Lord Ganesha

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. Ganesha is easily recognizable by his distinctive appearance, with an elephant head and a human-like body.

According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The story of his creation varies in different traditions, but a common version is that Ganesha was formed by Parvati using clay and brought to life. However, when Shiva returned home and found an unfamiliar boy guarding Parvati's chamber, he became furious and severed Ganesha's head in anger. Upon realizing his mistake, Shiva promised to revive Ganesha and replaced his head with that of an elephant.

Ganesha is often depicted with several symbolic elements. He is depicted with large elephant ears that symbolize his ability to listen attentively to his devotees. His large belly represents his ability to assimilate knowledge and experiences. Ganesha is also depicted with four arms, which hold various objects such as a lotus, an axe, a rope, and a modaka (a sweet dumpling), representing his diverse qualities and powers. Ganesha is worshipped in both religious and secular contexts. His blessings are sought before the commencement of any new endeavor or important event, as he is believed to remove obstacles and bring success and prosperity. Ganesha Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Ganesha, is widely celebrated in many parts of India and by Hindus around the world.

Temples in South India for Lord Ganesha

1. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Located in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), this temple is situated on top of the Rockfort and offers a panoramic view of the city.
2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Situated in Chennai, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also houses a separate shrine for Lord Ganesha.
3. Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple, Andhra Pradesh: Located in Kanipakam, Chittoor district, this temple is famous for the self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha.
4. Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Karnataka: Situated in Hattiangadi, Udupi district, this temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
5. Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple, Kerala: Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this temple is one of the oldest and most prominent Ganesha temples in Kerala.
6. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Situated in Pillayarpatti, near Karaikudi, this temple is known for its 6-feet-tall idol of Lord Ganesha carved out of a single stone.
7. Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, Kerala: Located in Kasargod district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu but also houses a shrine for Lord Ganesha.
8. Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Kerala: Situated in Ernakulam district, this temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy but also has a shrine for Lord Ganesha.

These are few famous temples, and there are many more temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in South India. Each temple has its own unique significance and attracts devotees from far and wide.