Sri Sampath Vinayagar Temple

Sampath Vinayagar is a Hindu temple located in the city of Visakhapatnam, on the east coast of India. The presiding deity of this temple is Ganesha. Unlike most popular temples in India, the Ganesha idol here faces south - much like the one seen at Bikkavolu, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. This temple has a very small compound. It is right beside a busy road. Though small, it has revenues of about Rs.1, 000, 000 with some 5, 000 devotees praying here daily. Most of the temple's revenues come from donations. It does not charge a price for having a darshan of the deity. However, other services like poojas and abhiseka (performed by the priests on behalf of the devotee) charge a fee and need to be booked in advance. It is common to see devotees bringing their new vehicles to the temple, so that a pooja can be performed on them before the owners start using it. Scores of students visit the temple during examinations. Special occasions like Hindu festivals (especially during Ganesh Chaturthi) draw a large crowd of devotees. The famed Sri Sampath Vinayagar Temple in the busy Asilmetta area is among the most popular temples of Vizag. Scores of devotees believe that praying at here will bring them luck and remove all the obstacles on the path of success. The temple is walking distance from the RTC Complex and just a couple of kilometers from the railway station. Though small, the temple has a special place in the hearts of Vizagites and visitors, too and attained the status of a Kshetram (a hallowed place).