Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is a centuries-old temple in Kottarakkara, Kollam district, Kerala. The shrine is traditionally known as Kizhakkekara Siva Kshetram, with Shiva as the principal deity, yet the Ganapathy installation became so revered that the temple is popularly identified with Mahaganapathy. DTPC Kollam associates the Ganapathy idol with the legendary master craftsman Perumthachan and highlights unniyappam as the temple's famous offering.

Kottarakkara also occupies an important place in Kerala's performing-arts history, and local tradition connects the temple setting with the early development and performance of Kathakali's predecessor forms. Visitors encounter an active place of worship rather than simply a monument, so temple customs, dress expectations and ritual spaces should be respected. Its central location makes the temple easy to combine with other heritage and hill attractions around Kottarakkara while offering a strong introduction to Kollam's religious and cultural traditions.