12 Must-See Temples in Pondicherry
When Pondicherry’s name is mentioned, beautiful beaches and majestic churches are what you think of. The association of Pondicherry with temples dates back to the 10th Century AD. Pondicherry’s temples are a mix of Indian and French heritages. They also have religious significance.
We have compiled a list of some of the most famous temples in Pondicherry, which we believe paint a different picture than the bohemian vibe and colonial chic.
The Most Famous Temples Near Pondicherry You Must See:
One of the most popular holiday spots in India is Pondicherry. The temples offer a beautiful and traditional picture of the city. Let’s take a look at the list of temples found in Pondicherry for more information.
1. Manakula Vinayagar Temple:
With its brightly colored gopuram, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple instantly grabs attention. Built more than 350 years ago, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is a popular spot for devotees from all parts of Pondicherry, and even further afield. It is a rare sight to see Lord Ganesha and his consorts, Riddhi & Siddhi. This temple is typical of many south Indian temples and follows Dravidian architecture.
Bhuvaneshwar Ganapathy is the name of the idol at Ponicherry’s temple. It is still known as Manal KulathuVinayagar due to its location close to the sea. Later, it became Manakula Vinayagar but was originally called Manal Kulathu Vinayagar.
Address: Manakula Vinayagar Koil street, White town.
Opening Times: 5:45 – 12:30 p.m. and 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Dress Code There’s no dress code.
How To Reach: Take the train from Pondicherry to Villupuram, which is 35 km away. It connects to all major Indian cities. Chennai International Airport (135 km) is the closest airport. You can also travel by bus, either private or state-operated, from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore, as well as Madurai to Pondicherry. The temple is located 73 Km away from Chidambaram, and 114 km from Kanchipuram. You can rent bikes or hire taxis and autos to get around the city.
Temple Website: http://www.manakulavinayagartemple.com/
Best Time to Visit: Annual 24 Days Festival during August and September. Sankatahara Chathurthi Day
Other Attractions Sri Aurobindo Ashram can be found 0.1km away, Seaside Promenade 0.4km away, and French Institute 0.4km away.
2. Panchavati Hanuman Temple:
Panchavati Hanuman temple houses a 32-foot-tall idol of Lord Anjaneya. Many tourists and devotees flock to the temple’s magnificent architecture and huge idol. The tranquility and atmosphere of the Panchavati Temple, Pondicherry is worth taking in, especially as it sprawls across 12 acres. Saturday is the best day to worship Lord Hanuman, with a large footfall of devotees.
Address: Pondicherry – Tindivanam road.
Open Timings: 7-11 am, 5-8 pm.
Dress Code Decent, temple-appropriate attire
How To Reach: Pondicherry can be reached by train from all major cities. You can also take local buses to get to the temple. Chennai is the nearest airport to Pondicherry.
Temple Website N/A
Best time to visit: Krishna Jayanthi and Vaikunta Times.
Other Attractions You can contribute to the Anna Dhan facility at the temple. It is well-known for the free prasadham that it offers to all its visitors. Visitors can see a floating stone of 15-16 Kg on the waters. This is a major attraction. It is believed that this stone was used to build the bridge to Lanka. Irumbai temple.
3. Sri Karaneswara Nataraja Temple, Pyramid Temple:
Sri Karneshwar Naraya temple, located 12 kilometers north of Auroville, is one of the most unique and beautiful temples at Pudhukuppam Beach in Pondicherry. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and resembles the great pyramids in Egypt. This temple was built by Dr. Karan Singh, who is the chairman of the Auroville Foundation. Because the original temple was destroyed by the tsunami in 2004, the new pyramid temple was built. The presiding deity is housed in the central chamber beneath the pointed dome.
Address, Eco Village and Spa, GangaiammanKoil Street, Keelputhupet Tamil Nadu 605014
Open Timings: 6-12 pm and 4-9 pm.
Dress Code There’s no dress code.
How To Reach: The Temple has located 15km from Pondicherry’s center, 16km from Puducherry’s bus stop, and 15km from Puducherry Airport. Chennai airport is 130km away. Villupuram railway station, 50 km.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions Calm Seashore
12 Must-See Temples in Pondicherry
4. Kamala Saibaba Temple, Pillaichavadi, Kalapet:
The Shri Kamala Sai Baba Temple is located in Pondicherry’s Pillaichavady. It was established by the Sai Baba Seva Samithi in 1995 under the society act. The original 50 members of the temple’s Seva Samithi were life members. It grew to 359 members. This temple hosts regular anna dunams, bhajans, and other seva programs.
Address: Shri Kamala Saibaba Temple, Shirdi Sai Nagar, Pillaichavady, Puducherry-605014.
Open Timings: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dress Code There’s no dress code.
How to Get There: Pondicherry can be reached by air, bus, or train from all major cities. You can take a variety of local vehicles to get you to the temple.
Temple Website: https://pondicherrykamalasai.org/
Other Attractions – Pondicherry University
5. Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Pondicherry:
The Varadaraja Perumal temple is found in the heritage region of Pondicherry. This area has been defining religious fabric for over 800 years. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Pondicherry. It was built by the Cholas as a landmark Vishnu temple in the 11th Century. It boasts a Raja gopuram that is 110 feet high and has five tiers. This temple houses Lord Vishnu in the form of the Varadaraja Permal. Sridevi and Bhudevi are on either side. This temple is a perfect example of Dravidian-style architecture’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Address: Mahatma Gandhi Road Heritage Town.
Open Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are a must.
How To Reach: Many bus transport services are available from Chennai to take you to the temple. The nearest railway station is Pondicherry. The nearest bus station to the temple is located 2.5km away. Chennai’s airport is also within reach.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Rock beach. University aquarium. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Serenity beach.
6. Kamatchi Amman Temple, Pondicherry:
The Kamatchi Amman temple is located in Pondicherry and dates back 500 years. It is dedicated to the incarnation Durga or Parvati of the Hindu Goddess Kamakshi Devi. This temple, which was built by the Pallava kings, is one of the most famous in Pondicherry. Devotees are welcome to participate in the four worships that are held every day at this temple. Annual festivals in this temple include Navaratri and Aadi as well as Aipasi Puram and Theppam.
Address: Kamakshi Amman Sannathi Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502.
Open Timings: 6 – 12 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are preferred.
How To Reach: The temple can be found 3km from the Thavalakuppan bus stop, 2 km from Puducherry railway station, and 5 km from Pondicherry Airport.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, Sri Kumarakottam Temple.
12 Must-See Temples in Pondicherry
7. Vedapureeswarar Temple:
The Vedapureeshwarar Temple is one of the most famous Lord Shiva temples in Pondicherry. It was destroyed by the French in 1748. After its reconstruction in 1788, the temple is still a landmark place to visit Pondicherry. Its architecture is very similar to other south Indian temples. The Raja gopuram stands 75 feet high. Goddess Parvati or Tiripurasundari also has a shrine to her. This place is enhanced by the presence of a rectangular water tank in its precincts.
Address, Mahatma Gandhi Road Heritage road.
Open Timings: 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are required.
How To Reach The temple can be found just a few minutes away from Pondicherry. Puducherry has excellent connections to major cities via airways, railways, and road transport.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Pondicherry Botanical Gardens, Cathedrals.
8. Prathyangira Devi Temple, Moratandi:
The Prathyangira Devi Temple is dedicated to Prathiyangara Devi, located in Morandi. The statue of the goddess is 72 feet tall and has a skull necklace around it. Her skin is blue with bulging eyes and her head is a lion’s. A small underground temple is used for the poojas. It is four feet below ground.
Address: Prathiyangara Devi temple, Moratandi – 605101, Villupuram district.
Open Timings: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are preferred.
How To Reach: The temple can be found 9 km from the Pondicherry bus stop, while the Puducherry railway station can be reached in 10km.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Moratandishaneeshwara temple,
9. Kanniga Parameswari Temple:
The Kanniga Parameshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi, a goddess of power. It’s located on Pondicherry’s MG road. The temple complex also contains French glass paintings and a Lord Ganesha idol. This temple is unique because it combines Indian and French architecture. The ceiling of the sanctum is decorated in the traditional Tamil style. The temple is a popular attraction in Pondicherry and attracts people from all over the country.
Address: MG Road, Pondicherry 605001.
Open Timings: 6 – 12 p.m. and 4 – 9 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are preferred.
How To Reach: The temple can be found three kilometers from the Pondicherry bus stop. It is easily reached by local transport in no more than five minutes.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Promenade Beach, Rock beach.
10. Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple:
The Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, dedicated to Punithavathi, is located on Karaikal’s Bharathiar Street. Malaiperumal Pillai built the temple in 1929 to honor Ammaiyar, one of Karaikal’s most revered goddesses. This temple is called Karaikkal Ammaiyar. Private, the main goddess, is located in this temple.
Address: Bharathiyar Street, Karaikal (Puducherry 60962)
Open Timings: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are preferred.
Where to Find: The temple can be reached at a distance of 1.5 km from the Karaikal Railway Station.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Karaikal beach and Saneswaran Temple
12 Must-See Temples in Pondicherry
11. Thirunallar, Saneeswaran Temple:
One of the famous shrines of Lord Shani, the ThirunallarSaniswaran temple, is located in Thirunallar, Karaikal district of Pondicherry. Thirunallar Saniswaran temple is home to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. They are known as Bhogamartha Poonmulai Amman, and Darbaranyeswarar. To save Nalan, Lord Saniswaran gave up all his powers to Lord Shiva and was forced to surrender to Saturn’s curse at Thirunallar Saniswaran temple. Lord Saniswaran, who is worshipped before entering the main sanctum for Lord Shiva, is treated as a gatekeeper to the shrine.
Address: Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple, Nalankulam, Thirunallar, Puducherry 609607.
Open Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional attire is preferred.
How To Reach: This temple is located 10 kilometers from the nearest railway station, while the Tiruchirapalli Airport is 168km away. It is easily accessible from all major cities.
Temple Website: https://thirunallarutemple.org/
Other Attractions : Bhadrakali Temple, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple.
12. Temple of Karaikal Kailasanathar
The Karaikal Kalisanathar Temple, located next to the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, is important in Karaikal, Pondicherry. This temple was built by the Pallavas around 2000 years ago. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the temple is its four intricate doorways that lead in each direction.
Address Kailasanathar Kovil St. Karaikal, Puducherry 6009602.
Open Timings: 6 – 12 p.m. and 4 – 7 p.m.
Dress Code Traditional gowns are preferred.
How to Get There: The temple can be reached from many parts of the city by train, car, or taxi. It is easily accessible from other parts of India.
Temple Website N/A
Other Attractions: Perumal Temple, Mariamman Temple.
We now know what Pondicherry holds for us. It is time to book your tickets and pack. This article will show you the spiritual side of Pondicherry. Let us know if this article was helpful to you!
FAQ:
1. What are some of the most popular street food in Pondicherry
Ans. Here are some of the most famous street food or snacks that you can eat in Pondicherry:
Pani puri
Mutton samosas.
Masala puri.
Mutton rolls.
Vegetable sandwiches.
Bondas.
Knowsley.
Crab masala fry.
2. What are some things to do in Pondicherry while you’re there?
Ans. Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Pondicherry while you’re there:
Scuba diving
City tour.
Visiting Auroville.
Explore the city by bike
Popular temples.
3. What is the best time of year to visit Pondicherry
Ans. October to March is the best time to visit Pondicherry. The temperature is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius during these months.
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