The Gnana Kutchery Vinayagar Temple is located in Cheyyur, a historic town in Tamil Nadu. Cheyyur is famous for its ancient temples and cultural heritage, situated about 100 km from Chennai. The Cheyyur Kutchery Gnana Vinayaka Temple has a unique legend (Sthalapurana) associated with it, deeply connected to music and devotion.
Due to this rich musical tradition, Lord Ganesha of this temple is known as Kutchery Vinayagar, meaning “Concert Ganesha.”
The temple features traditional Dravidian-style architecture, with a simple yet divine sanctum where Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) is worshipped. The idol of Kutchery Vinayaka is unique because it is slightly tilted to the left, as if enjoying the music performed in the temple. The temple also has a mandapam (hall) where musicians have performed for centuries.
During the Chola and Vijayanagara periods, music played an important role in temple rituals. The Kandaswamy Murugan Temple in Cheyyur had a Sarva Vadhya Mandapam (a hall for playing all musical instruments). Whenever Lord Murugan’s procession passed through the streets, musicians would perform at different locations.
One such important musical stop was at the place where the Kutchery Vinayagar idol is enshrined today. It is believed that Lord Ganesha himself would listen to these musical performances with joy, blessing the musicians and dancers. Over time, people noticed that the idol of Lord Vinayaka in this temple leaned slightly to one side, as if enjoying the music. This gave rise to the belief that Lord Ganesha sways to the rhythm of divine songs and instrumental music.
The legend further states that musicians and singers who offered their performances here received special blessings from Kutchery Vinayagar. Many great artists, including royal court musicians and famous singers, have performed at this temple to seek his divine grace.
Devotees believe that those who pray to Gnana Kutchery Vinayaka and perform music in his presence are blessed with excellence in their art and wisdom and success in their careers. As a special offering, musicians often perform Abhishekam (ritual bath) with tender coconut to please the Lord and seek his blessings.
This unique connection between music and devotion makes the temple a significant pilgrimage site, especially for musicians, singers, and dancers.
