Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar temple is located on Quincy St, close to the famous Sir Selwyn-Selwyn Clarke Market, and is one of the most well-known places of worship in Seychelles. It stands out from the rest of the buildings because it is small but brightly painted. You can seek the temple’s blessings while admiring the monument’s beautiful architecture.

The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar temple is the most unique structure in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. It was built in 1992 and is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles. The temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, also known as Ganesh or Ganesha, the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. In Hinduism, this is one of the most popular deities.

Anyone is welcome to visit the temple, but you must remove your headgear and shoes before entering.

The Victoria Clocktower and the Sir Selwyn-Selwyn Clarke Market are both close to the temple.

Two major annual events are held at the temple

Kavadi procession & festival

According to the religious calendar, the Kavadi Festival takes place in January or February. This annual historical and colorful event draws a large number of visitors. The festival not only reinforced the importance of our religious rituals among Seychelles residents, but also contributed to the development of great traits such as tolerance, peace, and brotherhood. Following the event, everyone is treated to a special lunch. This is combined with Annadanam, a vegetarian meal shared by people of all nationalities. This ritual emphasizes the importance of hospitality, which is a hallmark of our faith. The Government of Seychelles recognizes the significance of the Kavadi festival and the powerful message it conveys and continues to grant Hindus a limited holiday on Thaipoosam day.

The Hindu Chariot Procession

According to the religious calendar, the Hindu Chariot Procession, which is held at night and features the chief deity Shri Navasakthi Vinayagar, takes place in August or September. This grand procession, with its colorful light displays, continues down the streets, attracting a large crowd of locals and tourists. The hoisting of flags has turned this ritual into a ten-day event.

A large crowd gathers to witness this spectacular night event. All devotees who participate with spiritual devotion pull the chariot. The people who have gathered there are then given ‘Kozhukkattai,’ which means ‘Kozhukkattai, which means (a sweet). This, we believe, strengthens our spirituality on Seychelles soil, in the minds of the people who live here, and in the minds of all who visit these islands.

Seychelles Hinduism

During British colonial rule, many Indians began to emigrate to the islands as indentured servants, and they eventually formed a mercantile class with other Asians. This island nation is diverse due to emigration, and Hindus make up about 2% of the population of just under 100,000 people. However, Indians make up about 6% of the population, and their numbers have been rapidly increasing in recent years.

Hotels nearby the Hindu Temple

There are no hotels nearby the temple, the nearest hotels are the Eden Bleu Hotel at Eden island and the L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa.

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