We hear of this by total coincidence, while in pursuit of Sridhar Gurukkal for a conversation. To our dismay (because otherwise the utsavams would have proceeded in full force), the Manakkula Vinayaka temple is preparing for its next Kumbhabhishekam, and a Balalayam has been scheduled. Literally, this is the designation of a temporary, ritually consecrated place in which a temple deity's presence is maintained while the main shrine undergo renovation, repair or ritual renewal – Bala (child) + Aalaya (abode), Balalaya is the temporary shrine; balalaya-pratishtha or balalaya-kumbhabhishekam refers to its ritual establishment.
Technically this is scheduled for July 5, but the preparatory pujas and first Kaalam happen on July 4, starting with abhishekams in the morning and shanti pujas in the evening. We were there till around 830pm, caught the tail end of the Vastu shanti pujas, saw rakshai being tied for rakshai for several priests, several agni kundams set up, each with a requisite number of kalasas each, the main agni kunda with kalasas on all four as though marking an ellai or boundary, with a leaf with jaggery piece in front, 2 pictures each of the dashabhujas (Mooshika, conch, chattram, sword, and several others including a small male figure on the south west side).
4 priests were anointed, 1 for each of the murtis: Balavinayaka, Murugan, Chandikeswara and the Moolavar. Pujas happened at each place, with 2 cords, one red like erukkam twine connecting the kalasas at the top of each vimanam with the thread-adorned kalasas below, each wound beautifully with coloured strings. Pujas go on for each by separate priests, who then carry the kalasas to the main homam area. The puja for the main vimana is done by the main priest for this occasion (he’s from Kalahasti), sitting on the top of the vimana itself.
Dinamalar reports the following on July 5, 2026:
Puducherry: The Balalayam (preliminary consecration ritual) was held yesterday at the Puducherry Manakkula Vinayakar Temple.
The last Kumbhabhishekam (grand consecration) at the Puducherry Manakkula Vinayakar Temple was conducted in April 2015. As 12 years are about to pass since the previous ceremony, the temple management decided to perform the Kumbhabhishekam.
Following that decision, the preliminary Balalayam work for the Kumbhabhishekam commenced yesterday. During the ceremony that began at 10:30 AM, special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) and Aaradhana (worship) were performed for Lord Manakkula Vinayaka. Governor Kailashnathan, MLA Vignesh Kannan, and other dignitaries attended the event.
The temple renovation and restoration work is planned to be completed within ten months. The temple management stated that during the days when the Kumbhabhishekam preparation works take place, all special prayers, Abhishekam, and Aaradhana for Lord Manakkula Vinayaka will continue as usual. The arrangements were carried out by the temple priests (Sivacharyas) Ganesh, Nagaraj, and Seenu.