Manakula Vinayakar Temple is the mandir dedicated for the worship of Sri Ganesha. The temple is situated at Pondichery, the Union Territory State of South India. The temple is believed to be atleast 500 years old.
“Manakula” is the combination of the words “manal” and kulam” which mean the sand and the pond. It is believed that Sri Vinayaka is the self-manifested swayambu-murthy. The main Deity is also called as Sri Pranava Murthy and Sri Bhuvaneshwar Ganapathi.
The main Deity in the sanctum is believed to be kept on a dais as a peetam on a water body. The peetam is made to appear as golden chariot.
All the forms of Sri Vinayak are depicted in the perambulation hall of the temple. The epics and mythology stories are also depicted picturesquely.
It is believed that Sri Thollaikattu Siddhar had attained salvation at this place with the grace of Sri Vinayak. It is believed that His samadhi is inside the temple premises.
The Dwajasthambam of the temple is eighteen meters in height and is gold platted.
All the Shukla Paksha Chathurthi days and Krishna Paksha Chathurthi days (Sankata Hara Chathurthi) are celebrated in a grand manner at the temple. Vinayaka Chathurthi is celebrated with all the traditions in the temple.
As Sri Vinayak is considered as God of Education, Aksharabyasam is done to the kids who commence their school education.
The temple is open from 5.45 a.m to 12.30 p.m and from 04.00 p.m to 09.30 p.m.
The temple can be reached through taxi or auto within Pondichery town.
