If you are looking for a place where you can feel the aura of Lord Ganesha and escape from the chaos of the city, then visit Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple in Coimbatore. This Temple, also known as Arulmigu Munthi Vinayagar Temple, is the most sacred Hindu temple in Puliakulam, Coimbatore. The temple is dedicated to the god Munthi Vinayagar, a form of Lord Ganesha. One reason this temple is the major attraction in Coimbatore is that it is Asia’s largest idol of Lord Ganesha, which is 20 feet tall and 11 feet wide. Read this article for all the information about Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple, and visit this place to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Overview Of Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple
Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is also called Mundhi Vinayagar Temple, one of the most popular temples in Coimbatore. Located in the Puliakulam district of Coimbatore, this temple has Asia’s largest idol of the deity Lord Ganesh at a height of 20 feet and a width of 11 feet. The sculptors who crafted the idol are said to have gone through an extensive search operation to choose the right stone.
The dedication and artistic skills of the sculptors can be seen in the majestic aura of the idol. This grand idol of Lord Ganesha makes this temple a major attraction in Coimbatore. The temple is nestled amidst the bustling main road yet provides a quick escape from the chaos. Devotees visit this temple in large numbers to absorb the divine power of the lord.
Must Read: Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
Historby Behind The Ganesha Idol Of Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple
The Idol of Lord Ganesha at Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple has a history- it was sculpted from a single massive rock by 21 highly skilled sculptors. The idol stands about 20 feet tall and is over 11 feet broad. During the temple’s construction, people searched for a flawless rock to sculpt Lord Ganesha’s idol and dug one from a 20-foot-deep pit. The sculpting work took about six years to complete, and once the sculpture was ready, the idol, which weighs around 190 tonnes, was relocated to the temple. It took about 20 days to relocate the sculpture using chains, a wooden platform on wheels, and ropes.
Lord Ganesha’s idol in Vinayagar Temple, Puliakulam, is seen sitting on a gigantic lotus flower with a pot of nectar on his trunk, which circles to the right. This position of Lord Ganesha is also known as the Amrut Kalash and symbolizes blessings from Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth in the Hindu religion. The idol has four hands: one that holds the Angusa, one holding a piece of ivory to write the Mahabharata, one holding a whip, and the fourth one holding a jackfruit.
Top Tourist Places Around Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple
There are various scenic places to visit around the Pulikulam Vinayangar Temple. Let’s have a look at the curated list:
1. Tipu’s Fort in Palakkad
Image Credit: Siju.tharoor for Wikimedia Commons
Tipu’s Fort, also popularly known as Palakkad Fort, is a beautifully maintained monument in Palakkad. Earlier, this fort was used as a military base, but today, it is one of the important historical places in Coimbatore. Haider Ali rebuilt this mediaeval fort in 1766; in 1790, the British captured it and remodelled the fort in European style. This is a square fort with an entry on the northeast side via a modern bridge. On entering the fort, you will first face an L-shaped screen wall that is believed to have been constructed to safeguard the door from any direct attack. There is a museum inside the fort that displays sculptures and other artefacts found on the premises.
Location: 54 km away from the Temple
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Suggested Read: Manjarabad Fort
2. Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake
Image Credit: Rsrikanth05 for Wikimedia Commons
Located between Trichy Road and Sungam Bypass Road, Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake is one of the popular lakes in Coimbatore. This lake is 19 feet deep and spread over 1.295 sq. km. Water in the lake comes from the Noyyal River and Selva Chinthamani Lake, located upstream in the north. There is a railway track connecting Coimbatore Junction and Podanur that passes over the lake, offering a spectacular view for the tourists and passengers on the trains. This is a perfect place in Coimbatore for bird and nature lovers as it is home to several species of migratory birds.
Location: 5 km away from the Temple
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
3. Sree Ayyappan Temple
Image Credit: Dillipan for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the centre of Coimbatore city, Sree Ayyappan Temple is one of the must-visit places near Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple. This is one of the significant temples in Coimbatore dedicated to Lord Sree Ayyappa and is built on the same lines as the original Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Thus, it is also popular as the second Sabarimala Temple among devotees. This temple is not only a popular tourist spot in Coimbatore among religious devotees but also a pure delight for architectural lovers and history buffs. Visitors can expect traditional-style architecture at this temple and a gold-covered Kodi Maram or Dwajasthambam, the only one of its kind in Tamil Nadu.
Location: 5 km away from the Temple
Timings: 5:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Suggested Read: Temples In Ernakulam
How To Reach Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple
Image Credit: Manikanta1973 for Wikimedia Commons
Located in Puliakulam, Coimbatore, this temple is one of the sacred temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees from worldwide visit this temple for its religious beliefs and to see Asia’s largest idol of the Lord Ganesha.
By Air: Tourists from other states and countries can take flights to Coimbatore International Airport, just 8.5 km from the temple.
By Train: If you are coming by train, you will get off at the Coimbatore Junction, only 3 km from the temple.
By road: The temple is well-connected to Coimbatore and nearby cities. You can drive to the temple in your car or hire a cab.
Further Read: Chennakeshava Temple
Arulmigu Munthi Vinayagar Temple, popularly called Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple, is not only a religious place to visit but also a prominent tourist spot in Coimbatore. The temple also has Asia’s largest idol, Lord Ganesha, which is a wonder. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Ganesha or an admirer of marvellous architectural structures, this temple might be your place. With this article, you have already got all the important information regarding the temple and the nearby attractions in Coimbatore. So, now you can start planning a trip to Tamil Nadu accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple
What is special about Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple?
The idol of the deity, Lord Ganesha in Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple is the largest Vinayagar statue in the entire Asian Continent. The statue was made out of a huge granite rock at Uthukuli. The statue is 20 feet high and weighs about 190 tonnes.
Which is the largest temple of Lord Ganesha?
Chintaman Ganesh Temple located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is the largest temple of Lord Ganesha. The temple is built across the Kshipra River. It is located about 7 km far south-west of Ujjain town.
When was Pulikalum Vinayagar Temple built?
Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple was built in 1982 by the Devendra Kula Trust. Earlier, this temple was a sub-temple of the Puliakulam Mariamman temple.
Which is the nearest railway station to Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple?
The nearest railway station to Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple is Coimbatore Junction. The distance between Coimbatore Junctions and the temple is around 4 km or a 15-minute drive.
What are some popular temples to visit near Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple?
Some popular temples to visit near Puliakulam Vinayagar Temple are:
- Sree Ayyappan Temple
- Sri Sharadamba Temple
- Dhanwanthari Temple
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
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