- Ganesh
Shenbakkam Swayambu Selva Vinayahar Temple
- Shenbakkam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Selva vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is located in Shenbakkam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
About The Temple
Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva, is named as Selva Vinayakar in this temple. Shenbakkam Selva Vinayakar temple has totally 11 Pillayar (Ganesha) idols. The highlight is not the number of idols but the shape of those idols. All the idols are shapeless and formless. They are considered as Swamyambu - meaning which formed on their own. You cannot find a proper shape for any of those Ganesha idols. That is the highlight of this temple.
The original name of the village was Shenbagavanam as there used to be a lot of Shenbaga trees. The name got diluted to Shenbakkam later. Shenbakkam Vinayakar temple has a tank outside the temple structure and a small tower. Munjur (mouse) is the vaahan of Ganesh. In this temple, in front of 11 swayambu Vinayak idols, there are four mice and one elephant standing as vaahans. Another highlight of the temple is that the flag staff is present right inside the main shrine. Behind the 11 Vinayak idols, there is a shrine where Meenakshi, Sundareswarar, and Mariamman are found. The temple also houses the idols of Dakshinamurti, Nalvar, Chandikeswarar, Viswanathar, Vishalakshi, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Murugan with Valli-Devasena. There are a lot of "sudhai" idols in the temple walls depicting various forms of Ganesha. Some of them are really rare forms such as five faced Ganesha, and Ganesha on peacock. There is a shrine where all the metal utsav idols are kept. Navagraha is also found in the temple.
Legend and Stories
As per a legend, Adi Shankara on his way to Virinjipuram Margabandeswarar temple visit, he came to this site and installed Sri Chakra. However, the Chakra is nowhere found in the current temple. It is also believed that all the idols were buried into the ground in due course. It is believed that the axle of the chariot of a Marati minister named Thukoji broke down here and the blood was oozing out from the ground. Ganesha appeared in the dream of Thukoji and disclosed his presence. Thus, the idols were discovered and the temple was built.
How To Reach Vellore
Air
Instead of Vellore one can a get flight to Tirupati Airport on regular basis.
Rail
There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Vellore
Road
Vellore is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.
Temple Address
Shenbakkam Swayambu Selva Vinayahar Temple,
Shenbakkam, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu,
Pincode – 632008.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To cure health disorders
- For general well-being
- Marital bliss
Shlokas
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M