Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sri Veerakathy Vinayagar Temple, Rawang (Selangor)

The suffix “Veerakathy” denotes an aggressive form of the presiding deity in this temple. Lord Vinayagar is the iconic guardian deity of this vicinity, and protects all his devotees fiercely, when the necessity arises. A famous philanthropist of this town had a vivid dream of Lord Vinayagar. Lord Vinayagar instructed him to build a shrine under an “Arasa Maram” (banyan tree). The shrine would allow Lord Vinayagar to protect the welfare of his devotees. The philanthropist immediately installed a statue of Lord Ganesha under an “Arasa Maram”, and offered the burning of camphor on a daily basis. In 1943, the shrine was constructed into an elegant temple, by the effort of the surrounding inhabitants from Rawang town. The first Mahakumbhavishegam was held in October 1944, whereby a priest from South India was invited to perform the required austerities. It is during this period, the priest advised the temple committee to name the temple as Veerakathy Vinayagar temple. The reason was that there is a similar temple in South India. The priest had felt a strong connection between both temples, and urged the committee of the temple to name the temple accordingly.


Plenty of devotees have had many visions of Lord Vinayagar granting wishes, administering advice, and always present in times of danger. A Chinese devotee had a vision of Lord Vinayagar getting rid of all the evil spirits that have haunted him and his family. After this remarkable vision, this devotee comes regularly to this temples, as a mark of respect and devotion. Another Chinese devotee who operates a restaurant had a vision of Lord Vinayagar blessing his restaurant. After which, his business has become successful.
Address: Jln Welmen, 48000 Rawang.
Tel: 03-60920913, 019-6683295 (Temple Chairmen).