Haven’t you heard that elephants bring good luck? Here at the Manakula Vinayagar Koil that saying comes to life. This temple stands as a testament to faith. It has a rich history in Puducherry. The Manakula Vinayagar Koil is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It attracts devotees and tourists alike.
The Manakula Vinayagar Koil’s history stretches back over 500 years. It predates French occupation. Legend says Dupleix tried to destroy it but strong Hindu protests stopped him. The British and Maratha also threatened invasion.
Its name comes from Tamil words. ‘Manal’ means sand and ‘Kulam’ means pond near the sea. It was once called Manal Kulathu Vinayagar. The Manakula Vinayagar Koil stands just 400 meters from the Bay of Bengal. You can easily walk here from Promenade Beach in about 10 minutes.
Many festivals happen here. But Brahmothsavam is the most important. This grand festival lasts 24 days. Uniquely this temple has a night shrine for Vinayaka. He rests here with his consorts. Only his feet are visible on the idol taken to the Palliarai shrine. The stage for the God sits in a well. A six-inch pit always full of water runs on the peetam’s left side.
The golden chariot is another highlight. Devotees’ donations funded it. The chariot uses 7.5 kg of gold. Its height reaches 10 ft and breadth is 6 ft. Teakwood covered by engraved copper plates forms the base. The first run occurred on 05-10-2003. Now devotees pay a fee to pull it inside the temple. The golden chariot travels outside the temple only once a year on Vijayadhasami day.
About 300 years ago Thollaikkathu Siddar got enlightenment here. He stands 6ft tall and attained Samadhi in this temple. People bring newborns here for blessings. This happens before visiting any other temple.
Several scholars have written about Manakula Vinayagar Koil. Mahan Vanna Sarabam Dhandapani Swamigal composed Sthothira Parthigam. Sri V. M. Subramania Iyer wrote “Puduvai Manakula Vinayagar Suprapatham.” Puduvai Mahavidvan Sri P. A. Ponnuswamy penned “Manakula Vinayagar Nanmani Malai” 100 years ago. Subramania Bharathi sang about it in “Vinayaga Naanmani Maalai.”
You can see Lakshmi the temple elephant blessing visitors. Also view the carved figures above a shrine. Don’t miss the shops outside the temple. You can find spiritual items. The Manakula Vinayagar Koil is more than a temple. It’s a living story of faith art and history.