Description

Pondy Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy Temple is one of the 16 temples of vinayagar. There are 16 different types of Vinayagar idols and this temple is more than 500 years old which is located in Pondicherry. The Moolavar or deity of this temple is Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy.

History

This temple existed before the French entered in to Pondicherry and occupied Pondy that means this temple is present before 1666. The idol of Vinayagar in this temple is facing towards the east coast and the temple is near the Bay of Bengal and behind a fort which was constructed by the French. This temple was initially named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy but now this temple is called as Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy. The word Manal actually means Sand & the word Kulam mean a little pond nearby to sea shore. This is the reason people have named this temple as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar, this means the God near a pond full of sand. But later Lord Vinayagar was called as Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy. Many missionaries and French people tried to demolish this Pondy Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy Temple-Pondicherry but they were not successful.

Importance/Significance

This Pondy Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy Temple-Pondicherry is the only temple across India which is covered fully with Gold on its tower. The idol of Lord Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy is also unique which is not seen anywhere else and the uniqueness is the Lord Vinayagar stands on three legs. This is the only festival where marriage festival for the Lord Vinayagar is celebrated. His consorts are Riddhi and Siddhi.

Facts/Mythology

You can see dancing Vinayagar which is called as the Nardhana Vinayaka in this Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy temple. You will be able to see all forms of Lord Vinayagar in this temple. The offerings are given in huge amounts at this Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy temple. The US citizens along offered a diamond crown to Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy. Just based on these offerings given by the devotees, a golden chariot was made for Lord Vinayagar. Around 7.5 kg Gold was used in making of this Chariot which is estimated to be around 35 lakhs. The chariot of Lord Vinayagar is 10 feet tall and breadth is 6 feet. The other materials used for making of this chariot apart from Gold are Copper and Teak wood and engraved with beautiful art work. The first run of this chariot was in the year 2003.

Festivals/Events/Gatherings

Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival grandly celebrated with so many special pooja's and Abhishek. New Year is also another day where huge crowd is seen in this Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathy temple to take his blessings and start their new year. Pavithra Utsavam of 10 day is celebrated, Chaturthi days of every month are also celebrated grandly. In the months of August or September you can see a Brahmmotsavam for 25 day. Wedding festival of Buddhi and Siddhi with Lord Vinayagar are also celebrated grandly and this celebration is seen only in this temple.

Pondy Manakula Vinayagar Ganapathi Temple