Goddess
Punithavathi also known as Karaikal Ammaiyar is also the main deity of this temple. The main goddess is Punithavathi, also known as Karaikal Ammaiyar, the only woman out of the sixty three Nayanmars.
God
Karaikal is the main deity of this temple, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Here deity is in form of Lingam.
Interesting Facts
- This temple is known for the huge idol of the lady saint and there is also a sanctum for Vinayaka inside this temple.
Best Season To Visit
The best season to visit this temple is Winter season. The best months to visit are September to March.
Weather
Highest - April to June (38 °C during day and 25 °C during night)Average - May (36 °C during the day and 20 °C during night)Lowest - October to February (28 °C during day and 19 °C during night)Monsoon season - August to September
Dress Code
- For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
- For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
- These rules are applicable for foreigners also. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
- Pilgrims/visitors will not be allowed inside the temple if dress code is not followed.
Do's & Dont's
- Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
- Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.
- Smo​king is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
transport connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 Tirunallar Bus Stand |
4.6 KM | 9842221926 |
 Karaikal Railway Station |
1.3 KM | 139 |
 Chennai International Airport |
279 KM | 044-22560551 |
Architecture
Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is East facing has three-tiered Raja Gopuram. The temple has two entrances and the walls of her shrine have paintings depicting her life. In the Maha mandapam, the south facing shrine for the Goddess Soma Nayaki is found. The flag staff, bali peetha and Nandi mandapam are situated facing towards the shrine of Lord Shiva. The wall around the shrine of Shiva has the niche images of Ganesha, Dakshina Murti, Lingodhbava, Brahma and Durga. Lord Vinayaka is called as Sambandha Vinayaka and the temple has a tank in temple premises.
Religious Significance
According to history, a lady named Punithavathi lived in Karaikal in 5th century A.D. She married a merchant named Paramadatta and performed spiritual Pujas to Lord Siva. One day Lord Shiva sent two mangoes to Paramadatta through a devotee and he sent it home. Lord Siva disguised himself as a Saint and appeared before her for taking food in the house of Punithavathi. She offered food along with mangoes kept for her husband to the Saint. When the food was supplied to her husband he demanded the mangoes that he had given to her. She prayed Lord Shiva and the mangoes reappeared. When her husband inquired about this, she explained the incident to her husband who in turn praised her devotional attitude. Punithavathiar prayed to Shiva to grant her old age and shed her youthfulness. The lord accepted her prayers and the lady established her abode in the wild jungle of Alangadu, also known as Forest of Banyan Trees.
History
The temple was constructed in 5th century A.D and temple was reconstructed by Malaiperumal Pillai in 1929.
Temple Timings
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| All Days | 06:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Tours
Airports
| Airport Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Shamshabad | 40 KM |
| Lorem Ipsum | 12 KM |
Railway Stations
| Railway Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Secunderabad | 10 KM |
| Nampally | 12 KM |
| Begumpet | 6 KM |
| Lingampally | 20 KM |
Bus Stations
| Bus Station Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| MGBS | 35 KM |
| CBS | 28 KM |
| kukatpally | 20 KM |
| Lingampally | 30 KM |
| Uppal | 35 KM |
Private Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Private Transport | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
| Private Transport1 | 8 KM | 9546858757 |
Local Transports
| Transport Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transport | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
| Local Transport1 | 5 KM | 9546858757 |
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