| Pilgrim Centers |
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In Tamil Nadu, as in most of the states of South India, Hinduism is the main practised religion. There are many gods being worshipped, among the most important being Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva referred to as a "trimoorty" or trinity, then Ganesh and his younger brother Murugan, Hanuman and goddesses Sarasvathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi. Throughout the year there are many Hindu festivals being celebrated such as Deepavali (November), Pongal (January), Maha Shivaratri (March), Holi (March), Ganesh Chaturthi (August-September) and many others. Most of the temples in South India are squarish in structure with inner sanctum and several outer walls with gates and tall towers called "gopurams" decorated with colourful sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological scenes. It is required to put off the shoes before entering any holy place in India and to take off the leather parts of clothing because they are considered polluting. Most of the temples don't allow non-Hindus into the inner sanctum.
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Thirukaameeswarar temple is an ancient, beautiful and huge temple located in a beautiful rural town called Villianur, which is located about 10 km from Puthucherry town towards Villupuram. This temple is renowned in Puthucherry locality as "Periya Koil", which means "big temple" in Tamil. |
Varadaraja Perumal temple is located on M. G. Road of Puthucherry and is believed to be the oldest temple in town, dating back to 600 AD. The temple was built in the typical Dravidian style, with brightly coloured "gopuram" and sculpted pillars. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Puthucherry i.e. before 1666. It has a golden spire and walls portraying forty different forms of Ganesha. The temple also has a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. There is also a temple elephant, Lakshmi, who gives blessing to the devotees.
The Church of Capuchins holds the distinction of being one of the first churches in Puthucherry. Though this church has lost its old charm it is still revered and houses an orphanage.
The other famous churches include the Church of the Assumption, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Church of Our Lady of Good Health.
There are several mosques in the muslim quarter near the Puthucherry Train Station, the oldest Meeran mosque built more than 350 years ago.
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| Other Pilgrim Centers are |
- Kamakshi Amman Temple
- Navagraha Temple (15 ft high Navagrahas)
- Panchavatee
- Sri Prithyingara Devi Temple
- Saneeswaran Temple, Thirunallar (Navagraha Sthalam for Saneeswaran - 5 km west of Karaikal)
- Varadaraja Perumal Temple
- Vedapureeswarar Temple
- Immaculate Church
- Sacred Heart Church
- Jumma Masjid
- Irumbai Maahaleswarar Temple (Special: Lord Shiva came from the Broken Lingam)
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