Travel & Living

8 Must Visit places in Pondicherry!

The best weekend getaway spot!

5) Aurobindo Ashram:

Unlike other places in the city, the Aurobindo Ashram is one place to visit and spend in solitude. If you want some time ME time to forget the worries of the world, the Aurobindo Ashram is the best place to visit! The Ashram was started by Sri Aurobindo  Ghosh, shortly after he quit politics. He was joined by a few others, who believed in his thoughts and ideals. In 1920, Mira Alfassa, popularly called ‘Annai’ joined Aurobindo, and the movement gained momentum at that time. The followers set up the Ashram in 1926. The Mother, Mira, took complete responsibility of the Ashram after the demise of Sri Aurobindo in 1950.

At the Ashram, you can go around the place, and then find a small space  to sit and de-stress through meditation. You can also head to watch a short-film about the Ashram, or to the library to read more about The Mother, Sri Aurobindo and the Movement as a whole. Don’t forget to visit the Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon to buy various fragrances of your choice. Set up by The Mother in 1959, Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon is a place where a diverse range of fragrances are produced to heal the different human body parts. There is no entry fee to visit the Ashram. But, do ensure you take permission before you click photographs inside the premises.

Timing:8:00 am – 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

 

6) Manakula Vinayagar Temple:

The Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a shrine dedicated exclusively to Lord Ganesha. This Temple is adjacent the Aurobindo Ashram, and is a must-visit on your Pondi tour. This temple has a unique story to it, which is considered to be a local legend. The French wanted to build a fort near the temple in 1688, and therefore wanted to demolish the temple. They therefore removed the Ganesha idol from the temple and tried submerging it in the sea. However, how many ever times they tried, those many times Ganesha cam right back and was present at the temple. Therefore, the French submitted to the power of Lord Ganesha, and let the temple be.

The temple is built in the typical Dravidian architecture. Sprawling over an area of 7913 square feet, the main highlight of this temple is the gold laminated kodi kambam that measures 18 feet in height. Another interesting feature is the idol of Lord Ganesha that rests on the golden chariot. The temple also has an adorable elephant called Lakshmi, that blesses the visitors. Entry into the temple is absolutely free.

Timing: 5:45 am – 12:30 pm | 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple Puducherry (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Pooja, Location & Phone) - Puducherry Tourism - 2022

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