Karaikal Ammayar Temple
About
One
day Ammaiyar's husband, Paramathathan, had sent two mangoes to be kept
for him. That day a hungry Shaiva devotee came to her residence. As the
luncheon was not yet ready, Ammaiyaar didn't wait for the cooking to
complete. Ammaiyaar gave the devotee, curd rice and one of the two
mangoes which her husband gave earlier. Later, when Ammaiyar's husband
came home, Ammaiyar served him the other mango. The mango was very
delicious, and her husband requested that the other mango be served.
Ammaiyaar went inside kitchen, and Ammaiyar don't know what to do since
the Mango is already served to the adiyaar[siva's devotee]. With Lord
Siva's grace a Divine Mango appeared in her palm. Ammaiyaar was very
happy and Ammaiyar served the Mango to her husband.
- Hill Station: True
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
As
this fruit was divinely sweet and was infinitely delicious compared to
the previous one, her husband inquired as to how Ammaiyar obtained this
mango. Since her husband was not a proper devotee, Ammaiyaar was afraid
of revealing the God's grace. The rule is that God's grace should not be
revealed to non-devotees. But there is one more rule that when a
husband is asking something,the wife has to truthfully answer his
questions. Subsequently,Ammaiyar worshiped Lord's feet and revealed the
truth to her husband. Her husband didn't believe it. He asked her to
produce another mango with divine help. Ammaiyar prayed to Lord Shiva
for another mango and said to her Lord that if He didn't give her
another Mango, his name will get affected. Immediately Lord gave her a
similar mango,which she gave it to her husband. The mango then
disappeared, and Paramathathan realised the divine nature of his wife.
Paramathathan understood that Ammaiyar was worthy of worship and
Ammaiyar cannot be treated as his wife. He then deserted Ammaiyar,
becoming a trader and married the daughter of a merchant who then gave
birth to their child. Paramathathan named the child with the real name
of Ammaiyar. When word reached ammaiyar's family, they decided that they
must take her to him. When he saw his former wife, Paramathathan
addressed her reverentially, saying that he realised Ammaiyar was no
ordinary human being. He worshipped Ammaiyaar with his wife and child.
Ammaiyar prayed to Shiva asking for a boon - that Ammaiyar may worship
Lord Shiva as a disembodied wraith. Ammaiyar received the boon, and
leaving all her beauty and her body behind. Then Ammaiyar graciously
sang, "Arpudha Thiruvandhaadhi" and "Thiru Irattai Mani Maalai".
Ammaiyar traveled to Mount Kailas, climbing it upside down on her head.
There Goddess parvathi, wife of shiva, asked about ammaiyar. Lord Shiva
told, Ammaiyar is the mother who is taking care of ourselves. Ammaiyar
worshiped shiva. shiva greeted her with calling her "Ammaiye"(means, 'my
mother!'), and Ammaiyar replied "Appa"(father to all). Lord asked her
wish to which Ammaiyar replied, "I want endless and delightful love with
you. I don't want to be born again. Even if I have any birth, I should
not forget you. When you perform your holy dance, I want to be beneath
in your feet and I want to sing your praise in joy." The Lord granted
the boon and asked Ammaiyar to come to Thiruvalangadu, where He is
performing one of the holy dances (oordhuva thandava). Ammaiyar visited
Thiruvalangadu, walking on her holy head. Ammaiyar sang 'Thiruaalangaatu
Mootha Thirupathigam 1' and 'Thiruaalangaatu Mootha Thirupathigam 2'.
Ammaiyar blissfully sings under the feet of Dancing Lord
lord saturn temple
About
This
is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Shani (Saneeswaran, in
Tamil). Whenever (planet) Saturn transits from one zodiac sign to
another (an occurrence roughly every 2.5 years), millions throng this
shrine for worship. The legendary King Nala is said to have been
relieved of his afflictions caused by the malefic influence of Saturn,
after worship in this temple. Of the numerous theertams (sacred bathing
places), the Nala theertam is the most important one. It is believed
that by bathing here, one washes off all kinds of misfortunes and
afflictions caused by one's past karmas (in terms of deities, Lord Shani
or Saturn is said to be the dispenser of karmas (both good and bad),
but also one whose Grace, particularly at this shrine, can dispel bad
karmas or, at least, make them bearable)
- Hill Station: True
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Ninraseernedumaran
converted to Jainism. During this time, Jainism was spreading in
influence in South India. Soon, all but his queen Mangaiyarkarasi and
his minister Kulacchirai Nayanar - both staunch Saivaites (worshippers
of Lord Shiva) had embraced Jainism, forsaking the old religion. This
caused immense agony to the queen and the minister who were anxious to
reclaim both king and kingdom back into the fold of the traditional
religion (Saivism).
To these two grief-stricken
individuals came news of the camping of boy saint Thirugnana Sambandar
at Vedaranyam. Having heard of the miracles performed by this young
Saivite saint in Thanjavur district, they sent an urgent invitation to
him to visit Madurai and extricate the king and his subjects from the
clutches of Jainism.
The arrival of the Saivate saint irked
the Jains, who are said to have then set fire to his holy dwelling. But
by his yogic powers, Sambandar had the heat transferred to the king,
who consequently suffered in agony. The young saint then sang the
Padigam 'Mandiramavadu Neeru' and sprinkled a few grains of holy ash on
the right side of the king's body to alleviate the pain. The Jains in
turn chanted the Aruga Mantra (Jain Mantra) and stroked the left side of
the king's person with peacock feathers, but it only aggravated the
pain! In response to entreaties by the king and his ministers, Sambandar
applied a few more grains of the sacred ash to the king's left side
also and the poor Pandian monarch, who only a little while ago was the
very picture of suffering, misery and distress, now smiled gaily and was
free of his burns.
But the Jains challenged the Saivites
further, asking that the Mantras of both religions be written on palm
leaves and consigned to flames to see which one survived the ordeal of
fire (thereby showing superiority over the other). The Jains first
placed their palm leaf onto the fire but it was soon consumed by the
flames. Saint Thirugnana Sambandar placed on the flames one leaf
containing the forty-ninth Padigam of the Tevaram hymn which was sung at
the shrine of Lord Darbharanyeswaran Shiva at Thirunallar. The leaf
remained untouched by the flames and maintained its evergreen freshness,
reestablishing Saivism as the true religion in Pandian capital. Hence
the glory of the Thirunallar temple.
Karaikal beach from the swimmers paradise Pondicherry is one of best and popular beach holiday destination on south Tamil Nadu coast. Able to give the portrait feeling, Karaikal beach is heavenly place for those love to get virgin feeling of out of the world enjoyment and entertainment at solitude of beach.
Located on the East Coast of India, MARG Karaikal Port is the new gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Its combination of strategic location, state-of-the-art equipment and world-class infrastructure makes it the port of choice for industries and businesses located in and around Central Tamil Nadu and beyond. MARG Karaikal Port is located near the town of Karaikal in the Union Territory of Pondicherry and was commissioned in April 2009. Since then the Port has handled a whole range of different cargoes for top industrial houses of the country.
Karaikal Beach
About
Karaikal beach from the swimmers paradise Pondicherry is one of best and popular beach holiday destination on south Tamil Nadu coast. Able to give the portrait feeling, Karaikal beach is heavenly place for those love to get virgin feeling of out of the world enjoyment and entertainment at solitude of beach.
Magnificent sea shore glory Karaikal
beach offers a lot to adventure lover and family tripper tourists with
water sports like boating, canoeing, kayaking etc. and beach games like
Volleyball.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Karaikal Sandy Beach is one of the famous tourist attractions which
is located on the banks of Arasalar River. This tourist destination is
well known for its water sports. Beautiful views of the sunrise offer
some relaxing moments to travelers here.
Karaikal Port
About
Located on the East Coast of India, MARG Karaikal Port is the new gateway to the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Its combination of strategic location, state-of-the-art equipment and world-class infrastructure makes it the port of choice for industries and businesses located in and around Central Tamil Nadu and beyond. MARG Karaikal Port is located near the town of Karaikal in the Union Territory of Pondicherry and was commissioned in April 2009. Since then the Port has handled a whole range of different cargoes for top industrial houses of the country.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Capacity to handle large vessels and diverse cargo, single window
clearance, E2E logistics, state-of-the-art equipment, competitive
tariffs and an ideal location are hallmarks of the MARG Karaikal Port.
MARG Karaikal Port is equipped with the latest infrastructure that
is being augmented in a phased manner. Navigation facilities are
provided by a fully operational marine control centre to monitor vessel
movement. Also, a host of allied infrastructure facilities such as the
administration building, site roads, covered and open storage etc. are
operational. Currently, 3 mobile harbor cranes with 35 cbm grabs are
efficiently handling all types of bulk and break bulk cargo.
Madurai is well known for its architectural marvel – the Meenakshi Temple. At a distance of about 5 km to the east of this renowned Meenakshi temple lies the Mariammam Theppakulam. So whenever you visit the landmark of Madurai – Meenakshi temple make sure that you pay a visit to the Mariammam Theppakulam.
Theppa kulam
About
Madurai is well known for its architectural marvel – the Meenakshi Temple. At a distance of about 5 km to the east of this renowned Meenakshi temple lies the Mariammam Theppakulam. So whenever you visit the landmark of Madurai – Meenakshi temple make sure that you pay a visit to the Mariammam Theppakulam.
Mariammam Theppakulam in Madurai is a
huge tank measuring about 300 m (1000 feet) by 285 m (950 feet). The
source of the water of this large tank is the Vaigai River. Underground
channels keep the Mariammam Theppakulam connected to this river. It was
built by Thirumalai Nayakar in the year 1646. The tank was created when
the earth was dug to get soil for the building of bricks. The bricks
were to be used for the construction of Thirumalai Nayak palace.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Capacity to handle large vessels and diverse cargo, single window
clearance, E2E logistics, state-of-the-art equipment, competitive
tariffs and an ideal location are hallmarks of the MARG Karaikal Port.
MARG Karaikal Port is equipped with the latest infrastructure that
is being augmented in a phased manner. Navigation facilities are
provided by a fully operational marine control centre to monitor vessel
movement. Also, a host of allied infrastructure facilities such as the
administration building, site roads, covered and open storage etc. are
operational. Currently, 3 mobile harbor cranes with 35 cbm grabs are
efficiently handling all types of bulk and break bulk cargo.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known and wealthy ashram in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation.[3] Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
About
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known and wealthy ashram in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation.[3] Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. The Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi.
Mirra Alfassa (also known as ‘The
Mother’) was one of Auribindos followers, who was born in Paris and was
so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in Pondicherry. After
24 November 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded
his ashram (Sri Aurobindo Ashram), with a handful of disciples living
around the Master. With Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the
leader of the community, a position she held until her death. The Sri
Aurobindo Ashram Trust,which she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's
death in 1950 continues to look after the institution. The idea of
Auroville or the "City of Dawn" was conceived by ‘The Mother’.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
It is open to the public daily between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 2
p.m. and 6 p.m. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the
ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram
authorities. Some of the ashram’s facilities like the Library and the
Main Building (during collective meditation) can be accessed, only after
obtaining a gate pass from the Bureau Central or some of the Ashram
Guest Houses.It is located on Rue De La Marine.
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township which is situated 8 km north-west of Pondicherry in East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother), the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28 February 1968, soil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness. The Government of India and UNESCO has endorsed the project.
Although originally intended to house 50,000, the actual population today is 2,007 (1,553 adults and 454 minors), coming from 44 nationalities, 836 of whom are of Indian origin. The community is divided up into neighborhoods with English, Sanskrit, French and Tamil names like Aspiration, Arati, La Ferme, and Isaiambalam. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare and development projects, the latter including AuroRE Systems, an internatio
Located on the Promenade this statue of Mahatma Gandhi was built by sculptor Roy Choudhary. It is surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic granite 17th century pillars that were brought from Gingee - a fort about 70 kms from Pondicherry - after the capture of the fort.
The statue of Gandhi stands 13 feet high. The entire structure is at least twice that high and is one of the nicest monuments of Gandhi I have seen. It is especially striking when you see the statue and pillars from a distance.
Auroville
About
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township which is situated 8 km north-west of Pondicherry in East Coast Road. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Richard (also known as The Mother), the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Auroville was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28 February 1968, soil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness. The Government of India and UNESCO has endorsed the project.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Although originally intended to house 50,000, the actual population today is 2,007 (1,553 adults and 454 minors), coming from 44 nationalities, 836 of whom are of Indian origin. The community is divided up into neighborhoods with English, Sanskrit, French and Tamil names like Aspiration, Arati, La Ferme, and Isaiambalam. The residents are involved in agriculture, administration, commerce and handicrafts, alternative technology, education, healthcare and development projects, the latter including AuroRE Systems, an internatio
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
About
Located on the Promenade this statue of Mahatma Gandhi was built by sculptor Roy Choudhary. It is surrounded by eight exquisitely carved monolithic granite 17th century pillars that were brought from Gingee - a fort about 70 kms from Pondicherry - after the capture of the fort.
The statue of Gandhi stands 13 feet high. The entire structure is at least twice that high and is one of the nicest monuments of Gandhi I have seen. It is especially striking when you see the statue and pillars from a distance.
War Memorial
The French War Memorial on Goubert
Avenue is reminder of those brave soldiers who laid down their lives,
for their country during the First World War. It was built in 1971.
Every year on 14 July (Bastille Day) the memorial is beautifully
illuminated and homage is paid to those brave martyrs.
Park Monunemt (Aayi Mandapam) in the Government Park of Pondicherry
Aayi Mandapam (Park Monunemt) is a white
monument built during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of the France.
It is situated in center of Bharathi park. The monument commemorates the
provision of water to the French city during his reign. It was named
after a lady courtesan called Ayi. She destroyed her own house to erect a
water reservoir to supply water for the city. - Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Gandhi Statue is a four-meter statue of Mahatma Gandhi is
surrounded by eight granite pillars, which were supposedly brought from
Gingee, a fort some 70 km from Pondicherry. Located across as an
integral part of Pondicherry’s colonial past. The 2.88 m tall statue of
Dupleix stands at the southern end of the park. Even though Dupleix left
Pondicherry in 1754, French recognition of his contribution came only
in 1870, with the commissioning of two statues-one in Pondicherry and
the other in France. It is situated in Goubert Avenue. Another example
of the French influence in Pondicherry is a marble statue of the heroic
French damsel Joan of Arc, which is located in front of the Church of
Our Lady of the Angles. The statue is placed in the middle of a
garden.statue was erected in 1923. It is situated at Dumas Street.
Puducherry Museum
About
Pondicherry
Museum has a gallery with sculptures and has the remains of
archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. The museum
also has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the
Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu (an
ancient port just 7 km from city that had trade links with the Roman
empires).
The Bharathidasan Museum, on No. 95
Perumal Koil Street, is the former house of the Pondicherry-born poet
and playwright - Bharathidasan (1891–1960) (meaning "Disciple of
Bharathi"). Bharathidasan's poems compare with Bharathi's in literary
achievement and poetic fervour. He also wrote scripts for films on
issues such as Dravidian culture and the rights of women.
Ananda Ranga Pillai was the dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry while it flourished under the French rule. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion, completed sometime in 1738, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives' quarters". Its architecture represents a fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.
Ananda Ranga Pillai was the dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry while it flourished under the French rule. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion, completed sometime in 1738, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives' quarters". Its architecture represents a fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Subramanya Bharathi (1882–1921), commonly known as Bharathiyar, was
a Tamil poet-patriot who arrived in Pondicherry in 1908, a fugitive
from British India. The French atmosphere brought out the best in
Bharathi and some of his finest patriotic and romantic compositions were
born here. Bharathi's home also known as Bharathi Museum, on No. 20,
Eswaran Dharamaraja Koil Street, is almost a place of pilgrimage today
for the Tamil people.
Jawahar Toy Museum is located next to the old lighthouse on Goubert
Avenue, the museum is open on all days except Monday. This rater museum
has a collection of over 120 dolls, each one dressed in costumes from
different Indian states. Also on display is a little "fairyland" with a
tiny Ganesha watching over all the proceedings.
Children’s Museum is located next to the Botanical Gardens, it has collections of snail shells from the Pondicherry region
Puducherry Museum
About
Pondicherry
Museum has a gallery with sculptures and has the remains of
archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement. The museum
also has a collection of rare bronzes and stone sculptures from the
Pallava and Chola dynasties and artifacts excavated from Arikamedu (an
ancient port just 7 km from city that had trade links with the Roman
empires).
The Bharathidasan Museum, on No. 95
Perumal Koil Street, is the former house of the Pondicherry-born poet
and playwright - Bharathidasan (1891–1960) (meaning "Disciple of
Bharathi"). Bharathidasan's poems compare with Bharathi's in literary
achievement and poetic fervour. He also wrote scripts for films on
issues such as Dravidian culture and the rights of women.
Ananda Ranga Pillai was the dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry while it flourished under the French rule. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion, completed sometime in 1738, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives' quarters". Its architecture represents a fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.
Ananda Ranga Pillai was the dubash of Dupleix, the governor of Pondicherry while it flourished under the French rule. Pillai's compilation of diaries serve as a storehouse of information on the 18th century French India. His mansion, completed sometime in 1738, is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the west side - then known as "natives' quarters". Its architecture represents a fusion of French and Indian styles. This once lavishly furnished house offered glimpses into a bygone era and vanished lifestyle. However, today it has fallen upon hard times and retains very little of its former. Special permission is required to visit the mansion.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Subramanya Bharathi (1882–1921), commonly known as Bharathiyar, was
a Tamil poet-patriot who arrived in Pondicherry in 1908, a fugitive
from British India. The French atmosphere brought out the best in
Bharathi and some of his finest patriotic and romantic compositions were
born here. Bharathi's home also known as Bharathi Museum, on No. 20,
Eswaran Dharamaraja Koil Street, is almost a place of pilgrimage today
for the Tamil people.
Jawahar Toy Museum is located next to the old lighthouse on Goubert
Avenue, the museum is open on all days except Monday. This rater museum
has a collection of over 120 dolls, each one dressed in costumes from
different Indian states. Also on display is a little "fairyland" with a
tiny Ganesha watching over all the proceedings.
Children’s Museum is located next to the Botanical Gardens, it has collections of snail shells from the Pondicherry region
The Botanical Garden is located south of the New Bus Stand. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. Perrottet was largely responsible for transforming the place into a botanical garden in 1831. The French introduced many exotic plants from all over the world. The gardens also have a musical fountain which is active over the weekends, with two shows in the evening.
Botanical Garden1
About
The Botanical Garden is located south of the New Bus Stand. The gate leading to the garden is reminiscent of French architecture and it stands out from its immediate surroundings because it is in the middle of the old Tamil town. The Botanical Gardens were laid out in 1826 in the ornate French style, with pruned trees, flower beds and gravel lined paths and fountains. Perrottet was largely responsible for transforming the place into a botanical garden in 1831. The French introduced many exotic plants from all over the world. The gardens also have a musical fountain which is active over the weekends, with two shows in the evening.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Pondicherry is well known for its various tourist hotspots, which
attracts tourists all the year round to this destination. Apart from
Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram,various museums and beaches what is an
important tourist place in Pondicherry is the Botanical Garden.
The Botanical Gardens situated in the center of the city provides a
cool retreat from the oppressing heat and humidity of Pondicherry. It
sprawls over a 22 acres area and here you can just relax and listen to
the twittering of birds and explore the rich variety of flora here.
The Botanical Gardens is 178 years old and here you will find each
and every tree or plant labeled with scientific, common and Tamil names.
This has been possible due to the efforts of Department of Tourism.
