On 29 June 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple in Victoria during a three-day state visit to Seychelles.
Key facts
- Only Hindu temple in Seychelles: Located in Victoria, it is the sole institutional Hindu place of worship in the country.
- Year of construction: Built in 1992 by the local Hindu community.
- Community share: Hindus constitute about 2% of Seychelles’ population.
Architecture and rituals
- Style: South Indian (Dravidian) temple architecture featuring a colourful multi-tiered gopuram.
- Gopuram: Nearly 100-foot tall with carved statues of Hindu deities.
- Deity: Dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha), traditionally regarded as remover of obstacles and god of wisdom.
- Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are the principal festivals, drawing hundreds of devotees.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Cultural diplomacy: Visits to diaspora religious sites are a common element of state visits between India and Indian Ocean island states.
- Dravidian features: Gopuram and deity iconography align with Tamil temple conventions found across South India.
- Legal status: Places of worship in Seychelles are subject to national laws on religious organisations and property registration.