One of the famous Lord Ganapathi temple is situated in Indianoor, near Kottakal, of Malappuram district. Although the presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the importance is given to the sub-deity Lord Ganapathy. It is believed that the Lord Ganapathi was consecrated by the holy mad, Naranathu Branthan. It is also said that the idol was spitted out by Naranathu Branthan from his mouth just before the consecration.
The temple has Lord Mahavishnu facing the East inside circular sanctum sanctorum and considered to be the oldest of all, Lord Siva facing the East. Behind Shivalinga, there is a wooden idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, with Goddess Parvathy holding Lord Subrahmania after a bath. The idol is about six feet. The holy water flowing from the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Shiva is being worshipped as 'Ovungal thiruthali' here. On the side, there is a lamp (which is to be seen through a small hole) where Lord Subrhamania was given bath by Goddess Parvathy.
Another important fact about this temple, is that Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, is seen outside the main temple, and the main entrance to this temple is closed. Legend says that Lord Shiva got angry with Nandi and ordered him to sit outside and closed the door. The door is open only on yearly consecration ceremonial day otherwise the entrance is through Lord Vishnu or Lord Ganapathi temples.
The Lord Ganapathi temple is towards the west of Lord Shiva temple and facing the South. Between this temple and the Shiva temple, there was a little shake once which was fixed by pushing a chisel by none other than Perumthachan, the legendary carpenter, which was seen there till a few years back according to the lores.
The temples are more than 1500 years old and were reconstructed between 917 and 947 AD. It is heard that during the reconstruction, all the prominent members related to temple had assembled and did 'Abhisheka' for the deity, but Naranathu branthan, the legendary holy mad, who was also supposed to be present for the ceremony, did not reach there on time, and hence an Abhisheka pot was separately kept for him. When he reached, he performed 'Abhisheka' not on the deity, but on a picture in the wall and hence, this is called as Chitrathil Ganapathy and a lamp is kept there behind the idol.
However, the mural is not very clear these days. It is said that the deities prefer calmness and serenity, hence festivals or any such celebrations are not conducted in this temple. Outside the Lord Ganapathi temple is a raised area, where deities like Lord Vettakorumakan, Lord Ayyappa and Serpent-Gods are insalled. Ottappam is the important offering in this temple. Offerings such as 101 nazhi, Mangalya pooja etc. are also done in this temple. This temple is owned by the Kizhakke Kovilakam family.
