Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswara Temple is situated at Villiannur, nearly 10 km from Pondicherry. The main deity of this shrine is Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswara (Lord Shiva).
The other shrines in the Temple complex are of Devi and Murugan that belongs to the 12th century Chola period. This particular shrine is called for its 10-day annual Brahmotsavam festival. This festival is attended by large number of local ardent followers plus admirers and ardent followers plus admirers from the state of Tamil Nadu.
This particular spot is called as an architectural gem in south India. A splendidly carved shrine chariot is taken out in a grand festival in the streets during the festive days.
It is to be noted that the Governor of Puducherry, during French colonial rule, used to wholeheartedly join this shrine car festival at this shrine along with the devotees. On the other hand, the shrine has a bit of French heritage attached with it. There is a ‘Shivalinga’ in this shrine. The shrine has religious and social significance in this region.
In this shrine, Shivarathri day are grandly celebrated as per the ancient Hindu religious practice. It is a special shrine visited by youth for better career. Women folks visit this shrine for early marriage, happy married life, child boon and longevity of their husband’s life.
Ardent followers plus admirers from Tamil Nadu throng this shrine on the day of Shivarathri in large numbers. It is strongly believed that all the bad effects in the horoscope get removed by praying at this particular shrine. Special pujas, rituals and homams are conducted for the devotees and pilgrims.