Karaikal Ammaiyur Temple

Pondicherry occupies an eminent place among the pilgrimage centers of India. Pondicherry and its adjoining places have more than 350 temples, of which 75 temples are dedicated to Vinayakar. Karaikal Ammaiyur Temple is one of the most famous temples in Pondicherry. The presiding Goddess of the temple is Punithavati, also known as "Karaikal Ammaiyar". Inside the temple there is also a sanctum dedicated to Lord Vinayaka.

The legend that is associated with the Temple is that Lord Siva disguised himself as a saint went on the streets of Karaikal and begged for alms. On the way he met a lady called Punithavarthi in Karaikal and asked for alms from her. For her deep devotion to Lord Shiva, she received a place of eminence among the 63 holy saints dedicated to the lord. Where this saint lived now stands the glorious temple with the image of this pious lady. Karaikal Ammaiyur Temple is dedicated to the religious and pious lady Karaika Ammaiyar.

Karaikal Ammaiyar temple is situated in Barathiar Street, in the heart of Karaikal in Pondicherry. In the year 1929, Malaiperumal Pillai build Karaikal Ammaiyar temple in honor of the Godess Karaika Ammaiyar

Mangani Tirunal festival means the festival of the mango fruit is an important festival celebrated in Karaikal Ammaiyar temple. To commemorate the legend of Mother Karaika Ammaiyar giving the Lord curd rice with mango this festival is celebrated. On the day of the festival curd rice with mango is distributed to the needy and devotees of Lord Shiva.