Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry Timings, History, Travel Guide, and how to reach

Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry 

Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Manakula Vinayagar Koil is a Hindu temple in Pondicherry. The Manakula Vinayagar Koil located in the White Town of Pondicherry is more than 500 years old. With the fact of being one of the oldest temples in the region, Manakula Vinayagar Koil is counted among the highly revered as well as most popular Hindu temples in Pondicherry.

The name of the temple is derived from two Tamil words ‘Manal’ which means sand and ‘Kulam’ which refers to the pond near the sea. The literal meaning of the temple dates back to the time of its construction when there was a pond surrounded by sand, and hence, the name Manakula. This temple is Spread over a large area of ​​7913 Sq.ft.

History of this Temple

The legend associated with Manakula Vinayagar Koil is as follows, about 300 years ago, there was a saint named Thollaikkathu Siddhar who successfully established a samadhi inside this temple complex.

Since then, the temple of Manakula Vinayagar is considered auspicious if a child is brought to this temple. Another legend that revolves around this temple states that the French built a fort at the site in the year 1688 and Manakula Vinayagar Koil was located just behind this fort. At that time, the place was surrounded by sand and shore from which the temple derives its name.

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Vinayagar Temple Timings

Vinayagar Temple opens from 5:45 am to 12:30 pm in the morning and 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm in the evening.

Best time to visit this temple

The best time to visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple is from the months of October to March, i.e., the winter season. Also, at the time of Dussehra, which is celebrated during this season.

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Place to visit near Vinayagar Temple

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh Ashram

Pondicherry was the residence of Sri Aurobindo (Indian freedom fighter), which was established in 1926. It is one of the famous and wealthiest ashrams in India. The ashram is one of the major destinations for tourists and spiritual seekers. If you are looking for peace and quiet in Pondicherry, then this place should definitely be on your list.

Paradise Beach

Unlike the coarse sand of Auroville beach, the sand of Paradise beach is soft in nature. Thus making them an ideal ground for sports and recreation. The beach is truly a paradise in the sense that the colour of the water is really blue; The sand is golden and silver. And the boat ride through the backwaters that takes you to this golden paradise is simply remarkable! It is one of the places to visit in Pondicherry.

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How to reach this Temple

By Air- The nearest airport from Vinayagar Temple is Pondicherry airport. You can take direct flight from Hyderabad or Bangalore to Pondicherry airport. It is the domestic airport of the city and receives flights only from these 2 cities. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services.

By Train- Puducherry Railway Station, is the nearest railway station from this temple which is only 1.7 km away from this temple. Has good railway connectivity to other metro cities of India. From there, you can look for local transport to reach this temple.

By Road- Self drive all the way to Puducherry to witness outstanding views and mesmerizing views throughout. Private and state-owned buses are also available which operate regularly to and from the destination.

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