Prasanna Maha Ganapathy Temple, Chathapuram, has an intriguing history tied to the late C.S. Swaminatha Pattar Kariakar's great-grandfather, Krishna Pattar. Krishna Pattar deeply desired a standing idol of Lord Ganapathy in Panchaloham for his daily pooja. Upon conveying his wish through trusted servants, a skilled idol maker was brought to his presence. The designated workspace was set in the backyard amidst coconut, mango, and jackfruit trees, bathed in sunlight and surrounded by water. The diligent idol maker commenced his work, labouring until midnight to craft a Vigraham of exquisite beauty, substantial weight, and closed eyes. Proud of his creation, the idol maker, considering the deity as
more Gnanamoorthy, invited Krishna Pattar to inspect the work. Upon reaching the spot, it was revealed that the idol's eyes remained closed, and the maker sought opinions before handing it over. Upon seeing the Lord, Krishna Pattar prostrated before Him, expressing a desire to keep his eyes closed as he perceived the deity as Gnana Santha Sowmya Prasanna Maha Ganapathy. Krishna Pattar adorned the idol with sandal paste, Tilakam, and rich silk clothing, placing a garland around its neck. He then took the Lord to his home, where others marvelled at the beauty of their revered deity, offering coconuts and plantains as tokens of devotion. A peculiar incident occurred at the yearly car festival of Kalpathi Viswanatha Swamy. On the final day, despite the efforts of two elephants and the people, the Rath (chariot) carrying Viswanatha Swamy refused to move. In a moment of inspiration, an elderly villager urged the presence of Vigneshwara to resolve the situation. Shortly after, two servants of Krishna Pattar arrived, reporting a possible theft in the granary. Rushing to the scene, they discovered the Lord covered by grains at the bottom of the granary. After applying sandal paste, adorning the Lord, and dressing Him in silk, Krishna Pattar brought Ganapathy on his shoulders to the Rath's location. Astonishingly, upon the meeting of Lord Viswanatha Swamy and Lord Ganapathy, the Rath moved effortlessly to its destination without the need for elephant assistance. Thus, the divine presence of Maha Ganapathy showcased its remarkable power. During the era of Krishna Pattar, the village, consisting of 60-70 houses facing East and South, was relatively small. Pattar, envisioning the temple as a sanctuary of peace, constructed it to face South and installed the Panchloha Vigraham as Utsavar in the Ghabhagaham. Late Sri C.S. Swaminatha Pattar Kariakar, the great-grandson of Sri Krishna Pattar and the last Diwan (Kariakar) for the Zamurrin of Calicut in the 20th century played a pivotal role in expanding the temple's property, valued at about 2 lakhs then, as BRAHMASWAM. As the head manager, he accumulated wealth and organized various religious events, including Chathurthies, Varams, Vilakku Mukhiyal, and a ten-day yearly car festival. Additionally, he established a Satram (choultry) in Mankara to provide sustenance to travellers and the needy. After his passing in 1939-1940, the management of Brahmaswam passed to the immediate senior and continued in subsequent generations. When the Kerala government asserted its authority, taking possession of paddy fields and farms, they provided compensation yearly, albeit meagre, to cover expenses. Despite these challenges, the car festival and other events continued on a reduced scale. In a divine turn of events, large-scale Kumbhabhisheka celebrations took place in 1987 and 2001. In 2015, on May 28th, the PRATHISHTADINA Mahotsavam and POORNABHISHRKAM unfolded, accompanied by daily GANAPATHY HOMAMS for a week. This significant event was the result of a Deva Prasnam conducted around 1925. At that time, the village, with its 60-70 houses, was grappling with epidemics such as Smallpox and Cholera, causing suffering and casualties. To seek guidance, scholars in astrology conducted a Deva Prasnam in front of the Deity (Moolavar). The astrologers determined that the hardships were a consequence of lapses in Abhishekam, Neivedyam, and other rituals. To avert further challenges and create a secure, fear-free environment, the astrologers recommended the annual conduct of ASHTBHANDHANA MAHA KUMBHABHISHEKAM for the Moolavar on Edavam 14th. This tradition has been faithfully followed ever since. In 2015, on May 28th, Krithika Day, the PRATHISHTADINA MAHOTSAVAM, featuring SAHASRADHARA and POORNABHISHRKAM, was conducted. The Lord was immensely pleased, and a divine sign manifested as the scorching sunlight transformed into cloudy skies, blessing the surrounding villages with a torrential downpour for nearly three hours at dusk. Such was the sanctity and divine grace bestowed by the Abhishekams.