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Tondi Vinayaka temple is located about a mile and a half
from Tondi, a sea-coast town in Tiruvadanai taluk (also spelt as Taluka)
in Tamil Nadu. A red stone Vinayaka (also spelt as Vinayak) is placed at
the roadside, having only a thatched palmyrah roof as a protection from
the inclemency's of the weather. But the Lord Vinayaka is of famous origin
and was worshipped by Lord Rama during the course of his banishment.
The idol in this temple is sitting in solitary at the roadside, who looks
always graceful and pacifies the thirst of people with a glass of sweet
water, which is very rare at the seaside. The water seems to be a sign of
the fulfilment of desire, as Lord Rama's desire was fulfilled.
The Legend
According to the local tradition Lord Rama got his first vision of
success, after worshipping the idol. It is also believed that Lord Rama
wanted to construct a bridge at this point but found that it would lead to
the backyards of Lanka's fort. It is said that in this kshetra, Sankara
sang the praise of Vinayaka in Ganesa Pancha Ratna Mala.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Devakottai at
a distance of 26 miles.
Road: Tourists can take buses from Devakottai or
Madurai to reach Tondi.
No proper accommodation facilities are available in Tondi, but for a comfortable stay tourists can reside at the luxurious and economy class hotels in Madurai.
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