Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Ganesh Chowk Temple is a neighbourhood temple of Lord Ganesha on Rastrapathi Road in Timmarajupuram, in the old town of Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh. Standing at the busy junction that takes its name from the temple – Ganesh Chowk – it is a familiar landmark for the people of Tanuku, just a few minutes' walk from the railway station.
About the Temple
The temple's founding year and history have not been published. It is a town temple where residents, shopkeepers and travellers stop for a quick darshan of Lord Ganesha as they go about the day, and where many families come before beginning something new.
Lord Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles
Lord Ganesha, also called Vinayaka and Vighneshwara, is worshipped first before any new beginning – a new home, a new business, a journey or the start of studies. Devotees offer him modakams, undrallu, durva grass and coconuts and pray for the removal of obstacles from their path.
Festivals
- Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi) – the most important festival of the temple, celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August–September), when the whole town celebrates with Ganesh pandals.
- Sankashti Chaturthi – the fourth day after the full moon each month is especially sacred to Lord Ganesha, and many devotees fast and pray on this day.
Visitor Information
- Timings: darshan timings are not published; like most town temples it is usually open in the morning and evening. Please check locally before a special visit.
- Getting around: Rastrapathi Road is a busy main road; parking near the junction is limited, so walking or an autorickshaw is easiest.
- Etiquette: dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Train: Tanuku railway station is less than half a kilometre away.
- By Road: the temple is in the heart of Tanuku, which is well connected by APSRTC buses with Rajamahendravaram, Bhimavaram, Eluru and Vijayawada.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 53 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
Less than 1 km away is the Sri Kesava Swamy Temple, one of the Pancha Kesava Kshetras. Just outside Tanuku, about 2.5 km away, is the Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Palangi, whose Shiva Linga always rests under water. Devotees of Lord Ganesha also visit the famous Swayambhu Ganesha shrine at Kanipakam, and from Tanuku the Pancharama Kshetras at Palakollu and Bhimavaram are within easy reach.
