. The deity – very powerful – is famous for removing hurdles of your life – or removing constraints faced by the devotees. The temple was originally constructed by the army men and even today the temple is administered and managed by the Army men and the temple is famously called “Military Ganapathy” .  A well run temple. The idol was originally worshipped by a soldier of Travancore Army garrisoned at Padmanabhapuram and later when the capital of Travancore shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Trivandrum in 1795 A.D. the garrison was also shifted and the idol was installed at its present place Pazhavangadi. The temple staff mostly are ex army and are very courteous.

The main Vazhipadu (offering) is the breaking of coconuts at the temple and mind you the number of coconuts being offered here is mind boggling. Sacks of broken coconuts gets filled every 10 minutes.

This temple is worth a visit not for the architecture or the historic interest, but for the opportunity to observe the way religion interacts with ordinary life in India.I always felt a peace of mind after visiting the temple and wish all the pilgrims and visitors the same.





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