Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Overview

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most visited temples in Puducherry, known for its unique architecture and religious significance.

The temple is believed to be over 400 years old and is considered a sacred place for devotees. It is also a significant cultural landmark in the region.

Hindu Temple Historical Site Religious Site

Location

Address

Manakula Vinayagar Koil St., Puducherry, India

Neighborhood: White Town

Coordinates

11.933000, 79.820000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations welcome)

Children

Free (donations welcome)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to February

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and pleasant

• Vinayaka Chaturthi festival
• Temple decorations

summer

Hot and humid

• Special Abhishekam (ritual bath) for Lord Ganesha

autumn

Pleasant and cool

• Navaratri festival
• Temple decorations

winter

Cool and pleasant

• Margazhi festival
• Temple decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Dress modestly
Remove footwear before entering the temple
Follow temple rules and regulations

What to Bring

essential

ID proof Water bottle Camera (if allowed)

seasonal

Umbrella or raincoat (during monsoon) Sunscreen and hat (during summer)

not allowed

Leather items Non-vegetarian food Alcohol and tobacco

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: None

• Crowded during festivals, be cautious of pickpockets

Medical facilities: Basic first aid available, nearest hospital is 5 km away

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards (at some counters)

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)

special events Varies

offerings Varies

Dress Code

Modest clothing, Traditional Indian attire (like dhoti, saree, or salwar kameez), Remove footwear before entering the temple, Revealing clothing, Shorts and sleeveless tops

Booking Tips

• Not required, but online tickets can be booked for special events
• Official temple website or authorized ticket vendors
• Depends on the ticket vendor
• Available for special events and festivals

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Manakula Vinayagar Temple App

Size: 20 MB

Features: Temple information, Festival calendar, Live darshan (remote viewing of the deity), Donation and offering options

Platforms: Android, iOS

WiFi Zones: Available in the temple courtyard and nearby areas

Charging Stations: Available at the temple's information center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Pondicherry Airport (now closed), nearest operational airport is Chennai International Airport

Distance: 160 km from Chennai International Airport

Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours by road

Taxi

INR 3000-4000 3.5 to 4 hours

Public transport

INR 200-300 4.5 to 5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 2 km from the city center

Taxi/Auto-rickshaw

INR 150-200 10-15 minutes

Bus

INR 10-20 20-25 minutes

Walking

Free 25-30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical landmark. It is a source of pride for the local community.

Historical Significance: The temple is over 400 years old and has witnessed many historical events. It was built by the Maratha ruler Shriji Vishwasrao.

Insider Tips

The best time to visit is during the early morning hours, when the temple is less crowded and the atmosphere is serene
The temple's annual festivals, especially Vinayaka Chaturthi, are a must-see, featuring vibrant decorations, special prayers, and cultural performances.

Local Recommendations

• Try local South Indian cuisine at nearby restaurants
• Visit the Botanical Garden nearby
• Explore the French Quarter of Puducherry

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Vanakkam

thank_you Nandri

where_is Enge

how_much Evvalavu

beautiful Sundara

ticket Ticket (English is widely understood and spoken)

Guide Languages: Tamil, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main temple entrance

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the intricate carvings and the vibrant colors

Result: Stunning photos of the temple's architecture

#ManakulaVinayagarTemple #Puducherry #TempleArchitecture

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Courtyard

prohibited areas Inner sanctum, During rituals and prayers

flash photography Not allowed inside the temple

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Not allowed inside the temple

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas

Nearby Attractions

Botanical Garden

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Park

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Cathedral

Gandhi Museum

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Puducherry Beach

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Beach

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning for a serene experience"
"Dress modestly and respect the temple's rules"
"Don't miss the temple's annual festivals and special events"

Contact Information

+91 413 222 4840

info@manakulavinayagar.org

www.manakulavinayagar.org

Social Media

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