Dedicated to Lord Vinayaga, also known as Lord Ganesha, Eachanari Vinayagar temple in Coimbatore is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of its kind. The temple holds great significance and is considered to be housing a huge idol of Lord Vinayaga. The importance of the Vinayagar temple can be understood by its history.
Legend of Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
As per the epic, the idol that the temple currently houses was brought down to be installed at Perur Patteeswarar temple in the vicinity. However, the wheel of the cart, which was carrying the idol, got stuck and could not be moved. The locals took this as a signal of the Lord, consecrating the idol at the very spot of the present-day temple. This historical incident happened back in 1500 AD.
Architecture of Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
This Coimbatore temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which can be seen all around South India. The top rises in layers with motifs, and images of Hindu gods, goddesses, and sacred animals inscribed on it as per tradition.
Deity of Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
The deity’s face in Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is black with a tilak on the forehead. The idol rises to a height of 6 feet and is 3 feet in diameter.
#FunFact: Eachanari Vinayagar Temple’s deity was gilded in 2004.
History of Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
The temple’s first sacred consecration, or kumbhabhishekam was done in 1977. The second and last was in 1990. Later, a special kumbhabhishekam was done in 2004 in which Lord Vinayaga’s idol was wrapped with gold plating to give a more striking look. Before this, in 1998, the trustees donated a golden chariot to Eachanari Vinayagar Temple.
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple Festivals
Truly a sacred shrine for the Hindus, the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple in Coimbatore is a must-visit during Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi, the prime festival at the renowned temple, is celebrated for ten days. At such an auspicious time, the temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims from all over the state. Other festivities at Eachanari Vinayagar temple which must not be missed are Tamil New Year’s day, Deepavali, Pongal, Saraswati Pooja, and Karthigai Deepam.
Pooja Timings at Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
The daily Ganapathi Homam, or the sacred fire ritual, is the main attraction that lures devotees from near and far. To perform this ritual, a devotee has to give INR 15,000 in the temple’s bank account, which is then utilized for the Homam throughout the year, as requested by the devotee. In addition, the chariot procession around Eachanari Vinayagar Temple Coimbatore takes place daily.
- Ganapathy Homam – 5:30 AM
- Moolavar (deity) Abishegam – 6:30 AM
- Alangaram – 7:30 AM
- Utchikala Poojai – 12:00 PM
- Annadhanam – 12:15 PM
- Abishegam – 6:30 PM
- Thanga Thear (chariot procession) – 7:15 PM
Pooja Tickets
There are different prices for tickets to witness each event in the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple.
- Ganapathy Homam – INR 1500
- Drawing the chariot – INR 1600
- Gold Kavasam Alangaram – INR 750
- Special Entrance – INR 10
- Abhishegam – INR 10/ INR 900
- Milk Abhishegam – INR 150
- Archana – INR 2