Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 17 km from Pondicherry Bus Station, Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple located at Pudukuppam Beach in the village of Pudukuppam. It is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Pondicherry.

Located off the East Coast Road, Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dr. Karan Singh of the Auroville Foundation built Sri Karaneswar Nataraja Temple. The temple was first built in 2000 and was destroyed in the tsunami of 2004. The current Pyramid Temple was built in 2006, with the help of Auroville Earth Institute.

The temple is built in the shape of a pyramid resembling the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Popularly called Pyramid Nataraja Temple, it is probably the most peculiar-looking temple in the world. Sri Karneshwar Nataraja Temple boasts striking architectural finesse. The temple doesn't have a kalasam on the top. Its entrance faces south, in line with the fact that Lord Shiva is called Dakshinamurti (one who faces south). There have been three paths constructed for pradakshina following the Indian tradition. The idol of Lord Shiva has been aligned with the center axis so that the third eye is exactly at a distance of one-third from the temple's base. The entire structure has been pointed northwards to generate maximum energy.

The presiding deity is housed in a central chamber under a pointed dome. Apart from Lord Shiva, there are statues of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan in the temple. The temple complex also has a Shivalinga and a small statue of the Nandi bull. The Pyramid Shiva Temple of Pondicherry is more of a spiritual destination than a religious one. The temple's location, by the calm beach, makes it an ideal place for meditation too. The sound of the waves also adds a soothing effect to the comforting ambiance inside. One can also spend time by the seashore.

Timings: 9 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 7 PM

Entry: Free