Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Pondicherry - Vellaikkaran Pillai

This 500 year old Manakula Vinayagar temple is one of the few temples in Pondicherry, of historical importance. This temple that was in existence before the French came and settled here and the idol of Lord Ganesha is locally known as ‘Vellaikkaran Pillai’. Once, an atheist French officer decides to destroy this temple for official sites even though it was not required though. He wanted to throw the idol into the sea. Locals beg the officer to spare the idol as it is a powerful one but he was not the guy to listen. Later, they return to the shrine only to see the same statue in the same position. Shocked by this miracle, the colonizer ordered the troop again but the same thing was repeated from time to time. In his fury, he decided to break the idol on his own, but in the process the crowbars break into pieces and he only gets hurt. He was fed up with this activity and henceforth, the shrine was fondly called as ‘Vellaikaran Pillai’ meaning Friend of whites. Since the temple was near a pond surrounded by the sand, it was called as Manal Kulathu Ganesh colloquially called as Manakula Vinayagar Temple. The temple is spread across 8000 sq ft. The outside wall of the temple has the paintings depicting various forms of the lord with its timelines and locations. The use of teak wood and gold racks gives an exquisite look to the famous golden chariot. Every year during Dussehra (Navaratri), this chariot is carried out for procession.