Established by Sri Aurobindo, a revolutionary turned poet and later developed by the Mother, the Aurobindo Ashram has grown into a centre for the practice of Integral Yoga, a seat of learning and a training ground for sadhana. In the main building of the Ashram is the Marble Samadhi where Aurobindo and the Mother have been laid to rest and the houses they lived in.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple ( Click here for more Manakula Vinayagar details)

The shrine dedicated to "Manakula Vinayakar" existed even at the time of the arrival of the French in Pondicherry in 1673.

There are about 32 temples in Pondicherry of these Manakula Vinayagar temple, Sri Vedapureeswarar temple, Kamatchiammalle temple and Varadarajaperumal temple are famous.

Varadarajaperumal Temple

The Varadarajaperumal Temple is an impressive structure with western architectural features incorporated into the structure. It has a prized possession of antique jewellery. Shrimath Andavan has sung the glory of this shrine in his mangala sassanam.

Cathedral churches

French missionary zeal in the XVII and XVIII Centuries saw a number of grandly embellished churches built in Pondicherry. The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Cathedral, the Eglise de Notre Dame A'es Angles are particularly noteworthy.

Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar temple:
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Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar temple in Villianur is very famous and from the architectural point of view, the finest in Pondicherry. The temple campus comprises an area of 1.44 Ha. The two Gopurams on the east and south, respectively of 21.35 in. and 27.45 m. height, are lofty structures of excellent craftsmanship.

Villianur is located to the west of Pondicherry on the Pondicherry - Villupuram main road at a distance of 9.5 Km from Pondicherry.