The all-powerful Lord Ganesha- the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Learning, the Remover of all obstacles blesses you at the Malliyoor Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple! Located in Kottayam district, Kerala the temple is the most visited destination of lakhs of devotees from all over India. Considered the Parabrahma incarnate, Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvathy, enjoys a prime position amongst all the gods in the Hindu pantheon and he is worshipped first. The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple is unique amongst Ganesha temples as the presiding deity is Vaishnava Ganapathy with a small Sree Krishna seated on the lap of Lord Ganesha. Today thousands of devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of the Vaishnava Ganapathy & achieve peace & salvation.
Topics in this Article
Legend
As per legends, the Aryappally mana and Vadakkedam Mana were two families who jointly looked after the affairs of the temple and its rituals. These two families merged to form the Malliyoor family. But after some time the family fell into bad times, and the temple was neglected. Renovation works of the temple were done at different stages, but the works always got hampered. Seeing this sad state, the then priest Bhagavatha Hamsam Brahmasree Malliyoor Shankaran Namboothiri recited Sree Maha Bhagavatham in front of Ganesha. Impressed by his intense prayer and devotion, the spirit of Mahavishnu got infused into the idol of Ganesha.
History
The temple is believed to have been established long before the rule of the Perumal’s. It is said centuries back a profoundly devout and saintly Brahmin had brought the idol over here from a pilgrim centre in the North. The family-deities of Anthimahakalan and Yakshi worshipped by the administrators of the temple also were instituted in the temple.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking 
now.
Physical Structure
Traditional Kerala architecture marks the Malliyoor temple. A Vishnu Maheswara Temple is newly being constructed near the main structure now, with Chuttambalam, Thidappally and Mulayara.
About the Deity
Prathishta
The presiding deity in the Malliyoor temple is the Vaishnava Ganapathy – A young Sree Krishna seated on the lap of Lord Ganesha. Beeja Ganapathi is the concept of the deity with the trunk twisted rightward and lemon at its tip. The hands hold an Axe, a Rope, a Horn and a Laddu, cradling little Sree Krishna in his lap.
Upadevathas
Anthimahakalan
Lord Shiva in the form of Anthimahakalan who saved Markandeya from Yama Raja is one of the Upadevathas of the temple.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Brahma Rakshas
The Brahma Rakshas deity is symbolic of the Atmas of Brahmins who are well-versed in Tantric cult. Before commencing construction activities, it is customary to take permission from the Brahma Rakshas.
Aaya Yakshi
The Aaya Yakshi deity is related to love, fertility and beauty are an Upadevatha of Malliyoor temple.
Sastha
Sastha or Ayyappa deity is positioned on the southern side of the temple. The Mandala season sees the arrival of hordes of Ayyappa devotees. Wearing of the ceremonial Mala and Kettu-nira is initiated from here.
Bhagavathy
Durga Devi is present in the temple facing the east and is believed to have existed in this temple much before the Vinayaka deity was installed.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Festivals
Malliyoor Vinayaka Chathurthi
Malliyoor Mahaganapathy Temple celebrates Malliyoor Vinayaka Chathurthi – the day on which Lord Vinayaka was created by Goddess Parvathi, with great pomp and splendour. Unique offerings are given to Mahaganapathy.
Malliyur Mandalam Makara Vilakku Chirappu
Chirappu sums up the special holy rituals held at Malliyoor during Mandala Makara Vilakku season. Special pujas are done.
Malliyoor Ganesha Sangeetholsavam
Renowned artists participate in the 60-day long music festival – Malliyoor Ganesha Sangeetholsavam begins on 1st of Vrischikam every year. By paying a musical tribute to Lord Ganesha at Malliyoor, one can achieve prosperity, good health, and accomplish one’s wishes.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Malliyur Bhagavata Saptaha Yajnam
Every year a Bhagavatha Saptaha Yajnam is held at Malliyoor on the Moolam day of Makaram month to celebrate the birthday of Malliyoor Thirumeni.
Offerings (timings)
Unique offerings to Malliyoor Ganesha grants all wishes and provides consolation from illness. The main offerings are:
Mukkutti Pushpanjali
Mukkutti Pushpanjali is believed to bring instant solutions to problems, and this is supposed to be very useful. One hundred eight saplings of Mukkutti saplings are offered to the deity to the chanting of Mahaganapathi Mantram 108 times. Booking needs to be done for this Puja as only 5 Pushpanjalis are done every day.
Ayiramkudam Jalabhishekam
A special puja where holy water from the temple well is poured on the Ganesh Idol 1000 times from a Copper Pot to the chanting of mantras accompanied by musical instruments. Only two abhishekams are performed per day, and prior registration is needed.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Thadi Nivedyam
Rice flour is offered to Lord Ganesha in different quantities (approximately 3kg, 6kg, 12kg) to get relief from illness.
Pazhamala
The offering of Pazhamala is a garland of 28 bananas (Kadali Pazham) placed on the idol of Ganesha. It is done for 12 consecutive weeks to ward off all obstacles and facilitate marriages. Pazhamala is offered every Tuesday or Friday, and it can be booked in advance.
Palpayasam
An offering of pal payasam is made to Vaishnava Ganapathy on twelve Thursdays, for getting a child.
Chathurthiyootu
On the Chathurthi of every month, Chathurthiyootu is made to appease ancestral spirits.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
A Day’s Pooja
In the Day Pooja the main Prathistha Malliyoor Ganapathy & Upadevathas like Mahavishnu, Durga, Anthimahakalan, Yakshi, Shastha and Naga are appeased with special poojas and offerings. This is done to remove all obstacles and confer grace on the devotee.
Udayasthamana Pooja
A full day Puja from dawn to dusk with measured rice, 18 poojas, Sreebali, the lighting of lamps, Navakabhishekam, and special nivedyam.
Ashtadravya Ganapati Homam
Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated in Chingam every year. On this day the much-acclaimed Ashtadravya Ganapati Homam is observed with 1008 coconuts. Other materials like jaggery, puffed rice, fried rice flour, lemon, honey, ghee etc. & 1008 small packets of medicinal plants are also added to the Homam. Devotees can book well in advance for performing this puja.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Darshan timings
| (morning) | Time |
| Opening (Nirmalya Darsanam) | 05:00 AM |
| Abhishekam, Malar nivedyam | 05:30 AM |
| Mukkutti Pushpanjali |
08:00 AM |
| Ucha Pooja |
10:00 AM |
| Closing |
11:30 AM |
| (evening) | |
| Opening |
05:30 PM |
| Deeparadhana |
06:30 PM |
| Atthazha Nivedyam |
07:00 PM |
| Closing |
08:00 PM |
Dress code and entry rules
Only traditional dress is allowed inside the temple. Devotees are not permitted to enter the temple wearing Shirt, Banyan, Lungi, Chapels etc.
Men – Traditional Mundu (Dhoti) with or without Angavastram. Women – Salwar sets, Sarees, Dhoties, Leggings or Pavadas with blouse.
Location
Malliyoor Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple is situated at Manjoor, Kuruppanthara, in Kottayam District, Kerala, India.
Nearest Airport: Nedumbaasseri Kochi Airport 72 KM away from Malliyoor Temple is the nearest Airport. You can reach the temple by hiring a taxi from the Airport. The Trivandrum Airport is 152 km from the Temple.
Nearest Railway Station: The Kurupanthara station in Ernakulam – Kottayam route is the nearest Railway Station. Temple is 0.5 km away from this station.
Malliyoor temple route from Kochi: The Malliyoor Temple is 2 km away from the Kuruppanthara Junction of the MC Road. Turn right at the junction if you are coming from Kochi and from there follow the indications to reach the temple.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Contact
Malliyoor Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram Trust
Manjoor (PO), Kuruppanthara,
Kottayam District, Kerala, India
Pin: 686 603
Ph: +91–4829–243455, 04829–243465
Mobile: 9946407271
For general information: info@malliyoortemple.com, malliyoor@gmail.com
For official enquiries: administrator@malliyoor.com, administrator@malliyoortemple.com
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Nearby temples
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Visit the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, considered to be the oldest temple in the state of Kerala! The temple lies 20 km away from Malliyoor and can be reached by hiring a cab. The temple is believed to be worshipped by the Pandavas and Sage Vyasa in the ancient days. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for its magnificent 16th-century murals, beautiful frescos and excellent wood carvings. All these are based on the classic epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
One of the oldest and most reputed temples dedicated to Lord Shiva! Known as the Kashi of the South, thousands of devotees visit the Vaikom Shiva Temple throughout the year. The temple lies 20 km away from the Malliyoor temple and can be reached by hiring a Taxi. It is said if a devotee prays at all three Mahadeva temples of Vaikom, Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanoor all his wishes will be fulfilled. The prayers should be done on the same day before Ucha Pooja (Noon Pooja).
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple
A visit to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Kerala, the Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is a must-have in your pilgrimage tour of Kerala! Located in Kaduthuruthy, 9 km away from Malliyoor temple, the divine Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, the main idol of the temple was installed on the same day as the Vaikom & Ettumanoor Shiva Temples.
Keep reading: Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple; The legendary temple of Kerala!
Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy Temple
Invoke the blessings of Devi Bhagavathy at the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple just 20 km away from Malliyoor Temple! With Bhagwathi- the mother Goddess as its main deity and Goddess Katyayani presides in the temple complex in five different forms – Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvathi, Durga and Vana Durga. The temple is considered as one of the most important among the 108 Durgalayas (Devi temples) spread across Kerala. The Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy Temple is believed to be an equivalent of Madhura Meenakshi Temple by the devotees.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Lord Shiva blesses his ardent devotees at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, a famous temple which is symbolic of Kerala Temple architecture. Established in the 16th century by the King of Thekkumkoor, the temple is adorned with several beautiful murals. The temple is located 23 km away from Malliyoor temple and can be reached by hiring a cab. Devotees and tourists throng to the temple in large numbers during Aarattu, the annual festival.
Places to visit nearby Nadukani
An excellent opportunity to experience natural beauty! Located at an elevation of around 3000-feet above sea level, Nadukani is a breath-taking viewpoint in the Nadukani hills covered by dense tropical vegetation and inhabited by colourful birds. Nadukani is 60 km away from Malliyoor and hiring a car would be the best way to reach it. Trekking is popular here to experience the scenic surroundings. Just make sure to carry your camera along!
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Welcome to the bird-watchers paradise! The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is a breath-taking tourist spot located 23 km away from the Malliyoor temple. The picturesque Kumarakom bird sanctuary is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala. Several native and migratory bird species visit the sanctuary which is a favourite place of wildlife photography enthusiasts and bird watchers. You can spot different varieties of herons, cuckoos, owls, cranes, teals, and other bird species.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Pathiramanal Island
Be ready to be charmed by the captivating beauty of the Island of Pathiramanal lying 28 km from the Malliyoor temple. A picturesque island which is the natural abode to several bird species is settled in the centre of the Vembanad Lake. Do not miss out on this golden chance to spot wetland birds like Darter, Indian Shag, common teal, pintail duck etc.. The fastest way to reach the island will be to hire a taxi and then with a boat ride or backwater cruise on a House-boat.
Poonjar Palace
A sneak peek into the history of Kerala! The majestic Poonjar Palace 40 km away from Malliyoor Temple is one of the most attractive places to see in Kottayam. The palace is home to a variety of antiques and fascinating artefacts. You can see magnificent chandeliers, jewellery boxes, grand statues, weapons, and palm leaf engravings here. Hiring a cab is the easiest way to reach the palace.
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Situated 14 km from the Malliyoor temple, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum houses some of the most amazing collections of driftwood sculptures. It displays a variety of modern artefacts and root carvings created in various shapes and sizes. It is a great place to visit near the temple.
WhatsApp for free assistance or taxi booking now.
Comments