About Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple:
- It is a Hindu temple located in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles.
- It is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles.
- The temple was built in 1992 by the Hindu community living in Seychelles, which constitutes around 2% of the population.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (or Lord Ganesha), and is located in the heart of Victoria on Mahé Island.
- Architecture:
- It looks very similar to the famous temples of Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, with its vibrant and intricate Dravidian architecture.
- Its most striking feature is the colourful gopuram, or entrance tower, which rises nearly 100 feet into the sky.
- The tower is covered with beautifully carved statues of Hindu gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.
- Every statue is painted in bright colours, making the temple stand out against the green hills.
- At its centre is the garbha griha, or “womb chamber,” where the principal deity, Lord Vinayagar, is enshrined.
- The temple also has a mandapam, an open hall used for religious ceremonies, prayers, and celebrations.
