Mani Moorteeswaram Uchchhishta Ganapati - The Largest Temple of Ganesha

When you think of renowned Ganesha temples, places like Mumbai's Siddhi Vinayak temple, Puducherry's Manakkula Vinayaka, or Trichy's Uchchi Pillayar temple might come to mind. When contemplating ancient Ganesha sculptures, Pillayarpatti Ganesha and various cave shrines might be on your list. If you're picturing colossal Ganesha sculptures, Munthi Vinayaka in Coimbatore or the one in Thailand's Ganesh International Park might stand out. However, have you ever pondered which temple dedicated to Ganesha is the largest in terms of size? If you guessed Pillayarpatti, you're mistaken. Technically, it's a Shiva temple where Ganesha has gained immense popularity. The largest Ganesha temple is located in Tirunelveli, and this article will delve into its magnificence.

Ganesha is inseparable from the religious landscape. He can be found in Shiva, Shakti, and Subramanya temples, and even in a few Vishnu and Grama Devta shrines. India, and even places beyond its borders, abound with countless roadside and smaller Ganesha temples. However, the Mani Moorteeswara temple, situated 6 km from Tirunelveli, stands out as unique. It belongs to the Ganapatya sect, which venerates Ganesha as the supreme deity.

Originally named Moorteeswara, a fascinating tradition was followed in this temple during ancient times. The rituals commenced only upon hearing the bell tolling from Tirunelveli's Nellaiyappar temple. In the Tamil language, "Mani" signifies a bell. Consequently, over time, the deity came to be known as Mani Moorteeswara, and the village itself was named Mani Moorteeswaram in his honor.

This temple boasts several distinctive features. Covering an expansive one-acre area, adorned with a five-tiered Raja gopuram and three spacious prakaras, along with numerous mandapas, it holds the distinction of being the largest Ganesha temple worldwide. While it's true that this claim may face some challenges, no one can dispute that it's the largest temple dedicated to Uchchhishta Ganapati, a tantric form of Ganesha. This form is typically found as a niche image or pillar carving. Additionally, within the temple's prakara, you'll encounter 16 different forms of Ganesha. Before delving further into the temple's intricacies, let's begin with some introductory insights.

To put it simply, Tantra is a set of practices and traditions that stand apart from the Vedic traditions. Both Vedic and Tantric paths are distinct approaches to understanding the ultimate reality. Uchchhishta Ganapati represents a Tantric facet of Lord Ganesha (Ganapati) and serves as the principal deity of the Uchchhishta Ganapatya sect, a significant branch of the Ganapatyas. Herambasuta, an influential figure, was closely associated with the Uchchhishta Ganapatya sect.

Various texts provide slightly differing explanations of the iconography of Uchchhishta Ganapati. In this temple, Ganesha is depicted in a seated posture with four arms. His upper arms hold an Ankusha (goad) and a Pasha (noose). In his lower right arm, he grasps a sugarcane, while his left arm affectionately encircles the waist of his consort, Neela Veni (also known as Neela Saraswati). The two-armed Devi, seated on the left lap of Ganesha, is smaller in size. Notably, Ganesha's trunk is turned to the left and touches the private part of Devi in a symbolic representation of their divine union.

According to the legend associated with this sacred site, there was once an Asura named Vidyakara who embarked on an arduous penance directed at Brahma. His fervent wish was to obtain the boon of immortality, but Brahma declined his request. Undeterred, Vidyakara devised a unique request: he should not be slain by any human or animal, nor by someone who sought assistance from Devas or Asuras. Additionally, he stipulated that his enemy should be with his consort when his demise occurred. Vidyakara believed this combination of conditions would render him invincible, and he began to torment the Devas and sages relentlessly.

In response to this dire situation, the Devas and Rishis sought the guidance of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Following their counsel, a grand yagna  was performed, from which Lord Vinayaka emerged. Simultaneously, under the leadership of Patanga Rishi, another yagna was conducted, giving rise to Neelaveni. Eventually, the divine union of Vinayaka and Neelaveni took place through their marriage.

When Devendra summoned Vidyakara for a confrontation, the enraged Asura advanced towards them. Witnessing Ganesha seated with his beloved consort, Vidyakara decided to trouble him. However, merely by casting his gaze upon Vidyakara, Ganesha unleashed a fiery power that consumed and obliterated the Asura.

Within a mere 500 meters, the tranquil waters of Tamilnadu's Tamraparani river flow, creating a serene and sacred ambiance around the temple. The temple itself features a five-tiered Raja gopuram, facing east, adorned with stucco images primarily depicting various forms of Ganesha. While the temple has undergone recent renovations, the fortress walls surrounding the temple complex are in a semi-dilapidated state. Notably, a considerable open space exists between the Raja gopuram and the Mukha mandapa area.

Based on its architectural characteristics, the temple is believed to have been constructed during the 12th or 13th century under the patronage of the Pandya Kings. Subsequent renovations and extensions were carried out during the Nayaka and later periods.

Much like the Tirunelveli Nellaiyappar temple, where the principal deity shares an adjacent sanctum with Nellai Govindan, this temple possesses its own unique feature. To the left of the Uchchhishta Ganapati sanctum, you'll find a separate sanctum dedicated to Nellaiyappar in the form of a Linga. Both sanctums are connected by the same antarala (vestibule), ardha mandapa (half-hall), and maha mandapa (grand hall).

Within the temple's prakara (enclosure), you'll encounter a diverse array of 16 different forms of Ganesha, each serving a distinct purpose:

1) Kushi Ganapati - For dispelling diseases - Seated with four arms.

2) Haridra Ganapati - To attract people - Seated with four arms.

3) Swarna Ganapati - To acquire wealth - Seated with four arms.

4) Vijaya Ganapati - To achieve victory - Seated with four arms.

5) Arga Ganapati - To alleviate Navagraha dosha - Seated with four arms.

6) Guru Ganapati - To seek the blessings of the Guru - Seated with four arms.

7) Santana Lakshmi Ganapati - For fertility and children - Seated with ten arms, holding Devi on the left lap.

8) Heramba Ganapati - To attain peace - Five heads and ten arms, with a lion as a mount.

9) Shakti Ganapati - For successful endeavors - Seated with four arms, with Devi on the left lap.

10) Sankatahara Ganapati - To overcome troubles - Seated with four arms, with Devi on the left lap.

11) Durga Ganapati - To dispel sorrow - Eight-armed, seated form.

12) Rinahara Ganapati - To clear debts - Four-armed seated form.

13) Vallabha Ganapati - Seated with four arms, with Devi on the left lap.

14) Siddhi Ganapati - For success in endeavors - Ten-armed seated form, with Devi seated on the left lap.

15) Veera Ganapati - For bravery - Ten-armed standing form.

16) Sarva Shakti Ganapati - For physical protection - Eight-armed seated form.

These diverse forms of Ganesha cater to various aspirations and needs of devotees, making the temple a sanctuary of spiritual blessings and guidance.

Uchchhishta Ganapati, in himself, represents one of the 32 distinct forms of Ganapati. It's worth noting that the previously mentioned 16 forms of Ganapati do not perfectly align with the 32 forms described in texts like the Mudgala Purana; there are some variations among them.

Furthermore, within the temple complex, you'll discover an array of shrines and deities. This includes Kanni Moola Ganapati, who stands larger than even the presiding deity, and the divine presence of Subramanya, Valli, and Devasena. The temple also houses a dedicated shrine for Svarna Akarshana Bhairava, accompanied by his divine consort. Additionally, you can admire exquisite sculptures depicting Surya and Chandra, along with the revered Dakshinamurti. An intriguing sight is Chandikeswara, depicted with an elephant head.

Notably, Kantimati resides in a separate shrine, facing south. The temple also boasts three Siddhas' jeeva samadhis, with Shiva Lingas installed alongside them. Two of them are named as Vyagrapada and Patanjali. The Rishi ghat of the Tamraparani river is considered as Sthala teertam. Additionally, there is a sacred well known as Bhairava teertam, located in front of Swarna Akarshana Bhairava, adding to the sanctity of the place.

As you step into the Mukha mandapa (front hall), you'll be greeted by imposing ancient pillars, tall and broad, adorned with intricate carvings that bear witness to the rich history and artistry of this sacred space. The tall flagstaff, bali peetha and a big Munjuru vahana are also found in the same mandapa.

In conclusion, the Uchchhishta Ganapati temple in Tirunelveli stands as a testament to the profound diversity and spiritual significance of Ganesha in his various forms. 

Happy travelling.