THEUCHISHTA GANAPATHI TEMPLE, MANIMOORTHEESWARAMTIRUNELVELI- TAMILNADU-COMPILED
Dear friends, The Uchishta Ganapathi Temple near Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu is located in Manimoortheeswaramand is considered the largestUchishta Ganapathi temple in Asia. The presiding deity, UchishtaGanapathi, is one of the 32 forms of Lord Vinayaka, depicted with His trunk onthe naval of a woman, aform believed to grant child boons to devotees. The temple is around 900 years old. The Uchchishta Ganapathi is depicted on his left thigh with his consort Neela Saraswati (Neela Saraswati)resting on her stomach. The temple's theertham is called the Rishi Theertham Ghat ofthe Thamirabarni river. The Bhairava Theertham well is another highlight of thetemple. The Vanni tree and the palm tree are the sacred trees of the temple. Thetemple has been fully renovated a few years back. Today my posting is about this temple. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 2-09-2025 Introduction No matter which temple we visit in the world, we firstworship Lord Ganesha. There are only a few ancient temples with a very largeRajagopuram dedicated to Lord Ganesha . This Uchishta Ganapathi Temple is oneof those few temples. Do we want to achieve success in the task we have undertaken?Then worship Uchishta Ganapati. Uchishta Ganapati is the 8th form of the 32forms of Lord Vinayaka. Legend Once upon a time, a demon named Vidyakaran, thinking of Brahma, performed severepenance, so Brahma appeared before him. Vidyakaran requested to grant him a boon, and Brahmaagreed to grant him a boon. Vidyakaran requested that he should not die at all.As death is common to all ,Brahma told that he was ready to grant another booninstead. Demon asked to grant him to aboon that one who comes to kill him should fight him alone, withoutweapons, with his consort and win; only then would he die, and Brahma grantedhim the same boon. Since this was notpossible, Vidyakaran, who thought that there was no chance of his death, greatly distressed the gods. The gods, who were most affected by him,complained about him to the three deities, and due to the sacrifices of thethree deities, he appeared before Adiparasakthi, accepted their request, andcaused Ganapati, who emerged from the sacrifice, to appear. At the same time, Brahma also arranged for the marriage of UchittaGanapathi and Neela Saraswati to appear as his daughter from his sacrifice. On this occasion, the three deities informed Indra that ifVidyakaran was made to fight Uchista Ganapathi at this time, Vidyakaran's deathwould be certain, and so the arrangement was made. According to themythological story, Vidyakaran, who went to fight Uchitta Ganapathi, metUchitta Ganapathi when he was alone with Neela Saraswati, and while he wasunarmed and with his consort, he fainted and died due to theunbearable radiance of Uchitta Ganapathi. In this way, Uchistta Ganapathi is performing the samerituals here, in accordance with the request of the gods to bless everyone fromthis place along with Neela Saraswati. In detail- As per the advice of trinities ,the gods performed a huge yagna to destroy the demons, invoking Lord Vinayaka.Lord Vinayaka, who accepted their yagna, appeared from the fire of the yagna,resplendent with the brilliance of a billion suns. Similarly, on earth, as perthe advice of Brahma, all the sages led by Sage Padanga performed a yagna, and a power called Neelaveni emergedfrom the fire of the yagna. Then, they married Goddess Neelaveni toLord Vinayaka, who appeared from the fire. Now the three deities, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, call uponIndra, the leader of the gods, to summon Vidyakaran to battle. Similarly,Devendra also summons Vidyakaran to battle. Seeing this, Vidyakaran came to the battlefield with greatanger. When he arrived at the battle, Vinayaka was sitting with his wifeNeelaveni on his lap, hugging her with both his hands and placing his pen onthe lap of the Goddess. At that moment, Vidyakaran came there and disturbedher. The enraged Vinayaka, who was happy with his Goddess, stared at him withthe brilliance of a million suns, and Vidyakaran could not bear the impact ofthat light and was burned. Seeing Vidyakara's destruction, the gods showeredflowers from the sky and praised Vinayaka. As per the boon received by Vidyakaran, in the assembly ofdemons and gods, Lord Vinayaka kills Vidyakaran with his own gaze, withoutanyone's help, while holding his goddess in his lap. The sages who witnessedthis, requested Lord Vinayaka to sit near the Rishi Theertha on the banks ofthe Thamirabarani River , where they had performed the yagna, with the goddess Neelaveni on hislap, and to bless everyone. History tells us that Lord Vinayaka also built atemple there and blessed everyone accordingly. Architecture The temple has a huge compound wall. There is a long open space or a vacant areaafter the Tower to enter the Temple. AMoonjoor or a Mouse Idol which is a Vahanam of Lord Ganapathi is found next tothe Dwajasthambam and Bali Peetam and is a key attraction here. TheTemple also has a small Sub Shrine for God Nellaiappar. Out of the total 3prakarams, 16 types of Ganeshas have been installed in the prakaram surroundingthe main deity Uchishta Ganapathy. Thetemple is about 80 meters long. Its width is about 40 meters. The temple isspread over an area of about 1 acre. Temple structure: This temple is located in a peaceful environment on the banksof the Thamirabarani river. We cannot deny that the large, walls of this templereveal its former grandeur before our eyes. This temple presents a grandeurwith a five-tiered Rajagopuram, three courtyards, and eight halls. It is saidto be about 900 years old. When we enter the Rajagopuram, the outer area is spacious. Ifwe go inside through the entrance gate behind it, there is a flagpole, analtar, and the vehicle of Vinayar, Mushigam. After worshipping him, if we go tothe next hall, there is the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum facing east is seen with a mandapam infront of the shrine. In the sanctum, the deity named Vinayagar bestows graceupon the devotees. In the sanctum facing east, Lord Ganesha is depicted in aseated position with four arms, holding his goddess, Mother Neelaveni, in hislap, embracing her, and placing his palm on her lap. Nellaiappar is in a separate shrine in the front hall.Whilewalking around the inner courtyard, out of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha, thefirst 16 Ganapati are divided into 'Shodasa Ganapati' types and the next 16Ganapati are divided into 'Eka Vimsati' type. Out of them, 16 Shodasa Ganapatiforms have been installed. We can say that it is a privilege to see all theGanesha forms in one temple. And there is the shrine of Gandhimati Ammaiyar,and idols of Sage Patanjali, and SageVyakripada. Here, in the Chandikeshwarshrine, Lord Vinayaka himself appears as Chandikeshwar. Here, on the first day ofthe month of Chithirai, the rays of the sun fall on the deity UchishtaGanapathy in the early morning. If you walk around the outer courtyard of the temple, you cansee the sun, the moon, Kanni Ganapathi, Valli Deivanai Sametha Murugan, and thegolden sky Bhairava. Chief Deity Lord Vinayaka graces in the sanctum sanctorum with His trunkon the naval of a woman. A philosophy isattributed to this form. A woman feelsproud when she attains motherhood. Sheexpects the child to grow righteous and noble and obedient to parents. Devotees believe that worshipping Ganapthi inthis form will reward them with a child of stellar characters and totally freefrom fiendish traits. Other deities of thetemple There are 16 types of Ganesha shrines in this temple. Thereare also installation of venerable Nellaiappar, the venerableGandhimati Amman, the venerable Valli Deivanai Sametha, the venerableSubramaniar, the venerable Dakshinamoorthy, the venerable Chandikeshwarar andvenerable Kannimula vinayager. Idols Idols of the venerable Sorna Akarshana Bhairava, thevenerable Patanjali Munivar, the venerable Vyagrapadhar Munivar are also installed. Poojas Daily pujas at the Ucchista Ganapathi Temple include performingAbhishekam with sacred substances and offering new clothes (Vashtram) to thepresiding deity. The temple also conducts special pujas and Havan (firerituals) on auspicious days and during festivals like Vinayaka Chathurthi toinvoke divine blessings and mitigate doshas. Key Daily and Special Pujas: - Abhishekam: Priests ritually pour sacred liquids such as milk, water,honey, and ghee over the deity's idol to receive divine grace offered by devoteesor from the temple itself . - Offering Clothes (Vashtram): It is a common practice for devotees to offer new clothes tothe deity as a sign of respect and devotion. - Havan (Fire Rituals): Special fire rituals involving the chanting of mantras andmaking offerings to the sacred fire are performed to bring divine blessings andremove obstacles. - Festival Pujas: The temple celebrates VinayakaChathurthi withgreat fervour, conducting special pujas and festivities on this significantoccasion. | | | | Google Search | | | Devotional Aspects: - Specialized Worship: Ucchista Ganapathi is a powerful deity, and his worship isoften linked to Tantric practices, making him a powerful figure in overcomingobstacles. Special pujas are held on important days like ChaturthiTithi, Sangadahara Chaturthi, and the first day of every month. Festivals Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated every year for 10 days in themonth of Avani (Tamil), and the rare event of the sun shining on the deityUchishta Ganapathi on the first day of the Tamil New Year month Chithirai iscelebrated as a festival. Here, on the first day of Chithirai, the Tamil year, specialpoojas are performed along with Ganapati Homam. Early in the morning, the raysof the sun fall on the deity of this temple, Uchishta Ganapati. It is believed that the sun god worships Lord Ganesha on that day.Here, the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi in the month of Avani iscelebrated for ten days. Temple Specialties The temple is famousfor the rare event of the sun's rays falling on the main deity UchishtaGanapathy every year on the first day of the Tamil New Year (Chithirai month). Devotees seek thetemple Ganapathy is generally considered as a Brahmachari ( a personwho has taken a vow never to marry and to remain celibate) but here He isdepicted as embracing a Woman and this is explained that he is granting a ChildBoon to the Woman. Therefore Devoteeswho are Childless throng this Temple to have a kid and more often than nottheir wishes are fulfilled. Offering It is a practice herethat Devotees perform Abhishekam to the Presiding Deity in the SanctumSanctorum and offer new clothes or Vashtram to Him as a mark of respect. Temple Timings The temple is open for devotees from 8 am to 11.30 am andfrom 6 pm to 7.30 pm. Administration This temple is under the Hindu Religious EndowmentsDepartment of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Location The temple is located in Manimurtheeswaram village,Tirunelveli city, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, at a short distance fromthe banks of the Thamirabarani River. The Tirunelveli Junction Bus Stand is 3.5km from here and the Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station is about 4 km fromthe temple. Address: Uchishta Ganapathi Temple, New Bypass Road, Mahalingapuram,Thirunelveli-627001. Who is Ucchista MahaGanapathi? Ucchista Maha Ganapathi is a powerful, Tantric form of LordGanesha, considered the 8th among his 32 manifestations. His name suggests the utilization of residual power, or"leftovers," transforming them into spiritual energy. This deity is worshipped for overcoming obstacles, achievingsuccess in all endeavours, gaining knowledge, securing worldly pleasures, andfor protection against negative forces. Worship often involves Tantricpractices, rituals, and mantras, which are believed to yield immediate andtransformative results. Key Aspects Tantric Form: Ucchista Ganapati is a Tantric deity, a facetof Ganesha primarily associated with the Uchchhishta Ganapatya sect and Tantrictraditions. Symbolism of "Ucchista": "Ucchista" canrefer to "leftovers" or "remnants," symbolizing the divinepower to transmute residual spiritual or material energies into potent force. Overcoming Obstacles: He is revered for his ability todestroy obstacles (Vighnas) in all ventures, ensuring success in endeavors likecareer, wealth, and relationships. Mantra and Rituals:Worship involves specific mantras andTantric rituals designed to invoke his blessings and achieve desired outcomesrapidly. Manifestation of Desired Outcomes:Devotees believe thatproper worship of Ucchista Ganapathi can lead to instant manifestation,material abundance, and the fulfilment of goals. Protection: He is also invoked for protection againstnegative energies, black magic, and other ill effects. Benefits of Worship Success and Prosperity: Achieves successin all aspects of life and attracts financial gains and prosperity. Knowledge and Wisdom: Bestows knowledge, wisdom, and improvescommunication skills. Overcoming Karmic Blocks: Addresses and nullifies karmicblockages. Household Peace and Bliss: Leads to marital bliss, householdpeace, and can even help with fertility issues. Spiritual Powers: Bestows spiritual powers and activatesvital life forces. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/894552754.944545.1756800646769%40mail.yahoo.com.
