Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Also known as Kulanda Deivayan
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry, is the town's principal Hindu shrine, dedicated to a gold-adorned Ganesha murti beside a small sacred bathing tank.
Photos of Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Ganesha
- Established
- 5th century CE
- Architecture
- Dravidian–French
- Address
- Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry 605002
- Timings
- 05:30–12:30 and 16:00–21:00
History of Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Mentioned in the 5th-century Chola inscriptions. The temple survived the French colonial period and is now the most visited Hindu shrine in the UT.
Festivals Celebrated at Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- Vinayagar Chaturthi
- Sankatahara Chaturthi
- Diwali
How to Reach Manakula Vinayagar Temple
In White Town, 1 km from Puducherry railway station.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Where is Manakula Vinayagar Temple located?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple is located at Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, White Town, Puducherry 605002, in Puducherry, Puducherry, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- The presiding deity at Manakula Vinayagar Temple is Ganesha (also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka), worshipped in the Smarta tradition.
What are the timings of Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple is generally open 05:30–12:30 and 16:00–21:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Manakula Vinayagar Temple built?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple was established 5th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple is built in the Dravidian–French style, characteristic of Ganesha shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Manakula Vinayagar Temple include Vinayagar Chaturthi, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Diwali. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Puducherry and beyond.
How can I reach Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- In White Town, 1 km from Puducherry railway station.
Why is Manakula Vinayagar Temple significant?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry, is the town's principal Hindu shrine, dedicated to a gold-adorned Ganesha murti beside a small sacred bathing tank.
Is there an entry fee at Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Manakula Vinayagar Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Manakula Vinayagar Temple?
- Manakula Vinayagar Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Puducherry temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.