Annamalaiyar Temple – Third Prakaram – Sambanda
Vinayagar Sannathi
Sambanda Vinayakar Sannathi is located at the front side
of Arunachaleswarar Sannathi facing east. Similarly on the northern side is
Palani Andavar Sannathi. In front of Arunachaleswarar Sannathi facing the Lord
Arunachaleswarar is Golden Flag staff with Pali Peetam.
The Sambanda Vinayagar Shrine is located south of the
Flagstaff and Bali Peeta. It is told that Vinayagar killed a demon and smeared
his body with the demon’s blood—hence this Vinayagar appears red and is thus
called Sennira Vinayagar (Red Vinayagar). The large idol, which is in sitting
pose, is considered to be one of the biggest images of Ganapati in Tamil Nadu.
At this place can be found an inscription dated 1340
A.D. of the region of Veera Vallala Deva. From this epigraphy we learn that one
Sambandan lived in Thiruvannamalai and was President of a popular Mutt. It was
he that built the shrine for Vinayagar; hence it is called Sambandan Vinayagar.