On 27th March, 2014
reached Pondicherry. I had a lecture on 28th March In Pondicherry University
for their History Department, SAP Special Assistance Programme. Prof. Chandrika , the head of the department, took me to visit the Ganesh temple. Manakula
Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India.
Dedicated to the god Ganesa, it is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist
destination in Puducherry. The temple is of considerable antiquity and predates
French occupation of the territory. During the tenure of Dupleix, there were
attempts to destroy the temple, but it was spared owing to strong protests from
the Hindu population and the threat of British and Maratha invasion of the
territory. This is a grand and beautiful temple, dedicated to
the Hindu lord Ganesha. Puducherry might be a place full of churches but
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is highly coveted among Hindu devotees and tourists,
traveling from all parts of the country. Being more than 500 years old, it has
an illustrious history and is one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple derives its name from two Tamil
words Manal meaning 'sand' and Kulam meaning 'pond near the sea'. The temple
was known by the name Manal Kulathu Vinayagar earlier. A number of festivals
and celebrations are conducted at the temple all throughout the year, yet
Brahmothsavam, a 24-day long festival, is the most important one. While we have
not heard of a night shrine for Vinayaka in any temple, there is one in the
Manakula Vinayagar temple. He stays here with his consorts. The idol taken to
this shrine, called Palliarai, will have the feet part alone. Vinayaka on the
Well: The stage (peetam) set for the God is in a well which many may not know.
This may be a well or even a tank. A six-inch radius pit runs on the left side
of the peetam, the depth of which could not be measured and it is always full. The
elephant outside the Ganesh temple is well trained to collect money and prasad
from the devotees.
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