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Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Pondicherry (Puducherry), Tamil Nadu · Manakula Vinayagar (Ganesha)
About Manakula Vinayagar Temple
The most famous temple in Pondicherry, located in the French Quarter near the seafront. The temple is said to be 1000 years old and survived multiple attempts by French colonial rulers to demolish it — legend says the Ganesha idol kept returning each time it was removed. The temple elephant Lakshmi gives blessings to devotees at the entrance. Over 40 forms of Ganesha are worshipped here.
Darshan Information
🙏 Main Deity
Manakula Vinayagar (Ganesha)
🏛️ Spiritual Category
Other
🕐 Darshan Timings
5:45 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📅 Best Visit Time
October to March
Getting There
Nearest Railway Station
Villupuram Junction (38 km)
Nearest Airport
Chennai International Airport (145 km)
Food & Stay
Ideal Base City
Pondicherry
Visitor Tips
The temple elephant Lakshmi blesses visitors at the entrance — a unique experience; located in the heart of French Quarter Pondicherry; combine with the Aurobindo Ashram nearby.
Nearby & Related Temples
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⏱ 30–45 minutes
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Chandra (Moon)
⏱ 30 minutes
Vaitheeswaran Koil
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⏱ 45 min – 1 hour
Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple
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⏱ 30–45 minutes
Quick Info
Darshan Timings
5:45 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
State
Tamil Nadu
Location
Pondicherry (Puducherry)
Ideal Base City
Pondicherry
Senior Friendly
Unknown
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