PondicherryTemples of Pondicherry
Pondicherry has the status of a Union Territory in the country of India. This territory has a checkered history having been, under French rule for many years. It is one of the most cosmopolitan areas in country which displays the country’s secular traditions and the peaceful co-existence of different religions and communities. The modern architecture of its buildings reflect Indian culture blended with advanced French styles. There are churches, mosques and temples spread all over the territory.
On the subject of temples of Pondicherry it would be worth mentioning the prominent ones from ancient times. Locals say that between the 10th. &12th.centuries the Chola kings built about 350 temples. Within the city of Pondicherry itself one can get to see the three century old Manakula Vinayagar Koil dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The “gopuram” here is painted with bright colours. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Murugan and Goddess Laxmi. A decorated temple elephant stands to bless every visiting devotee in exchange for a small donation.
The Varadaraja Perumal temple which dates back to 600 AD, the oldest in the city, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu; there is a separate shrine also for Lord Narsimha. The Vedhapureeswara Temple also known as Eashwaran Koil is dedicated to Lord Siva. The Kanniga Parameswari temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi is a blend of French and Tamil architecture. Kamatchiamman Temple is dedicated to Durga/Parvati. In contrast to the other temples this one is rust coloured conveying an antique look.
Out of town, about 11 km away, in a place named Villianur, built by the Cholas, is another famous temple of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara which has a Sivalingam and also has shrines of Murugan and Devi.
The annual car festival is held on a full moon day between May and June. A 15m tall chariot is pulled by people in a procession on the streets. Under French rule the Governor used to actively participate in the festival of drawing the chariot. This tradition is still followed and the current Lieutenant Governor also participates in the festivities.
Situated close to the Raj Nivas and the famous Aurobindo Ashram is the Manakkula Vinayakar temple. Local legend states that a Frenchman was bent upon destroying the deity within, but the image kept reappearing. This led to the Frenchman finally becoming a staunch believer.
.Located to the West of a place by the name of Karaikal is the Thirunallar temple of Lord Shiva which features a shrine consecrated to Saturn(Saneeswaran) ie God Shani. Such a temple is a rarity in India. The locals celebrate with great enthusiasm “Shani Peyarchi” a festival to obtain God’s blessings.
Internationally, Pondicherry has acquired fame because of Auroville, a settlement of the disciples of Sri Aurobindo & Mother(who was a French Lady). The ashram in Pondicherry and the various institutions based around it form a community by themselves. To tourists, temples of Pondicherry presents a variety which possibly no other city in the world could show.
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