Eachanari Vinayagar Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 15 km from Coimbatore, Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Eachanari near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Situated on Coimbatore - Pollachi Main Road, it is one of the prominent temples in Coimbatore, and among the must-visit places during your Coimbatore Tour.

Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to elephant god Ganesha. There is an interesting little legend to this temple. It is said that when the idol of Lord Vinayagar was being transported from Madurai in a cart for installation at Perur Pateeswarar Temple, the axle of the cart broke. When the devotees tried to move the idol, the efforts did not materialize and this is how this temple came into being. The construction of the temple was done around 16 century AD, and it has been an important religious center ever since.

The temple follows typical Dravidian-style architecture. The temple tower rises in layers, with many Hindu gods and goddesses and sacred animals and other motifs inscribed on it. The main deity's idol is about 6 feet in height and is 3 feet in diameter. The deity's face is black with a tilak on the forehead - typical to idols in the South Indian temple. The body of the deity was plated with bright gold in 2004.

The main attraction of the Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is the daily Ganapathi Homam held everyday early morning at 5.30 PM, and is a costly affair, to both perform the offerings as well as to witness. To perform one, a devotee has to deposit Rs. 1500 in the bank account of the temple. The chariot procession around the temple also takes place every day around 7 PM where the devotees can participate by paying Rs. 1600. The temple hosts a meal open to all called the 'Annadhana', where delicious lunch is served to everyone who comes in.

The best time to visit the temple is during the Ganesh Chathurthi festival when the temple premises are decorated beautifully, and attract a huge number of devotees. Besides, the temple also celebrates festivals like Aadi perukku, Saraswathy Pooja, Thai Pongal, Deepawali, and Tamil New Year with great pomp.
Timings: 5.30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM, Ganapathi Homam - 5.30 AM

Entry: Free, Rs. 1500 for Ganapathi Homam, & Rs. 1600 for Chariot Possession