Rajaganapathy Temple, Salem
Sri
Rajaganapathy Temple is located at 1st Agraharam, one of the primary market
areas of the town near the Sugavaneshwarar temple and is always bustling. This
is a small but highly popular and powerful temple. It is a sub temple of Sugavaneshwarar
temple and both have a legend connection. As the Lord graces the devotees with
his royal appearance, He is named Rajaganapathy, (Ganapathy the King).
Legends
Many
attributes related to Lord Sugavaneshwarar such as Devas’ praying to Lord under
a Bodhi tree here, His graceful darshan granted to Adisesha and Cheraman,
helping the Kalinga king Hemangatha to get back his kingdom are attributed to
Lord Rajaganapathy also.
The
Temple
The
temple is about 2 km distance from bus stand and it is nearer to Sukvaneswarar
Temple, Salem Town. The temple is about 400 years old. Raja Ganapathy temple is
in busy street, the temple is one of the popular temples of Salem City. The Temple
is 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 Raja
Ganapathy. Kings considered the Lord as a force defending them from evils. As
the place was hilly with forests, it was then known as Shaila Desam. Shailam – Mount.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Poojas
Fees Structure
Name
|
Rs
|
Archanai
|
2.00
|
Abhishegam
|
50.00
|
Cycle (Pooja Fee)
|
5.00
|
Motorbike(Pooja Fee)
|
20.00
|
Auto(Pooja Fee)
|
50.00
|
Car(Pooja Fee)
|
100.00
|
Bus & Lorry (Pooja Fee)
|
200.00
|
Half sandal Alangaram
|
250.00
|
Full sandal Alangaram
|
500.00
|
Silver Kappu
|
750.00
|
Nithiya Ganapathy Homa Pooja
|
250.00
|
Velikavacham Sathupadi
|
500.00
|
Puthu Kanakku Pooja
|
50.00
|
Temple Book
|
10.00
|
Special Entrance
|
20.00
|
Festivals
Daily
pujas are performed from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. with abishek etc. On the
Chathurthi days, (fourth day from the new moon or full moon day) Ganapathi
Yagna and special pujas are followed regularly.
The 10
day Vinayaka Chathurthi 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 kavacham. The
Muthangi Seva on the 8th day is very famous.
Prayers
Those
who pray to Lord Rajaganapathy are blessed with children, material prosperity,
and cure from prolonged illness, removal of obstacles in marriage alliances,
wisdom and education. Devotees offer abishek and Vastras (clothing) to Lord
Rajaganapathy.
Connectivity
The
temple is in the heart of Salem at the first Agraharam in Car House (Theradi)
junction. Nearest Railway Station is located at Salem & Nearest Airport is
located at Trichy and Coimbatore.