திரு தோதாத்திரிநாத வரதராஜப் பெருமாள் கோயில், திருபுவனை
This is an ancient temple in the outskirts of Pondicherry again built by Paranthakan I (great grandfather of Raja Rajan) in the early to mid 10th century. It is a Vishnu temple. It has characteristic Chola architecture but has features like the kodimaram likely added at a later age. It has a flat rajagopuram. The structure sits on a pedestal or raised platform. It is considered a treasure-house of Chola art and architecture and contains a number fine sculptures and structures.
There are inscriptions from the 11th century attributed to Rajendra Chola I and his son Rajadhi Raja I describing the recitation of the Vedas and the Thiruvaimozhi from the works of the Aalwaar saint Nammalvar. This area was caught up in the Carnatic wars between the English and the French in the 18th century and many temples were completely destroyed as a result. This temple is one of a few that had been miraculously spared intact.
It as a relatively small temple. Although administered by the ASI, it is an active temple.
It is located about 20 kms or 40 minutes west of Pondicherry. We visited in May 2023. We stayed in Pondicherry.
Credits: Google Maps
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