Probably, the first tourist site am updating here. The number of sacred places in TN for Ganapathi is very less when compared to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Amman or Murugan. Manakula Vinayagar in Pondicherry is one of the rare temples for Ganapathi. Please do not underestimate the power of Manakula Vinayagar by the small size of the temple. The golden vimanam and the golden chariot are testimony to his power. Its probably the first place you visit in Pondicherry when you start your day over your weekend trip.
Lot of local mythology surrounds Lord Vinayagar over here. Lord Vinayagar is actually said to be on the samadhi of "Tholla Kathu Sitthar" (Saint with a hole in his ear). The sculpture of Tholla Kathu Sithar is by the side of the Lord Murugan shrine. This sculpture was a recent addition. I will later write about the temple where "Tholla Kathu Sithar" worshipped and stayed.
One obvious question which comes to any one's mind is how Lord Mankula Vinaygar survived in the old town where the French stayed. It is said that the French actually tried removing him by throwing his idol into the sea not once but three times. But apparently each time the French threw him into the sea he was washed back ashore. The French obviously tired of removing him, reinstalled the deity.
One should also know that the temple was much smaller and suffered from space constraints. Apparently, there was lot of effort to get the nearby buildings but the Ashram people resisted a lot. But one day, Lord Manakula Vinaygar himself appeared in the dreams of the owner of the nearby building and asked him to part away, that's how the temple grew in size.
These are the stories that surround the temple. But to people in Pondy he is always close to heart, its custom to get the new year calendar issued by the temple and any new vehicle we buy , we make sure we go to Lord Manakula Vinayagar and perform vehicle pooja over there. Before we start travel, we visit Lord Manakula Vinayagar and start our journey. So he is so auspicious and poweful and he gives you Lakshmi Gatacham.
A recent attraction to the temple, is the temple elephant "Lakshmi". She used to be a kid when she came over, now she is really grown up. So make sure to get a snapshot with "Lakshmi"
There are quite good number of handicrafts around Manakula Vinayagar Temple. So you can get nice memorabilia.
More details from the site : http://manakulavinayagartemple.com/
