Sri Gokilambal Thriukameswara Temple

Pondicherry is a place, which has innumerable places of worship including churches, dargahs and temples. Sri Gokilambal Thriukameswara Temple is a famous place of worship of Hindus. Brahmostavam is a very popular festival celebrated in the temple. The festival is observed for ten days continuously and devotees from all over India come here to receive the blessings of the Lord. The well-known festival of Brahmotsavam is celebrated with the appearance of the full moon in between the months from May to June.

Sri Gokilambal Thriukameswara Temple is situated in a small town known as Villianur, 11 km away from Pondicherry city. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Shivlinga. There are other temples, which are devoted to the Devi and Murugan and they were constructed during the 12th century Chola period.

The French influence is quite evident in the traditions associated with the temple. Sri Gokilambal Thriukameswara Temple organizes a Car Festival, which is linked to French heritage. In the festival a 15-meter tall chariot is pulled by the devotees who throng the streets of the town. During the rule of the French in Pondicherry, the Governor was an active participant of the procession and used to draw the huge magnificent chariot through the streets of the town. This tradition is still followed and the present Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry takes part in the festival and draws the chariot on the streets. Apart from this religious activity one can also enjoy the breath-taking view of the Ousteri Lake located nearby and spread over 10 hectares of land, which inhabits rare species of birds.