Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar

Introduction to the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a famous and ancient temple located in Puducherry. On the western side of this temple, there was a pond ('Kulam' in Tamil). Since it was close to the sea, the pond was full of sand ('Manal' in Tamil). Hence, the temple is called Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Visitors can see forty forms of Ganesha here.

History of the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple was built before the 15th century in White Town, 400 meters from the Bay of Bengal. The temple is towards the east. It is surrounded by Orlean Street in the east, a canal in the west, Law de Louristhon Street in the north, and Jawaharlal Nehru Street in the south. The temple existed before the French colonization of Pondicherry.
The French government made many attempts to remove this Hindu temple. They threw out the idol several times, but it always returned to its original place. After multiple failed attempts, the French government gave up the decision to remove the temple.

The Architecture of the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple displays the style of Dravidian architecture. It sprawls over 7913 sq. ft. The temple has a Rajagopuram, outer Mandapam, an 18-foot-high gold-plated Dhwaja Sthambham, Maha Mandapam, Sanctum, circumambulatory path, kitchen (Madapalli), administrative office, Utchavar, and a marriage hall. Shiva, Parvati, Murugan, Shri Krishna, and many other deities have separate shrines here.

The colorful figures of Ganesha decorate the walls of the temple. Though the exteriors are striking, the primary shrine is simple. An array of stucco figures adorn the outer walls. These enhance the beauty of the temple, making it more attractive.

The presiding deity Vinayagar graces the sanctum, which is 4 X 4 Sq. ft. The Vimana above the sanctum is fully covered with gold plates. The Moolavar is in the sanctum with four arms; the upper arms hold Angusam and Pasam, the right lower arm has Abayadana mudra, and the left has Varadhana muthra.

The idol of Ganesha stands facing east, along with his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi. His idol rests on a 10-foot high and 6-foot wide golden chariot. It is made of teak wood and gold racks, which give it an exquisite look.

The chariot was made of over 7.5 kilograms of gold. Every year, during Dussehra, this chariot is carried out for a grand procession only in Maada Veedhi. The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple made the golden chariot solely from the devotees' donations. Visitors can also see a dancing Ganesha called Narthana Ganapathy. A saint named Thollaikkathu Sidhar attained Samadhi in the temple premises 300 years ago.

An elephant named Lakshmi blesses devotees with her trunk daily from 4.00 pm until 8.00 pm.

Festivals in the Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple grandly celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi. During the festival, the temple organizes special ceremonies to honor the main deity, and hordes of devotees come to participate. A 24-day festival, Brahmotsavam, is the most important festival celebrated in the temple, along with a seven-day Pavithra Utsavam and the monthly Chaturthi.