Temples of Puducherry consists of some of the oldest rock cuts with century old structures like Manakula Vinayagar Koil dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Varadaraja Perumal temple which dates back to 600 AD and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Varadaraja, Vedhapureeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kanniga Parameswari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is famous for its blend of French and Tamil architecture and Kamatchiamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and unique due to its stark features.
All these temples are situated within the town itself and hence can also be easily accessed. Another admired temple of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is situated away from the town in a small town called Villianur. This particular temple has a Sivalingam and also has shrines of Murugan and Devi. The history of the temple dates back to Chola rule. Of the numerous types of religious places in Puducherry and places of worship in the state, some of the significant ones are listed below:
Manakula Vinayagar Temple
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is 400 years old, where Lord Ganesha is worshipped by all and sundry. No one starts work without praying to this elephant-headed god. The speciality about this temple is that the life story of this half-human and half-animal lord is told in several fresco paintings.
Vedapuriswarar Temple
This temple, Vedapuriswara, was constructed in the 18th century. Everyday, Vedapuriswarar Temple lures thousands of pious minded people and devotees. The four pillars of the main temple, display the diverse poses of dance of Lord Shiva. Vedapuriswara (Lord Shiva) was the presiding spirit of Vedapuri by which name the present Puducherry was once known
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple was constructed in Dravidian style. It is one of the most popular and oldest temples in the Town. It is set up within Boulevard on the Mahatma Gandhi Road, Puducherry. The Gopuram and the sculptured pillars in the temple are with bright colours and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Sithananda Swamy Temple
Swamy Sithananda was born and spent his life in a tiny village known as Vandipalayam near the historical place of Thirupathiripuliyur, and also served as Garland man and "Sadhu" to God at the Sri Padaleswarar Temple. Muthukumarasamy Pillai who lived at Muthialpet, Puducherry, came to know about Swamy Sithananda. The wife of Pillai, for a long time, was suffering from a disease. He believed if his wife was blessed by Sithananda Swamy she would recover from her illness. So Pillai requested Swamy Sithananda to visit his house at Puducherry. A miracle had happened. When he entered into the house of Pillai and blessed his wife, she recovered from her illness. From then onwards he stayed in Puducherry. People far and near daily came to Him to get his blessings. One day Swamy Sithananda and Pillai were walking along the village Karuvadikuppam. Then Swamy Sithananda showed a place to Pillai which was suitable to be for his Samadhi-People strongly believed that the blessings of Swamy Sithananda would bring peace, prosperity and happiness in their life. He attained Jeevasamadhi on 28th May 1837. People hope and trust that a visit to Swamy Sithananda temple would shower what they aspire to achieve in their life.
Sri Lauda Chinna Amman Temple
This temple is located at No.46 Lally Tolandal Street. The chief deity of this temple is a unified form of Arthanareeswaran and Amrnaiyappan. At the southern part of this temple there is another deity that is available known as Jeya Veera Anjaneyar. His tail with a fire and bell at his hand is an inimitable scene of Ramayana. There is a Pond with antique touch at the middle of the garden in the temple.
Jain Temple
In the year 1977, the very first Jain Temple was built, that was in the cutting of Gandhi Street and Chetty Street. In all, there are about 8 Gods in Jainism, the principle being Shankeswar Parasnath, a nine headed King Cobra is guarding over his head. The temple, which remains open on all days from 6 am to 11 am in the morning and 5 pm to 9 pm in the evening, is thronged by people of all religion worship these Gods.
Sri Kokilambal ThiruKameswarar Temple (Villianur)
One of the temples, known for its architectural brilliance - Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple, is the finest in Puducherry. It is located 9.5 kms away. During the months of May and June, a ten day annual festival, known as Brahmothsavam, is held at Puducherry that attract hundred of devotees. The temple that is profusely decorated is at a height of 15.25 meters. It is an awe-inspiring sight.
Panchavady Panchmuga Anjaneya Temple
Panchamuga Anjaneya Temple, just 12 kms away from Puducherry, has been constructed at Panchavadi, a small village, on the high way leading to Tindivanam. The enormous idol of Anjaneya that is standing 32 feet high is becoming popular day by day and attracts all worshippers, young and old, alike from far and near.
