Manakula Vinayagar Temple
மணக்குள விநாயகர் கோயில்
An elephant-headed god temple that predates French colonial rule, with vividly painted golden sanctum and a temple elephant at the entrance who blesses devotees.
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Its history predates the arrival of the French, and during the colonial period it was nearly demolished several times. The roof of the shrine is gilded, and the inner walls are painted with dozens of forms of Ganesha. The temple elephant at the entrance blesses devotees with its trunk (this practice may change in line with animal welfare policies). The temple is just 100 meters from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Admission is free. Shoes must be removed, and non-Hindus may enter the outer hall.
Opening hours
Approx. 5:45 AM–12:30 PM and 4:00–9:30 PM
Nearby sights
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Pondicherry Museum
- Bharathi Park & Aayi Mandapam
- White Town (French Quarter)
- Promenade Beach (Rock Beach)
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Our Lady of Angels Church
- Botanical Garden, Puducherry