The Oldest Ganesha of Tirunelveli.

For ages, the junction that links West Car Street and South Car Street has stood as a beloved landmark in Tirunelveli. In Tamil, the word junction is referred to as "Sandi." Hence, the Ganesha temple located here is called Sandi Vinayaka. While the temple's frontal pillar design suggests a heritage from the 1800s, the entire structure has undergone significant renovation. Legend holds that Sage Agastya, during his journey to Tirunelveli to witness the divine union of Shiva and Uma, offered worship to this Vinayaka deity. Moreover, it is acclaimed as the most ancient Ganesha shrine in all of Tirunelveli.

Although lacking a towering entrance gopuram, the temple emanates modest charm with stucco depictions of Ganesha and his entourage adorning its entrance. Inside the main sanctum, Pillaiyar (Vinayaka) resides, depicted with his trunk curving to the right.

Within the ardha mandapa, one can find small stone representations of Nellaiyappar (Linga), Kantimati, Jaynatinatha, and Bala Subramanya. Intriguingly, bronze sculptures of Ganesha and Agastya are also situated here. A stone depiction of Agastya is positioned near the main entryway.

The prakara encircles a multitude of fresh icons, including stone figures of Nataraja and Sivakami, as well as bronze renditions of Nataraja and Sivakami. Additionally, icons of Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Namashivaya Murti, Surya, Chandra, Dakshinamurti, Durga, Chandikeshwara, Murugan-Valli-Devasena, Shanmukha-Valli-Devasena, Vallabha Ganapati, and the Navagraha grace the prakara's expanse. Chandikeshwara is found with an elephant head similar to the presiding deity of the temple.

Happy travelling.