Description
The temple is located in the heart of Madurai city which is famous for its Meenakshi Amman temple. The temple moolavar name is Vinayagar and the history dates back to 500 years ago. Here the lord is called as Mottai Vinayagar which means the presiding deity has no head.
History
According to history the temple belongs to the period of pandya king Chandrasekara pandian who ruled Madurai in the year 1530 AD. Goddess Parvati consort of Lord Shiva created a boy for her security and named him as Ganapathy. She handed over the total security of the state to him. Devas who used to worship Lord Parvati, once visited the state of Parvati. As in charge of security Ganapathy refused to give permission to seek god's blessings. When they insisted on their point, fight erupted and Ganapathy drove them away Devas then took the matter to Lord Siva and sought his help to see Lord Parvati. Lord Siva responded to Devas request and came to meet Ganapathy. He had a talk with him and Ganapathy refused to obey his orders. The lord got angry and chopped Ganapathy head. On knowing about the incident Parvati pleaded with Lord Siva to give his son life for second time. Accepting the request of Parvati Lord Siva fixed the head of an elephant and made Ganapathy to the highest grade. He also ordered that the devotees must pray Ganapathy before they do anything or start anything new. This also applies to Lord Siva and is followed in all temples and all festivals of Hindu community.Later Ganapathy was made head of his Ganas means security force. Based on the incident the god in this temple appears without a head and called as Mottai Ganapathy.
Importance/Significance
The shop keepers in the area of this temple used to place their shop keys in front of this god before they open their office and shops. They are of firm belief that their business will grow with the blessings of Ganapathy. This main god in the temple is also called in the name of Vyapara Vinayagar means trader's Ganapathy. The tradition of placing two chits before starting a new business is still pursued by the traders in the area. Doctors around the temple offer coconuts to god before doing a surgery. Devotees offer Arugampu which means grass or leaves in Tamil; to perform certain rituals and many offer Vastras which means clothes.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Like in many temples of Tamil Nadu this temple has three kala Pujas. Many festivals and special Homams were conducted regularly by devotees. The main festival is Vinayagar Chathurthi which is celebrated in the Tamil Month of Avani (August and September) The temple is open to public from 6 AM in the morning to 10 PM in the evening. The temple is very near to Sri Meenakshi and Chokkanathar car shed. The temple is very close to railway station, airport and bus terminal. Accommodation is not a problem as many hotels and lodges available in the city and within your budget.
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