Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the most prominent, revered, and ancient temples in the Union Territory of Puducherry, with a storied heritage dating back over 500 years before French settlement in 1673. The name originates from 'Manal' (fine sand) and 'Kulam' (sacred pond), commemorating the sandy dune pond where the self-manifested deity was originally worshipped. The sanctum sanctorum houses a stone idol of Lord Ganesha facing east towards the Bay of Bengal. The temple is celebrated for its dazzling golden tower (viman) plated with pure gold leaf and an 18-foot golden chariot made of teakwood and 7.5 kg of gold, brought out in ceremonial procession on sacred Friday evenings.