Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Pooja, Location & Phone)

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Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is an ancient temple, also popular as Kameshwarar Temple and Villianur Temple. It is in Villianur town, a few kilometres away from Puducherry.

In Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry, Lord Shiva is manifested as Shivalinga, as God Thirukameshwara. The temple complex also has the shrines of Goddess Parvati (as Gokilambal Amman) and Lord Murugan, among others.

The temple is especially popular for its chariot festival, held around May/June. Devotees bring out Gokilambal-Thirukameshwara, on a chariot, and take them around the town.

Architecture of Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

The temple shrines are enclosed in concentric rectangular granite walls. The main shrine is built within a mandapam, with pillars carved with beautiful mythological images. And the other shrines are built around it.

Apart from the shrines, Kameshwarar Temple Complex also has a small pond and a garden along the periphery.

History of Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

The main Villianur Temple shrine is said to be about 1000 years old. It was constructed in the 12th century CE, by a Chola king.

As per the legends, the king was suffering from leprosy. But he was cured, after he worshipped Lord Shiva here. So, he constructed the temple and established this Vilwanallur town (named after the surrounding forest of Vilwa trees).

His Chola successors and rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire added other structures later. The masonry is believed to be built during the 16th century.

Image Gallery of Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry

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Things to do at Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Thirukameshwara), represented as a lingam. And the presiding goddess is Devi Parvati (as Gokilambal Amman). The lingam is made of mud and it’s covered with a brass armour, when priests perform the abhishekas and other pujas.

You can view the puja rituals, which the temple priests perform three times during the day. Each puja comprises of: sacred bathing (abhisheka), dressing (alangaram), food offering (naivethanam), and showing lamp and worshipping (deepa aradanai) to Thirukameshwara and Gokilambal Amman.

You can also attend special rituals on Mondays and Fridays. Then, fortnightly rituals like pradosham, and monthly rituals like amavasai and pournami, are also carried out in this temple.

Other shrines here include those of Lord Murugan, Lord Brahma and Lord Narasimha.

The temple also has a Nandi (bull statue) called Prasava Nandi. Women pray to it during their pregnancy. A smaller Nandi statue is also present.

The temple attracts most devotees during its annual chariot festival. People of all communities and religions take part in it. They bring out the deity for a procession around the town. And they believe those who pull the chariot have their wishes fulfilled.

The procession is held on a full moon day in May/June. And this festival is celebrated for 10 days. Thousands of people gather for it. And as everyone pulls the chariot, they offer pumpkins and coconuts to the deity. Curd and buttermilk are also offered.

Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Timings and Entry Fee

The darshan timings of Thirukameswarar Temple Puducherry are from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM. It is open throughout the year, and the entry is free for all. So, you can visit the temple and take blessings any time of the year.

If you want to witness the daily rituals of the temple, visit at 8 AM for Kalasanthi, at 12 noon for Uchikalam, and at 6 PM for Sayarakshai.

Best Time to visit Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

The best time to visit Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple is in winter (from November to February). During this time, the weather is cool, calm and pleasant for a comfortable visit. So, visit the place during the day and explore the complex.

Time to explore Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple

It should take only about an hour to explore Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple Puducherry. But have extra travel time in your schedule. The temple is on the outskirts of Pondicherry, in Villianur town.

How to reach Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple Puducherry?

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple is about 8 km away from Puducherry bus stop. From Puducherry railway station and Puducherry airport, it is about 11 km away. But the nearest major railway station is in Villupuram (about 40 km away). The nearest international airport is 150 km away, in Chennai.

And following are the different ways to reach the temple –

By bicycles/motorcycles – Bicycles and motorcycles are available to hire in many places. You can get one for the day and take it to Villianur. It takes less than half an hour from Pondicherry city centre.

By auto/cycle-rickshaws – You can find auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws all around Pondicherry. It should take only half an hour to reach Villianur. So, take one and explore the temple.

By taxi/cab – Taxis and cabs are also available for hire in Pondicherry. You can book one for the entire day from top car rental companies in Pondicherry and visit Kameshwarar Temple Villianur and other tourist places around.

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Location Map for Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara Temple Puducherry