Location: A must to see historic temple, Manakula Vinayagar Temple is located in the Union Territory of Pondicherry in India. The temple is about 40 m in the west of Bay of Bengal and 165 km south of Chennai.
Description: Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Ganesha, Manakula Vinayagar Temple is considered as a popular pilgrimage site by Hindu devotees all over India. The temple was constructed during the period when French came to India and hence, it is given great importance. Manakula is made with a combination of two words, Manal means sand and Kulam means pond near the sea. That is why the deity of this temple is popular as Lord Manal Kulathu Vinayagar, which means God near the pond of sand. There is a beautiful statue of black elephant in the temple that gives blessings to the visitors. The interior of this temple has wonderful carved figures, thus attracting numerous tourists as well as archeologists. Visitors can also see a beautiful golden chariot inside the temple, fully made up of teakwood and covered by copper plates. It is believed that by pulling this golden chariot, your all wishes will come true.
Activities: Vijayadhashmi is a Hindu festival celebrated by devotees every year. On this auspicious occasion, the idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in the golden chariot and ferried outside the temple.
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