- Deity
- Lord Shiva (swayambu lingam)
- Timings
- 6 am–1 pm and 4–9 pm
- Location
- MG Road, Puducherry
- Nearest airport
- Chennai
History
The present temple dates from the late 18th century and is associated with Dewan Kandappa Mudaliar, who helped rebuild it. It has since been renovated and remains an active centre of worship and local cultural life, especially for the town's Tamil Shaivite community.
What to see
The seven-tiered gopuram over the main entrance is the landmark. Inside, the pillars around the main shrine are carved with figures of Shiva in many dance poses. The shrine to Dakshinamurthy is also worth noting, and devotees remember that Saint Ramalinga sang in praise of the Murugan shrine here.
Festivals and offerings
Brahmotsavam, Navaratri, Aadi Pooram, Karthigai and Maha Shivaratri are the major festivals, and Pradosham and Sankatahara Chaturthi are observed every month. People pray here to be freed from bad luck and hardship. Common offerings include white cloth, coconuts and ghee, and abhishekam is performed with rose water, sandal paste, coconut water and sacred ash. On Pradosham evenings ghee lamps are lit around the shrine.
Timings and dress
Darshan hours are 6 am–1 pm and 4–9 pm every day. There is no strict dress code, but clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are appreciated.
How to reach
Puducherry's bus stand, a few minutes away on foot, is served by direct buses from Chennai, Kanchipuram and other towns. Puducherry railway station has trains to Chennai via Villupuram, and Chennai airport is the nearest major airport. The Varadaraja Perumal and Kanniga Parameswari temples are close by, so you can visit all three on foot. We can include them in a Puducherry temple and heritage day trip.
Also nearby
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