White Man's Ganesha - Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Kovil, Puducherry

White man’s Ganesha : 

This ancient shrine dedicated to LordGanesha is more than 500 years old.

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Kovil,Puducherry.

A temple with a unique name – 

Manakula – 

Manal means sand and 

Kulam means pond near the sea, 

which earlier was full of sand around pond.The principle deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha or Ganpati who is referred as Manal Kulathu Vinayagar meaning the God near the pond of sand.

During French colonization of Pondicherry (now Puducherry):

one haughty and senior army official tried to remove Lord Ganesha from shrine as it was in middle of newly built French colony. He made his soldiers to threw it into deep sea.Well, they paid no heed to pleas of devotees as it was their way to culturally subjugate them.

Miracle: 

But, to their great dismay; the large idol would be found again in sanctum in exact position.They did try to destroy it with the help of hammers; but all tools were broken except idol itself. 

At last, French commander realized that there was some very super natural power residing in this sacred shrine.

Faithful :

As a mark of respect; he not only donated a substantial amount to Lord ;but turned into an ardent Shri Ganesha devotee for life.

Conclusion : 

Lord Ganesha proposes; no one opposes : Proverb