Malliyoor Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple

Historical and specialty information for this listing.

History

The history of Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple is believed to date back nearly 1500 years to the pre-Perumal era of Kerala. Historical traditions mention that the temple was once maintained by ancient Brahmin families including Aryappally Mana and Vadakkedam Mana, which later became associated with the Malliyoor family. Though the temple experienced periods of decline due to time and natural conditions, it regained prominence through the efforts of Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri during the 20th century. His Bhagavatha Sapthahams and spiritual teachings attracted thousands of devotees from all over India, making Malliyoor one of the most spiritually significant Ganapathy temples in South India today.

Remarks

The temple is closely associated with the great spiritual scholar Brahmasree Bhagavathahamsam Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri, whose lifelong devotion and continuous recitation of Srimad Bhagavatham transformed the temple into a major spiritual centre in Kerala. Devotees believe that worship at Malliyoor removes obstacles, grants wisdom, prosperity, peace of mind, and relief from the sufferings of Kaliyuga. The temple is especially famous for offerings like Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam, Mukkutti Pushpanjali, Udayasthamaya Pooja, and Palpayasam Vazhipadu.

According to temple legends, centuries ago a saintly Brahmin brought the Ganapathy idol from a sacred pilgrimage centre in North India and installed it at Malliyoor. Over time, the temple fell into neglect and lost its former glory. Later, Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri began daily recitation of Srimad Bhagavatham in front of the deity with complete surrender to Lord Guruvayoorappan. Through his intense devotion and spiritual practices, devotees believe the divine presence of Mahavishnu merged into the Ganapathy idol, resulting in the rare form of Vaishnava Ganapathy — Lord Ganesha carrying little Krishna on His lap while listening to Bhagavatham. This divine form symbolises wisdom, devotion, and the transmission of spiritual knowledge to future generations.

Manjoor, Kottayam, Kerala, India