Manakula Vinayagar Temple

This Hindu temple, located in Pondicherry is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is widely considered a popular pilgrimage site. The temple and its antiquity reminds one of how Indian culture and heritage didn’t wither away even after years of colonization. During Dupleix’s tenure, several attempts were made to destroy the temple, but Hindu populations always managed to protect it through protests and threat of Maratha invasion.
Revered for its beauty and structure, the temple came into existence even before French came to the country. Constructed before 1666 AD, this place of worship has different names and types of Lord Ganesha. Meaning ‘sand around pond’, several scholars have written about this temple.
This place is also known for a saint, Thollaikkathu Siddhar, who stood 6 feet tall and had a broad forehead with blissful eyes. He is said to have attained enlightenment from this temple and later sacrificed his body here. People bring in their new born children here for getting blessings.
The shrine is well-known for its golden chariot, which has been made through donations by different devotees. 7.5 kilograms of gold has been used for constructing this chariot, which was estimated around INR 35 lacs. The chariot was first run in a grand ceremony on 5th October 2003. Now, it runs once a year on Dusherra.