Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi Temple, dedicated to Lord Vigneswara, is nestled in Thazhuthala, a tranquil village located two kilometres north of Kottiyam Junction on NH 47, and ten kilometres south of Kollam city in Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country." This temple is renowned for the grand elephant procession known as "Thazhuthala Gajothsavam," an event on par with the famous Thrissur Pooram. Today, thousands of devotees visit Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi seeking liberation from the bonds of Karma and relief from the troubles of Kaliyuga. According to local lore, the idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered beneath a large banyan tree near the Desa Seva more Samajam Library and SNDP Shaga Mandiram about five decades ago. Those who gathered around the banyan tree decided to enshrine the idol nearby. A small structure was erected, and the idol was placed inside, where people began to worship it. It was later revealed that Sri. Paramu Panikkar, a railway employee, placed the idol there. The idol had been given to him by his senior officer. Though he initially kept it at home, he felt a strong inner calling to place the idol beneath the banyan tree near his house. After doing so, Panikkar led a reclusive and ascetic life and eventually left for Kasi in search of Moksha. For years, the idol remained there with small pujas conducted by locals. However, numerous hindrances, mishaps, and unfortunate incidents troubled the village, leading to a general sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction among the villagers. Seeking answers, they conducted a holy 'devaprasna' (astrological consultation), which revealed the presence of a powerful deity and suggested constructing a proper temple for Vinayaka. Regardless of religion, caste, or creed, the villagers united to build a suitable shrine for Maha Ganapathi. In 2000, marking the dawn of the new millennium, a grand puja was performed, and Vinayaka was consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum. Today, the omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient Thazhuthala Sree Maha Ganapathi Thampuran presides over the region, warding off all evils and obstacles, and bestowing solace and blessings upon all who seek his divine grace.