The Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple, also known as Arulmigu Munthi Vinayagar Temple, is one of Coimbatore’s most revered Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha. What started as a small shrine near the Puliakulam Mariamman Temple grew into a grand temple in 1982 when the Devendra Kula Trust built a larger temple to honour Lord Ganesha.
Today, this temple is especially famous for housing Asia’s largest single-stone Ganesh idol, making it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark for devotees and visitors alike.
Temple Architecture and the Ganesha Statue
The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style, showcasing majestic gopurams (gateway towers) and intricately carved pillars. Yet, its most remarkable feature is the massive granite idol of Lord Ganesha in the sanctum.
This idol, carved from a single flawless rock quarried at Uthukuli, stands 19–20 feet tall, 11 feet wide, and weighs nearly 190 tonnes. The work was a labour of love by 21 skilled sculptors, who spent six years shaping it. Finding the perfect stone required digging a 20-foot-deep pit, and transporting the statue to the temple took 20 days of careful effort using wooden rollers and strong ropes.
The idol is seated on a lotus pedestal, with its trunk turned to the right, symbolizing power and prosperity. In his four hands, Lord Ganesha holds:
- An ivory tusk (symbolizing the writing of the Mahabharata),
- An ankusha (goad),
- A jackfruit,
- A whip.
Additionally, the Amrit Kalash (pot of nectar) rests on his trunk, representing wealth and blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. The idol’s details, from its ornaments to its shining eyes, leave devotees in awe of its divine presence.
Unique Traditions and Stories
The story of the idol’s creation and installation is one of the temple’s most fascinating aspects. From discovering the flawless rock to carving and transporting the 190-tonne statue, it is remembered as a remarkable achievement in devotion and craftsmanship.
The idol’s right-turning trunk is believed to carry immense power. Devotees also notice the serpent Vasuki carved around Ganesha’s waist, along with the lotus at his feet – all carrying deep symbolic meanings.
One unique tradition before Ganesh Chaturthi is the complete cleaning of the shrine and removal of old decorations, preparing the Lord’s abode for the grand festival. Another special aspect is that priests do not charge for prayers on regular days, emphasizing devotion over monetary gain.
Major Festivals Celebrated
The temple comes alive during festivals, especially Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) in August–September. On this occasion, the giant idol is decorated with raja-alankaram (royal adornments of garlands, jewels, and silk). The celebration begins with an elaborate abhishekam in the morning, followed by 10 days of devotional music, sermons, and festivities.
Another major event is Tamil New Year (Chithirai Kani) on April 14th. The temple is beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers, symbolizing fresh beginnings. Special offerings are made, and the donated food is distributed as prasadam to devotees.
The temple also observes Sankatahara Chaturthi every month, where devotees fast and pray in the evening for Ganesha’s blessings to remove obstacles and hardships
Daily Rituals and Pooja Timings
Each day begins with a sacred abhishekam (ritual bath) to the idol before dawn. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, coconuts, and prayers throughout the day, as Lord Ganesha is believed to bless those starting new ventures. The sanctum is always alive with mantras, incense, and lamps lit by priests.
Temple timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry is free, and visitors can receive prasadam during darshan. Special poojas are performed for weddings, blessings, and personal prayers. Sankashti Chaturthi, observed every month, is an important day when special rituals are held in the evening.
Address:
Pankaja Mills Rd, Ramasamy Nagar, Puliakulam, Coimbatore 641045.
The Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of faith, tradition, and Tamil culture. From its awe-inspiring single-stone Ganesha idol to its vibrant festivals, the temple offers both spiritual peace and cultural richness.
Whether you join the grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations or offer a quiet daily prayer, this temple leaves every devotee with a sense of divine grace and the blessing of Lord Ganesha.
