Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple is situated in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a popular holy tourist destination. In ancient times, French occupation dominated the temple area. The temple is beautifully painted giving a colorful touch by renowned painters and has got fine sculpture works. Pondicherry tourism is quite famous for this temple.

History and Location of the temple

Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple was built long ago, even before the 15th century in White Town which is 400 meters away from the Bay of Bengal. The temple is towards the east. The temple is surrounded by Jawaharlal Nehru Street in the south, Orlean street in the east, Law de Louristhon street in the north and the west side by a canal. The temple was in existence before the French people came to Pondicherry. 

Several attempts were made by the French rule to get this Hindu temple removed. The idol was thrown into the sea by them several times but every time the idol came back to its original place. The French people had given up after failing multiple times. 

Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot is one of the best places to visit Pondicherry. The donations of the devotees from different corners of the world made the Golden Chariot possible. The total gold used in the making of this Golden Chariot is 7.5-kilo gram. The expenditure behind this magnificent temple is around Rs. 35 lakhs. The chariot is 10 ft tall and 6 ft wide. The chariot is of teak wood which is covered by copper plates. Beautiful artworks are engraved on the copper plates and are attached with golden rakes. 

On the 5th of October 2013, the first running of the Golden chariot had grandly taken place. Devotees can fulfill their prayer by pulling the Golden Chariot inside the temple at certain fixed payment rates. On Vijayadhasami day the Golden Chariot is allowed to run outside the temple i.e. only during the maada veedhis.  

Which is the best season to visit the temple?

October to March is the best time to visit the temple and its nearby places.

Pondicherry Manakula Vinayagar Temple Opening Time

The temple opens at 5:40 AM in the morning and 4:00 PM in the evening.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple Dress code

In this South Indian temple, there is no hard and fast rule for the dress code. One can wear any decent cloth of one's choice. 

Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple is a must in Pondicherry Tour Package. The beauty of this ancient temple should not be missed.