Uchishta Ganapathi Tirunelveli

Other Temples, Tirunelveli District

God

Uchishta Vinayaka, facing east

Goddess

None

Other Deities

Outer Prakaram – Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Swarna Akarshana Bhairava, Suryan, Chandran. Inner Prakaram – Nellaippar, Gandhimathi, Sage Pathanjali, Sage Vyagrapadar. Around the sanctum sanctorum – Kushi Vinayaka, Haridra Vinayaka, Swarna Vinayaka, Vijaya Vinayaka, Arka Vinayaka, Guru Vinayaka, Santhalakshmi Vinayaka, Heyramba Vinayaka, Sakthi Vinayaka, Sankatahara Vinayaka, Durga Vinayaka, Runaharana Vinayaka, Vallabha Vinayaka, Sidhdhi Vinayaka, Veera Vinayaka, Sarvasakthi Vinayaka

Uchishta Ganapathi Tirunelveli is a large east-facing temple beautifully situated on the banks of the Tamiraparani River. A large 5 tiered Rajagopuram is at the entrance in the east. This is followed by a large courtyard. A gateway leads into the outer Prakaram. The inner Prakaram around the main deity is particularly important as it has 16 forms of Vinayakas installed. The main deity, Uchishta Ganapathi, is a large idol.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Tamiraparani

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Uchishta Ganapathi Tirunelveli is an old temple. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Uchishta Ganapathi is a form of Vinayaka who is the primary deity of Uchishta Ganapatya Sect, one of the 6 schools of Ganapatya who consider Lord Vinayaka (also called Ganesha, Ganapathi, Vigneswara, and a host of other names) as the Supreme God. The Uchishta Ganapatya Sect follows left-handed tantric rituals and disregards the caste system. Uchishta Ganapati is considered to be an impure form (with leftover food in the mouth and other aspects) by other sects.

Directions

Uchishta Ganapathi Tirunelveli is about 3.5 kilometers from Tirunelveli railway station. In the north Bypass road, after crossing Tamiraparani River, take a right and go for about 600 meters to reach Uchishta Ganapathi Tirunelveli temple. There are two approaches and both are not too good to drive.

Stay and Food

Tirunelveli has many hotels and restaurants across all tiers.

Other Temples

Uchishta Ganapathi, Tirunelveli