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Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

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Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)

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The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Mahé, is Seychelles' only Hindu temple, built in 1992 by the Tamil community. Dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha), the Dravidian-style temple features a 12-meter gopuram adorned with colorful deities. The sanctuary houses a 2-meter granite statue of Vinayagar shipped from India. The annual Thaipusam festival attracts over 3,000 participants, who carry kavadi (ornate wooden frames) in a procession. The temple also functions as a community center, offering Tamil language classes and yoga sessions. Despite its modest size of 0.2 hectares, it represents the religious harmony of Seychelles, where Hindus comprise about 2% of the population. The temple's construction cost $500,000, funded by donations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292827262627272727
Rain mm20710910611594805562108117124164

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria (Seychelles) is the only Hindu temple in the country and can be visited. Visitors are usually welcome but must follow the dress code.
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Typical hours
The temple is usually open in the morning and evening for prayers and visits. Exact times vary depending on festival days; it is best to ask on site.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard and in front of the gopuram. Inside the temple, photography may be restricted or prohibited - please ask for permission.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 40 minutes for a visit to the temple grounds. The colourful sculptures and tranquil atmosphere invite you to linger.
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Combine with
Combine the temple visit with a stroll through Victoria Market or a walk in the botanical garden. Both attractions are just a few minutes' walk away.
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Getting there
The temple is located in central Victoria on Mahé island and is easily reached on foot. From the harbour or main bus station it is only about 10 minutes' walk.
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Insider tip
Wear appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees to respect the temple. Remove your shoes before entering the temple interior.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.61900, 55.45100

Facts

  • Built in 1992, dedicated to Lord Vinayagar.
  • Gopuram height: 12 meters.
  • Granite statue of Vinayagar: 2 meters tall.
  • Thaipusam festival attracts over 3,000 participants annually.
  • Land size: 0.2 hectares.
  • Construction cost: $500,000.

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Sights in the town Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (10)

La Domus

La Domus is a monument in Victoria. Its exact purpose is not specified.

Cathédrale de l'Immaculée Conception

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic church building in Seychelles.

♿

Codevar Building

Codevar Building is an attraction in Victoria.

Kaz Zanana🏛 museum

Kaz Zanana is a museum in Victoria, showcasing the history of Seychelles.

George Camille Gallery

George Camille Gallery exhibits works by Seychellois artist George Camille.

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican church building in Seychelles.

Clock Tower

Clock Tower is a landmark clock tower in Victoria.

Museum of Natural History🏛 museum

Museum of Natural History displays natural history exhibits. Entrance fee: 15 SCR for non-residents.

Queen Victoria

Statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria, a reminder of the British colonial era.

Court monument

Court monument is a monument in Victoria, likely near the courthouse.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Arul Mihu Temple?
A magnificent Hindu temple in Victoria.
Can tourists enter?
Yes, but remove your shoes and be respectful.
Is there a charge?
The visit is free.
When should I come?
Mornings are usually quieter for a visit.
Is photography allowed?
Photography inside is often prohibited; please ask on-site.
Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple: where is it located?
Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is located in Seychelles.
Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Domus, Cathédrale de l'Immaculée Conception, Codevar Building.
Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple: why is it worth visiting?
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria, Mahé, is Seychelles' only Hindu temple, built in 1992 by the Tamil community.
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Nearby cities

Victoria — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Victoria
Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world, known for its British colonial charm.
English River — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
English River
A central district of Victoria, housing important government buildings and schools.

History & landmarks

Victoria Mosque — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Victoria Mosque
The only mosque in Victoria, an elegant religious structure reflecting the religious diversity of the Seychelles.
Diamond Jubilee Monument — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Diamond Jubilee Monument
A historic monument in Victoria erected to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign.
Victoria Gymnasium — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Victoria Gymnasium
A central sports facility in Victoria used for indoor sports and various community events.
Peace Memorial — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Peace Memorial
A monument in Victoria dedicated to the peace and unity of the Seychellois people.
Freedom Square — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Freedom Square
A central public square in Victoria often used for national celebrations and rallies.
Independence House — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Independence House
An important administrative building in Victoria, housing various government departments and ministries.
Marine Charter Building — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Marine Charter Building
A well-known building at Victoria's harbor serving as a hub for boat charters and deep-sea fishing.
Central Bank of Seychelles — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Central Bank of Seychelles
The distinctive building of the Central Bank in Victoria is a key economic landmark of the capital.

More places

Kenwyn House — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Kenwyn House
One of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Victoria, a carefully restored 19th-century wooden house.
Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz) — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz)
A landmark in the center of Victoria, erected in 1903 in memory of Queen Victoria and modeled after London's Big Ben.
Kaz Zanana — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Kaz Zanana
An iconic Creole wooden house in Victoria, now serving as an art gallery and being an important piece of architectural history.
St. Paul&#39;s Cathedral — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
St. Paul's Cathedral
The Anglican cathedral in Victoria, with origins dating back to 1859, known for its simple elegance.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The country's largest Catholic church, an impressive French colonial style structure in the heart of the capital.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
Established in 1840, Victoria's main market is a living testimony to the history and trade of the islands.
Bicentennial Monument (Twa Zwazo) — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Bicentennial Monument (Twa Zwazo)
A monument in Victoria erected in 1978 to mark the 200th anniversary of the town's founding, symbolizing the three continents of origin.
Carnegie Library — Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Seychelles)
Carnegie Library
A historic library in Victoria, built in 1910 with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.