Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

Jul 30, 2024

Located in the small town of Villianur, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is one most well-known places of worship in Pondicherry. Also referred to as Villianur Temple, Sri Gokilambal Thurkameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is manifested here as Shivalinga.

Along with that, the temple complex also comprises the shrines of Devi and Lord Murugan. It is said that these temples trace their history to the Chola Period. Throughout the year, the temple remains thronged with thousands of devotees, however, the numbers increase in May and June during the time of the annual Temple Car Festival.

The festival is the most important celebration of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple which also makes this shrine one of the most-visited temples in Pondicherry during this time.

In this festival, a 15 m high chariot is put up on the streets for a sacred journey and is pulled by the devotees. As per the beliefs, the wishes of devotees come true if they pull this holy chariot. This whole sacred journey receives oodles of devotees who come to be a part of the famous car festival of Pondicherry from different corners of the country.

While some devotees pull the chariot, others offer Sundal (a traditional delicacy), buttermilk, and curd to the people who follow the chariot. A visit to this pious shrine is an experience worthy of your time while vacationing in Pondicherry.

History of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

This temple was constructed by a Chola king in the 12th century CE. According to history, the king was suffering from leprosy and worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and got cured. The King built a town in this place which was earlier a forest of Bilva (Bel) trees constructed the temple and named it Vilwanallur which gradually changed to Villianur.