The form of Ganapati is visible in our eyes, long trunk, big ears, one tooth, small eyes. When we think of Ganesha, this is the form that comes to our mind, but do you know that there is also a temple where the male form of Ganesha is worshipped. In this temple, the head of Lord Ganesha is not of an elephant but of a human. Let us know where this temple is located and what is the story related to it.
Where is this temple located?
This temple, known as Vinayaka, is located in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. The special thing about this temple is that the head of Ganapati here is not that of a elephant but that of a human, hence this form of Gajanana is also known as Narmukh Vinayak. This idol of Lord Ganesha is made of granite stone. There is also a temple of Lord Shankar near this temple, which is known as Mukteshwar Temple.
What is the story of this temple?
The story is that once Mother Parvati was going to take bath, but there was no one to protect her at that time. He made an effigy of a child from the boil on his body, in which he took his own life and the effigy transformed into a living child. This is how Ganapati was born. At the time of birth, he had a human head and in this form he is worshiped in the Adi Vinayak temple. Mother Parvati goes to take bath after giving the responsibility of guarding the door to Vinayak. Then Lord Shankar comes there and Ganapati stops him from going inside. Angered by this, Lord Shiva cut off the head of Ganesha. When Mother Parvati comes to know about this, she also becomes very angry. Giving time till sunset, Lord Shankar says, ‘Whichever animal’s head is in the north direction, its head will be kept on the altar of Ganapati.’ At the same time an elephant was found who was sleeping with his head towards the north. The head of the same Gaja was placed on the body of Gauri Nandan and from then on he came to be known as Gajanan.
Beliefs related to this temple
It is said that once Shri Ram was performing Pind Daan of his ancestors. But those dead bodies were turning into insects. To find a solution to this problem he went to Lord Shiva, who advised him to go to Thiruvarur and worship him. When Lord Rama worshiped here, those four bodies transformed into four Shivalingas, which are today known as Mukteshwar Temple. Here people worship their ancestors for peace, they believe that Ramji’s ancestors got salvation here.
how to get here?
The journey from Chennai to Tiruvarur is 6-7 hours. Where you can reach by bus or train. After which you can go to Adi Vinayak Temple by taxi or bus.