Also known as: Ganesha, Pillaiyar, Vinayaka, Ghanapathy, Vigneshwara, Lambodhara, Vignarajah
- Lord Ghanapathy is the eldest son of Lord Shiva. He is the God of wisdom and the Remover of obstacles. All Hindus pray to Him before they start anything new
- Lord Ghanapathy has the head of an elephant, body of a man, and a small mouse as His vehicle, to represent that He is the Lord of all beings.
Where in the temple?
- He is situated in our moolasthanam (sanctum sanctorum), and in several other parts of the temple, in different forms
Main festivals celebrated in the temple
- Monthly Festivals:
- Ganesha Chathurthi
- Sankatahara Chathurthi
- Annual Festivals:
- Mahotsavam / Thiruvilzha (Summer Festival)
- Maambalzha Thiruvilzha
- Pillaiyar Kathai / Vinayaka Viratham (Laksharchanai)
- Vinayaka Chathurthi / Aavani Chathurthi
- Pancha Ganapathi
- Ghanapathy Homam
Associated songs / slokams
- Vinayaka Agaval (Auvaiyar)
- Om Sri Maha Ganadhi Pathaye Namaha,
- Ganaanaam Twa Ghanapathihim
- Ainthu Karathanai, Piddiyathan Uruvumai (Thirumurai)
- Thirupugal: Kaithalal Niraikhani, Umbartharu, Pakkarai
- Vinayakane, Thiruvaarkum
- Paalum Thalithenum (Auvaiyar)
- Ganesha Bajans – Temple versions (non-Sai) linked to temple bajan book
- Ganesha songs – Maha Ghanapathim, Gananaathane
How to pray
- Ghanapathy is worshipped first before the commencement of any function e.g. weddings, festivals, the beginning of education, moving into a new house etc.
- Arugampul grass is used for His worship
- Thorpukaranam and Kutti kumbuduthal
- Japa – silent meditative repetition of the mantra – Om Gam Ganapathaye Namaha
- Singing of songs to Lord Ganesha