How to go to Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar /Ganesh Temple Pondichery
The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the famous ancient temple is
in Puducherry, a Union Territory situated in the southern part of Indian
sub-continent. The temple is 400 meters West of Bay of Bengal Sea, 165
Km South of Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu State)
Lord GANESHA originally named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy became
Manakula Vinayagar.
In Tamil 'Manal' means sand and 'Kulam' means
pond near the sea, earlierly which was full of sand around pond. So the
people called the god as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar [means God near the
pond of sand]. Later it is named as MANAKULA VINAYAGAR.
Legend says that Jesuits and missionaries tried to demolish Manakula
Vinayagar, but they could not demolish the temple. Everytime the idol
was thrown into sea, it was washed ashored. During 1700 French even
prohibited performing poojas and festivals particularly on Fridays in
the temple. All the Hindus who were worshipping Lord Vinayaga
objected and migrated to Moratandi English Territory. Still Lord
Ganesha came back to bless Puduchery citizens
Temple Speciality:
While we have not heard of a night shrine for Vinayaka in any temple,
there is one in the Manakula Vinayakar temple. He stays here with his
consorts. The idol taken to this shrine, called Palliarai, will have the feet
part alone. Vinayaka on the Well: The stage (peetam) set for the God is
on a well which many may not know. This may be a well or even a tank. A
six inch radius pit runs on the left side of the peetam, the depth of which
could not be measured
Contact
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Manakula Vinayagar Street
Puducherry - 605001, INDIA
Phone : +91 413 2336544
Email : office@manakulavinayagartemple.com