Manakula Vinayagar Temple: History, Timings & Visitor Guide
Manakula Vinayagar Temple (French: Temple de Manakula Vinayagar) is a Ganesha temple in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Dedicated to the god Ganesa, it is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Puducherry.
About Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Manakula Vinayagar Temple (French: Temple de Manakula Vinayagar) is a Ganesha 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.
Manakula Vinayagar Temple: Key Facts
- TempleManakula Vinayagar Temple
- LocationPuducherry
- StatePuducherry
- Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
- Best Time to VisitOctober to February
- Nearest Railway StationPondicherry railway station, ~1 km
- Nearest AirportPuducherry (PNY), ~4 km
- GPS11.93569, 79.83361
Manakula Vinayagar Temple Timings 2026
- 5.45 am to 12.30 pm
- 4.00 pm to 09.30 pm
- Daily 11 AM
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday Uchikaala Poojai will start from 12.00 Noon to 1.00 PM with Mahatheeparathani
- Morining - 6.30 am & 11.00 am
- Evening - 4.30 pm & 9.00 pm
- 6.30 am Everyday for Devotees
- 11.00 am Monday to Thursday for Devotees
These timings are taken from the official website. They change on festivals, so confirm before you go.
Dress Code & Temple Rules
- DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
- FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
- PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
- Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
- QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days
How to Reach Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- LocationPuducherry
- By AirPuducherry (PNY), about 4 km
- By AirChennai (MAA), about 123 km
- By TrainPondicherry railway station, about 1 km
- Major StationViluppuram Junction railway station, about 36 km
- By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities
Distance from Nearby Cities
| From | Road Distance (approx.) | Travel Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Puducherry | 6 km | 1 hr |
| Chennai | 160 km | 4 hr |
| Tiruchirappalli | 232 km | 5 hr |
| Tirupati | 249 km | 6 hr |
| Salem | 251 km | 6 hr |
Best Time to Visit
October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.
History of Manakula Vinayagar Temple
The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the ancient temples in Puducherry, a Union Territory situated in the southern part of the Indian sub-continent. The temple is 400 meters West of the Bay of Bengal, 165 km South of Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu State), 23 km of North of Cuddalore and 35 km East of Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu. The main deity of this temple, "Manakula Vinayagar" (Pranavamurthy), is facing east. The temple was once bordered on the east side by Orlean Street (Now Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street), south by Jawaharlal Nehru Street, north by Law-de-Louristhon street and west by a canal running north–south.
It is highly frequented by tourists, being just 10 minutes walk from the famous beach road facing the Promenade Beach of Pondicherry.
The Manakula Vinayagar Temple, in Puducherry, is a temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha.
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