Don’t miss the unique sight of the curious queues of tourists and pilgrims waiting to get a pat on the head by the sacred elephant of the Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Located just south of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, this ancient temple is best explored while lodging at a Pondicherry hotel such as the Hotel Atithi known to offer quality Pondicherry accommodation amidst the many attractions in town. Dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, this temple is several centuries old having been in existence even before the arrival of the French in 1666. The name Manakula Vinayagar came from being constructed near a sandy pond, Manal meaning sand in Tamil and Kulam meaning pond near the sea. The poojas here are vibrant and elaborate and the temple greatly venerated among Hindus sees throngs of devotees almost every day.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+
