Changanassery - Vazhapally Ganesaya Nama

Vazhappally Sree Mahadeva Temple is located at a distance of 1.5 km noth of Changanasserry town in Kottayam district and is one of the 108 Shiva temples constructed by Lord Parasurama. Lord Mahaganapathy is given prominence in this temple. 

According to lores, it is believed to be reconstructed during the period of first ruler of Chera Dynasty. Since this is one of the ancient temples, the exact period of installation of Lord Shiva is not known.

The main idol of Lord Shiva faces east (normally Shiva idols facing east represent Lord Shiva in a pleasant form), while Lord Dakshinamoorthi (a form of Shiva who is worshipped as lord of all knowledge) and Lord Ganapathy faces south. Goddess Parvathi faces west in the same circular sanctum of Lord Shiva. Separate shrines are there for Lord Saastha and Bhramma Rakshas. The other deities installed in this temple are Nagaraja, Nagayakshi and Nandikeswar (the bull of Shiva). The presence of Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Parasurama is also seen in the temple.

Vazhappally temple is historically important and contains some lithic records of the reign of Rajasekhara Varma Kulasekhara (820 - 844 AD) besides some fine 17th century wood en carvings depicting figures from epics. The Vattezhuttu inscription on the northern part of the base of the cultural shrine indicates that the repairs were completed in AD 1665.

In ancient period, this temple had 54,000 para paddy fields. The soldiers of Chembakasseri Raja killed a person of Changazhimuttom family of Kuttanadu who has gone there to measure the Paatta Nellu (a measure of quantity of raw rice existed at that time) of Devaswom at Venattukara field. He is installed as a Bhramma Rakshas in this temple. In order to satisfy the Bhrahmma Rakshassu, a Kazhumaram (where people are being hanged) was made in front of the Rakshassu Shrine and the prathiroopam (dummy) of Chembakasseri Raja was hanged.

The Raja gave the pooja items for Pantheeradi pooja to the temple as a mark of his repentance. The Raja also has appointed the members of Thiruvenkitapuram Warriam as the heir of “Pantheeradi Choru” (meals just before noon).

It is also believed that the Shiva worshiped at Vazhapally temple was of Neelamperoor temple. The legend behind this concept is that Chera Raja Pallibaana Perummal, a follower of Buddha, when de-throwned by the Hindu Bhattas following a defeat in argument, reached Neelamperoor. The news came to the ears of the potties of pathillams (brahmins of ten families) viz. Chengazhimuttam, Kainikkara, Eravimangalam, Kunnithidasserry, Athrasserry, Kolencherry, Kizhangazhuthu, Kannancherry, Thalavana etc.), that perumal is going to install his personal idol at Neelamperoor. Pathillathil Pottis run with the idol of Lord Shiva of Neelamperoor and installed it later at Vazhappally.

Painkuni festival, Mudiyeduppu and Shivaratri are celebrated in this temple. Although it is a Shiva temple, like in Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy temple, Lord Ganapathy is given importance. Lord Ganapathy shrine is situated within the compound walls of Mahadeva Temple. 

Mahaganapathy appam called as Oattappam, Unniyappam, Modakam, Vadamala, Ashtadravya Mahaganapathy Homam and Mukkutti Pushpanjali (Mukutti is a kind of shrub) are the main offerings. This temple has a flag mast in front of Lord Ganapathy also.

The ten day annual festival is in the month of Meenam (March-April) which begins with Kodiyettu (hoist of flag) on Chathayam day and ends with Aarattu (holy bath) on Thiruvathira day. Vinayaka Chathurthi is also celebrated here in a grand style. The temple is managed by Travancore Devaswom board.