- Deity
- Lord Ganesha
- Timings
- About 6 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm
- Main festivals
- Vinayaka Chaturthi, Brahmotsavam, Vijayadasami
- Nearest railway station
- Puducherry
- Nearest international airport
- Chennai
What to see
The main deity is Ganesha, worshipped here as Manakula Vinayagar. The temple tower is covered in gold, and the inner walls carry colourful paintings of Ganesha in his many forms. Look for Narthana Vinayagar, a dancing Ganesha shown with his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi.
- The gold-covered vimana over the sanctum
- Wall paintings of the many forms of Ganesha
- The golden chariot, taken out at Vijayadasami
Worship and offerings
Abhishekam is performed in the morning and evening. Devotees offer arugampul (sacred grass) garlands, sweet pongal, fruit and puffed rice. As Ganesha is prayed to before any new undertaking, you will often see families bringing new vehicles or account books for blessing.
Festivals
Vinayaka Chaturthi, the temple's Brahmotsavam and the fortnightly Pradosham draw large crowds. At Vijayadasami, devotees pull the temple's golden chariot through the streets of the town.
Timings and tips
The temple opens at about 6 am and closes around 1 pm, then reopens from 4 pm until about 10 pm. There is no strict dress code, but covering the arms and legs is respectful. Mornings are calmer; evenings are busy but atmospheric. A temple elephant used to bless visitors at the entrance, and the shops outside sell flowers, coconuts and sweets for offerings. Leave footwear at the stand near the gate.
How to reach
The temple is within walking distance of the Promenade and the Ashram. Direct buses from Chennai reach Puducherry in about three to four hours, and trains arrive at Puducherry station, a short auto ride away. Chennai has the nearest international airport, and Puducherry has a small domestic one.
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