Sri Rajaganapathi Temple, Salem

The Rajaganapathi Temple is located in Salem and is dedicated to God Rajaganapathi. The temple is believed to have been constructed 400 years ago. Kings considered God Vinayaka as a force that would defend them from evils. Since the region was hilly with forests, it was then known as Shaila Desam. The famous Sugavaneswarar temple is situated very close to this temple. The temple is about 2 km away from the Salem bus stand and it is nearer to Sugavaneswarar Temple. Rajaganapathi temple is in a busy street and is one of the most popular temples of Salem City.

Temple History
Architecture
Daily Poojas And Festivals
How to Reach
Videos
Additional Information

This temple is an associate temple of Sri Sugavaneswarar Temple, Salem. Lord Sugavaneswara had blessed Sugabrammarishi the son of Ved Vyas. When a special car/ chariot was designed and made for Lord Sugavaneswara, Lord Ganapathi’s idol was also placed at the point where the car would start its ride. This Lord Ganapathi became famous due to his supreme powers in attracting devotees and removing their problems. Subsequently a separate temple was built for Lord Rajaganapathi in this place called Theradi. When Lord Sugavaneswara (Lord Shiva) is brought to the car for Vaikasi Visagam, it is for Sri Rajaganapathi that the first pooja would be performed. Lord Rajaganapathi is postured with Angusam, Pasam in his hands, with Abaya, Varatha mudras and with the Tusk in one hand and Modagam in the other hand. Like in other Ganapati Temples, the Mooshika (Rat) is not seen opposite to the Lord because here the Rajaganapathi is in a sitting posture on Mooshika.

Rajaganapathi Temple is a small one but noted for its glory. Ganesha in the sanctum is of medium size and every day he is seen with Raja Alankaram, hence the deity is known as Rajaganapthy. Sri Rajaganapathy temple was constructed 400 years back.

Daily pujas are performed from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. with abhishekam etc.

On the Chaturti days, (fourth day from the new moon or full moon day) Ganapathi Yagna and special pujas are followed regularly. The 10 day Vinayaka chaturti festival is grandly celebrated in the month of Avani (August-September). The third day will be the wedding festival. On the 10th day, the Lord is taken in procession in a flower-studded palanquin. Religious discourses are also organized this day. On the first day of the festival, Lord Ganapathy is dressed with golden kavachas. The Muthangi Seva on the 8th day is very famous.

Sri Rajaganapathi Temple, Salem

It is not a myth or aberration to speak about the great Lord and if you visit Salem never forget to come to the Sannithi of Sri Rajaganapathi and to seek his blessings. This temple is an associate temple of Sri Sugavaneshwara Temple in Salem and is located in Salem City Bus stand area and the specific place is called “Thermutti” or Theradi.

You can also perform special poojas and abhishekams to the Lord and there are group of devoted Archakas to perform the same with due devotion and bhakthi.