Shenbakkam Selva Vinayakar Temple - Near Vellore, South India

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Shenbakkam, a picturesque village near Vellore on the Chennai-Bangalore route in South India, is renowned for its unique temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Here, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Selva Vinayakar, and the temple is home to 11 icons of Ganesha. However, what sets this temple apart is not the number of icons but their distinctiveness. Unlike traditional representations of Ganesha, these icons are formless and shapeless, believed to be Swayambu—naturally formed. None of them has a defined shape, making this temple truly extraordinary.

The village was originally known as Shenbagavanam, named after the abundance of Shenbaga trees in the area. Over time, the name evolved into Shenbakkam. According to legend, Adi Shankara, during his visit to the nearby Virinjipuram Margabandeswarar Temple, installed a Sri Chakra at this site, although it is not present in the current temple. Another story tells of a Marathi minister named Thukoji, whose chariot axle broke at this spot, causing blood to seep from the ground. Ganesha is said to have appeared in Thukoji's dream, revealing his presence, leading to the discovery of the icons and the construction of the temple. 

The temple has a serene tank outside and a small gopuram (tower). A unique feature is the presence of four mice and an elephant as vahanas (vehicles) in front of the 11 Swayambu Vinayak icons, instead of the usual single mouse. Another fascinating aspect is the temple’s flagstaff, located within the main shrine—a rare architectural choice.

Behind the 11 Vinayak icons, there is a shrine dedicated to Meenakshi, Sundareswarar, and Mariamman. The temple also features images of Dakshinamurti, Chandikeswarar, Nalvar, Viswanathar, Vishalakshi, Vishnu, and Murugan with Valli and Devasena. The walls are adorned with intricate sudhai (stucco) sculptures depicting various forms of Ganesha, including rare depictions like the Five-faced Ganesha and Ganesha seated on a peacock.

A separate shrine houses the temple’s metal utsava icons, and a Navagraha (nine planets) shrine adds to the temple's sanctity.

Shenbakkam Selva Vinayakar Temple stands as a rare and spiritually significant site, drawing devotees and travelers alike for its unique charm and divine presence.


Happy travelling.




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