The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is the most visited Hindu temple in Pondicherry, devoted to Ganesha (Vinayagar in Tamil). It sits on the edge of the French Quarter near the seafront and has been here since before the French arrived — attempts by colonial authorities to demolish it reportedly failed, and it survived to become one of the town's enduring institutions.
The temple is active throughout the day and open to visitors of all faiths. The star attraction is the elephant Lakshmi, who blesses devotees by touching them with her trunk at the main entrance — a ritual that draws a steady queue. The gopuram (tower) over the entrance is colourfully painted with figures from Hindu mythology. Early morning or late evening puja is the most atmospheric time to visit; the smell of incense and flowers is strongest then.