Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple -A Holy Treasure of Puducherry
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a very famous and an old Hindu temple located in Puducherry. This temple is more than 500 years old that has its primary connection to cultural and spiritual aspects. It is found in the same area as White Town and it is in proximity of the Pondicherry Beach thus it is not difficult to visit even when on a city tour.
Its name, Manakula which is derived in the Tamil language, means sand pond. This site was once a pond covered by sand which made the temple take the name.
To Lord Ganesha The Deity
This is a temple of Lord Ganesha also referred as Bhavaneshwar Ganapathy. The idol within, which is quite large and beautiful, is called Vellakkaran Pillai and rests on a chariot (of gold) weighing about 7.5 kg.
Gorgeous Dravidian Architecture
This temple has Dravidian-style beginning which is just impressive. The temple is around 7,913 sq. ft. and has:
- Raja Gopuram (lead gate tower)
- Pillaredhall Mandapam 2
- Praharam (inner passages)
Its interior walls are painted with Hindu mythology images about Lord Ganesha, and its exterior walls are filled with lovely stucco figures.
Celebrations/Festivals
- During big Hindu festivals the temple comes into life.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is also a very joyful and a devoted festival.
On the occasion of Vijayadashami, there is a procession of the golden chariot which gives out the idol of Lord Ganesha around the city. This festival, named as Manakula Vinayagar Koil, emphasizes on the gathering of thousands of believers.
Location:
White Town, Puducherry, Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street
Timings:
Monday-Wednesday: Open Daily 5:45 AM -12:30 PM and 4:00 PM -9:30 PM
