Lord Ganesha, our foremost deity with an elephant head, blesses us with wisdom and prosperity at every beginning. He can be seen in every part of the country, even in street corners, as he protects us from obstacles. In the vibrant spiritual landscape of Tamil Nadu, the Adhi Vinayagar Temple or Muktheeswarar temple in Koothanur holds a mystical and unique place. Also known as Naramuga Vinayagar, this shrine is dedicated to a rare and ancient form of Lord Ganesha with a human face—a form few have seen, but one that resonates deeply with history and divine symbolism.
A Glimpse into the Divine Past
Long before he was known as the elephant-headed remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha was a radiant human child created by Goddess Parvati. When Lord Shiva, unaware that this boy was his own son, returned home and was denied entry, his anger led to a tragic beheading. Moved by Parvati’s grief, Lord Shiva replaced the head with that of an elephant, thus giving rise to the beloved form we all know today.
However, in Koothanur, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in his earliest avatar — the form before the elephant head. Aptly known as “Naramuga Vinayagar” (Naram – Human, Muga – Face), this ancient idol stands as a powerful symbol of mythology and divine grace.
Why This Temple is Truly Unique
Nestled near the sacred Thilagapathi Temple is a rare and powerful shrine dedicated to an extraordinary form of Lord Ganesha—Aadhi Vinayagar. This unique idol stands apart, as Ganesha is portrayed without his iconic trunk (thumbikkai), with his right leg hanging down, his left leg bent, his left hand resting on his knee, and his right hand raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a divine gesture of protection. This form is not seen anywhere else in the world. The temple's sanctity is further elevated by the belief that Sage Agastya Rishi visits on every Sankatahara Chaturthi to worship this divine form in both physical (sthoola) and subtle (sookshma) manifestations.
In addition to its connection with Ganesha, the temple is also revered as a Devara Sthalam, praised in the Devaram hymns and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the seven most auspicious sites—alongside Varanasi, Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvenkadu, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam, and Thilatharpanapuri—where performing Pitru Tarpanam (ancestral rites) is considered highly beneficial. What makes this temple even more exceptional is its deep connection to Lord Rama. At this very temple, Lord Rama performed Tarpanam for Dasharatha, offered the pindams in reverence to Mother, Father, Guru, and God, and they miraculously transformed into Shiva Lingams. This blend of mythological significance, divine energy, and rare iconography makes the Aadhi Vinayagar Temple a truly exceptional spiritual destination.
Special Worship and festivals
Maha Shiva Ratri and Ganesha Chathurthi are the main festivals organized in this temple.
Every Thursday, special pujas are conducted for Adhi Vinayagar, drawing devotees from near and far. The temple’s origins are said to predate the 7th century, cementing its place as one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest Ganesha temples.
Address: Sethalapathy, Poonthottam P.O, Nannilam Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu 609503
Temple Timing: Temple opens from 7:00 AM to 12:45 PM, and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.