Puducherry Vasavi Kannika Paramesvari Temple
This article highlights a lesser-known temple in Puducherry ā the Vasavi Kannika Parameswari Temple. What makes this temple unique is its architectural blend of traditional Dravidian style with elements of French colonial design. According to legend, during the 11th century CE, a powerful Chalukya king named Vishnuvardhana ruled over Andhra. Under his reign lived a respected Vaishya merchant named Kusuma Sreshti in Penugonda. Known for his wisdom, he was treated by the king almost like a chieftain. Despite his success, he and his wife remained childless for many years. They prayed to Lord Virupaksha and were eventually blessed with a son named Virupaksha and a daughter named Vasavi. Vasavi grew up to be a beautiful and devout young woman. Her charm caught the attention of the king, who wished to marry her. Although her parents opposed the match, they could not stop the king. On the day of the proposed wedding, Vasavi, along with her parents and leaders of 102 gotras from the communit...