Mahaganapathy Temple in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
The idol of this temple was once owned by the Travancore Nair Army based in Kalkulam, the capital of Venad. When the army was moved to Trivandrum, this idol was re-installed in Pazhavangadi by the Nair Army. When India gained independence, the Nair Army ceased to exist and the administration of this temple was taken over by the Indian Army in Pangode. The main offering is breaking coconuts. Devotees perform this offering to fulfill their desires or to ward off obstacles. In some cases, devotees offer coconuts before starting any new work or before the commencement of any ceremonies.
Facing the Mahaganapathy Temple is a large park known as "Putharikandam". Once there was a large paddy field in its place. The rice from this field was offered as "Naivedyam" to Sree Padmanabhaswamy. Putharikandam is a part of the legend and history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Now this park is used for political and social meetings, and for commercial exhibitions.
Next to the Ganapathy Temple is the city bus stand. Walk along the bus stand and you reach Gandhi Park and the road that leads to the Chala Market. Chala Market has been an important trading center for centuries. The bus stand ends in front of the gate of the East Fort. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located inside an extensive fort that has four main gates. Of these gates, the one at the East Fort is of great importance as it has witnessed many historical events. It was through this gate that the Maharajas conducted their traditional procession to Poojappura on Vijayadasami Day, riding in a gold chariot pulled by six white horses. Even today, during Navratri, idols from Padmanabhapuram, Kumarakovil, and Suchindram enter the fort through this gate. The gate at the West Fort is also important. It is through this gate that the idols are taken out for the Arattu festival. The Arattu festival is celebrated twice a year.
The Arattu Road that lies outside the West Fort leads to the seashore. On either side of it are located the Ammaveedu, the houses of the consorts of the Maharajas. The South Fort gate and the North Fort gate are located near the Sree Varahamoorthy Temple and Fort Government Hospital respectively. There is another gate near the North Fort gate that leads to the famous SreeKanteswaram Temple. This gate is called "Vetti Muricha Kotta Vaathil" and was built by the king to test the proficiency of an astrologer.
When you enter through the East Fort gate, you can see Padmatheertham, the well-known Methanmani, the entrance to KuthiraMalika Museum, and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
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