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Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam

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Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the famous ancient temples in Puducherry that offers holy and divine vibes to the devotees of Lord Ganesha. Widely renowned for its significance, heritage, and culture, this temple is dedicated to Hindu community and has everything you need to take some time off from the busy routine life. Tourists who visit Puducherry for a week or two should take some time off for this spiritual shrine at least once for sure. It is believed that the presiding deity, which is another form of Lord Ganesha, removes all the obstacles in your life and fulfills all your wishes if you worship him with full devotion and desire. History of Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry : Dating its history back to at least 500 years ago, the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple has 2 interesting tales attached to it. It is said that, during the French rule, the French people built a fort right beside the temple in the year 1688. To make an impact on their fort, they thought of removing the Vinayagar Temple from its current position and hence, started throwing the idol of Ganesha in the sea. But to their surprise, every time they did, the idol used to reappear on its own. Seeing this, the French people gave up and became the ardent follower of the Lord. Another ancient story that revolves around this temple states that, almost around 300 years ago, there was a saint who had glittering eyes and wide forehead attained samadhi at this divine site through his liberation. Since then, it is considered as an auspicious place for newborn babies. Architecture of Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry Featuring a traditional Dravidian Architecture that deserves high praise, the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is beautifully decorated with an array of friezes and stucco figurines that make the overall structure look even more impressive. Sprawling over an area of 7913 square feet, the main highlight of this temple is the gold laminated kodi kambam that measures 18 feet in height. Another interesting feature is the idol of Lord Ganesha that rests on the golden chariot. Made entirely of teak wood and gold racks, the golden chariot was created solely from the donations given by the devotees in the temple. Just for the fact, the total gold used in the making of this chariot is 7.5 kg and it costs approximately 75 lakhs. The beautiful architectural design also features a mandapam, a prahara, and raja gopuram where the statues of the deities are kept. Besides Ganesha, one can also find the idols of several other important gods and goddesses inside the temple including Shri Krishna, Murugan, Shiva, Parvati, and many more. Other than that, there is also an elephant Lakshmi that blesses people with her trunk every day from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the evening. There is no entry fee to visit Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Pondicherry. It is open for its devotees from 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM during the day and from 4:00 PM from 9:30 PM in the evening on all days. The recommended exploration time is 1 hour.

Asim DeAsim De
90

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Union Territory of Puducherry in southern India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as Manakula Vinayagar, meaning the 'God who captures the mind'. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century by the French missionaries, and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. It is one of the most popular and visited temples in the region and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings. The main deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha, who is depicted in a seated posture, with four hands holding a goad, a noose, a modak (sweet), and his broken tusk. The temple also has separate shrines for other deities, such as Lord Murugan, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Durga. One of the unique features of the temple is its elephant blessing ceremony, where a temple elephant blesses devotees by placing its trunk on their heads. The temple also has a large pond, which is believed to have healing powers, and is visited by devotees who believe in its therapeutic properties. The temple is also known for its various festivals and rituals, which attract a large number of devotees every year. The annual Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated in the month of April, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the temple. It involves a grand procession of the deity around the temple, accompanied by music and devotional chants. Overall, the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Ganesha and is known for its unique architecture, beautiful surroundings, and vibrant festivals and rituals.

Sonali PatroSonali Patro
00

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry i.e. before 1666. According to Sasthra, Lord GANESHA is named in 16 types based on his various forms out which this god facing the east cost near Bay of Bengal it has been named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy, now called as 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 VINAYAGARThe Jesuits and missionaries tried to demolish Manakula Vinayagar, but they could not demolish the temple. During 1700 French 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. Situated behind the Raj Niwas, the sanctum is enshrined with a grand idol of Vinayaka called Vellakkaran Pillai. The temple attracts a large number of devotees especially on the 18th day of Brahmotsavam festival. Vinayaka Chaturthi is another major festival here celebrated with great zest and fervor. However, the temple is not without a legend. According to the myth, a Frenchman with several frantic attempts tried to remove the Ganesha idol from the temple. But each time the idol was removes, it reappeared on its own. Persuaded with the power of the idol, the Frenchman converted as an ardent devotee of the lord. The timings of the temple are Morning: 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM and Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Mahendran ManiMahendran Mani
30

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Pondicherry is a sacred and spiritually significant place that draws devotees and visitors alike. This iconic temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity and remover of obstacles, making it a revered destination for seekers of blessings and solace. The temple's vibrant and intricately designed architecture immediately captures one's attention upon entering. The towering gopuram (entrance tower) adorned with intricate sculptures and colorful motifs creates a sense of awe and reverence. The sanctum sanctorum houses a beautifully adorned idol of Lord Ganesha, radiating a sense of divinity and grace. A notable feature of the temple is the presence of a resident elephant that often blesses devotees by placing its trunk on their heads in exchange for a small offering. This adds a unique and memorable aspect to the temple experience, particularly for those seeking an authentic connection to Hindu traditions. The temple's serene ambiance and spiritual energy provide a space for introspection, prayer, and meditation. Devotees can offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha, making it a place of solace and comfort for those in need of guidance and support. Visitors should be mindful of the temple's rules and customs, such as removing footwear before entering and dressing modestly as a sign of respect. The temple can become quite crowded during special occasions and festivals, which may impact the overall experience.

Prajwal GPrajwal G
40

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Puducherry is a really old and famous spot where people come to feel close to Lord Ganesha. It's known for its spiritual vibes and rich history. This temple is a special place for Hindus and it's a good break from the usual hustle of life. If you're visiting Puducherry for a week or two, it's worth making time to visit this temple at least once. People believe that if you pray to the main deity, who is a form of Lord Ganesha, with all your heart, he'll help you overcome obstacles and grant your wishes. The history of this temple goes back about 500 years, and there are a couple of interesting stories connected to it. One story says that during the time when the French were ruling, they built a fort near the temple in 1688. They wanted to move the Vinayagar Temple to make their fort more imposing. They even tried to throw the Ganesha idol into the sea, but each time they did, it somehow came back. Eventually, they gave up and started worshipping the Lord themselves. Another tale says that about 300 years ago, a saint with special qualities achieved enlightenment at this spot. Since then, people have considered it lucky for newborn babies.

Srinivas KattaSrinivas Katta
10

“Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam is a spiritual oasis in the heart of Puducherry. The temple’s architecture is a testament to Dravidian heritage, with its intricately carved pillars and vibrant colors. It exudes an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion. The main deity, Lord Ganesha, is the focal point of the temple. Devotees come here to seek his blessings and offer prayers. The temple’s priests and staff are known for their hospitality and guidance, ensuring a meaningful and spiritual visit. What sets this temple apart is the presence of a sacred elephant, Lakshmi, who blesses visitors. It’s a unique and memorable experience to interact with her. The temple also engages in various charitable activities and cultural events, contributing to the cultural richness of Puducherry. Overall, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam is a must-visit for spiritual seekers and those interested in exploring the cultural and religious heritage of Puducherry. It offers a serene and uplifting experience, leaving visitors with a sense of inner peace and connection with the divine.”

Gurucharan SahooGurucharan Sahoo
00
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Address

WRPM+8F7, Rue Manakkula Vinayakar Covil, White Town, Puducherry, 605001, India

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Phone

+91 1235 546 557

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Website

manakulavinayagartemple.com

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Overview

4.7(8.7K reviews)
cultural
family friendly

Description

Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a Ganesha temple in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Dedicated to the god Ganesa, it is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Puducherry. The temple is of considerable antiquity and predates French occupation of the territory.

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