Puducherry Manakula Vinayakar Temple

Bala Ganapati with eight arms, the blue-colored Bhakti Ganapati, the sixteen-armed Veera Ganapati, Shakti Ganapati with his consort seated on his left lap, the three-headed Dvija Ganapati, Uchchistha Ganapati holding a lotus, the five-headed Heramba Ganapati seated on a lion—these are among the 32 different forms of Ganapati represented in this temple. Additionally, the temple features depictions of Ganeshas from various shrines across India and even from around the world, representations of the months, nakshatras (stars), and rasis (zodiac signs), as well as various stories related to Ganesha, including his wedding with Siddhi and Buddhi, his birth, and his battles against the Asuras. The temple walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes and stucco carvings, making it the most famous temple in Puducherry—the Manakula Vinayakar Temple.

The east-facing temple, with its grand Raja Gopuram at the entrance, enshrines Ganapati in a seated posture with four arms. In his upper hands, he holds an ankusha (goad) and a pasha (noose), while his lower hands are positioned in the varada (boon-granting) and abhaya (protection) mudras. 

The street that is now called Manakula Vinayakar Koil Street was once known as Nesavalar Theru (Weavers' Street). It is believed that there was once a pond to the west of the temple, which, due to its proximity to the ocean, was surrounded by sand. It is said that it was under a large Arasu (peepal) tree by this pond that a sage enshrined a Vinayaka icon.  As a result, the local people referred to the deity as "Manal Kulam Vinayaka" (Vinayaka of the sand-filled pond), which eventually became "Manakula Vinayaka."

Today, while the original pond no longer exists, a small square-shaped water body inside the sanctum remains as a remnant of the past. Despite the temple's proximity to the sea, fresh water emerges from this spot.

Initially, devotees worshiped Ganesha under a simple roof. Later, a sanctum was constructed, enshrining the deity within. There are no inscriptions or architectural clues to precisely determine the temple's age. However, historical evidence suggests that it was well-known even before the French arrived in Puducherry. This indicates that the temple was likely built in the 1500s or early 1600s.

It is traditionally believed by people of Puducherry that the French attempted to throw the Vinayaka icon into the sea three times, but each time, the icon miraculously reappeared in the sanctum by morning. The French authorities tried to impose restrictions on temple worship but eventually recognized the power of the deity. Over time, they permitted devotees to conduct prayers and festivals, even granting approval for the construction of a front mandapa.

During Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) in 1930, a new icon of Ganesha was installed as the presiding deity. The original Ganesha is still placed near this new Ganesha in the sanctum. 

This is possibly the only Ganesha temple with a gold-plated vimana. Additionally, the temple uniquely features a Palliyarai (divine resting place) for Ganesha. The 18 feet tall gold-plated flag post is another highlight of the temple.

In the 1700s, a six-foot-tall saint attained enlightenment in this temple and achieved samadhi here; he is known as Thollaikadu Siddhar.

Besides the main deity, the temple enshrines Bala Ganapati and Bala Subramanya. A sub-shrine in the maha mandapa houses metal images of Ganesha, Subramanya, Ganesha with Siddhi and Buddhi, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, and Manakula Vinayaka. Another sub-shrine is dedicated to a Spatika Linga. Chandikeshwara, who is traditionally enshrined in Shiva temples, is found in here. The form of Chandikeshwara in Ganesha temples is known as Kumbha Chandi.

In 1996, a five-year-old elephant named Lakshmi was brought to the Manakula Vinayakar Temple. She became an integral part of the temple, beloved by devotees and tourists alike. From children to elderly visitors, no one left the temple without seeing Lakshmi. However, in 2022, Lakshmi suffered a heart attack and passed away.

In 2003, a ten feet high golden chariot was made with the public fund. The chariot was crafted entirely from teakwood, adorned with intricately engraved copper plates, and further embellished with gold-plated accents.

In the 19th century, Dhandapani Swamigal composed the Stothira Pathigam in praise of Lord Manakula Vinayakar. V. M. Subramania Iyer composed the Puduvai Manakula Vinayakar Suprabhatam. P. A. Ponnuswamy composed Manakula Vinayakar Naanmani Malai. 

Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati, who resided in Puducherry for ten years, composed Vinayakar Naanmani Malai on Manakula Vinayaka sometime between 1916 and 1918.

நமக்குத் தொழில் கவிதை நாட்டிற் குழைத்தல்
இமைப் பொழுதுஞ் சோரா திருத்தல்;
உமைக்கினிய மைந்தன் கணநாதன் நங்குடியை
வாழ்விப்பான்; சிந்தையே யிம்மூன்றும் செய்

These famous lines of Bharati are from this book.

The Manakula Vinayakar Temple stands as a timeless symbol of devotion, resilience, and cultural heritage. From its legendary past to its vibrant present, the temple continues to draw thousands of devotees and visitors, offering them spiritual solace and a glimpse into Puducherry’s rich history.

Happy travelling.