Chennai: Ever heard of a Vinayaka who can prevent accidents? The Vibathai Thadukkum Veera Vinayakar in Anjal Salai Vinayakar Temple on GST Road is believed to do exactly that.
The small temple on GST Road is built outside St Thomas Mount Post Office, situated between Alandur and Nanganallur Road Metro stations.
Speaking about the temple, priest Vedamoorthy said, “Initially, just in front of the post office, a small Vinayaka idol was worshipped by the employees here. They believed that the Lord here was powerful as he was believed to be a harbinger of change in their lives. But, due to some unavoidable circumstances, the idol had to be removed from the spot and after the removal people slowly realised that things were not going right. So, they wanted to place a Vinayaka idol in front of the post office. Forty years ago, an idol was kept in the current location where today the temple is situated,” he said.
It was only during 1993 that a committee was formed by the employees in the post office and the construction of the temple began. “In 1997, the first consecration took place. I have been associated with the temple as its priest from then one,” Vedamoorthy said.
The temple’s second consecration took place in 2011. “One of the specialities of the temple is that ever since it was shifted to the new place no accidents have taken place on the stretch,” the priest added.
The temple is very small one with only the main sanctum in it which has the Vibathai Thadukkum Veera Vinayaka deity in it. Near the entrance, on the right side, the Navagraha is placed, and on the left, Lord Naagar is placed under the big peepal tree, which is the temple’s sthala vriksha.
During every Sankatahara Chathurthi, special poojas take place from 5.30 pm onwards. During Vinayaka Chathurthi every year, Maha Abhishekam takes place and annadhanam is also arranged. Every year, 18 February, the temple’s anniversary is celebrated and on that day Ganapathy homam is performed and annadhanam is arranged for 500 people.
The temple is open every day from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.