Sithananda Swamy Temple

Introduction to the Sithananda Swamy Temple

Sithananda Swamy Temple is an ancient temple where Jeeva Samadhi of Shree Guru Sithananda Swamigal is predominantly worshipped. It is in the Karuvadikuppam village, Shivaji Statue Junction, Puducherry. This temple is the busiest point in the vicinity. The administration of the Sithananda Swamy Temple is under the control of the Commissioner, HRI.

History of the Sithananda Swamy Temple

Sithananda Swamigal was born in Vandipalayam near Thirupathiripuliyur, Cuddalore. After visiting the Padaleeswarar temple, he became a saint there. Muthukumaraswamy Pillai, who stayed in Puducherry, learned about Sithananda Swamigal. He requested the Swamigal to visit Pondicherry and bless his wife, who suffered from a chronic illness. Swamigal went home as requested and blessed his wife. To his surprise, she recovered completely. Seeing the beauty of Puducherry, Swamigal decided to stay there.

Sithananda Swamigal had declared three months before to his believers that he would attain Jeeva Mukti on the 15th day of Vaigasi, Hevilambi Tamil Year, i.e., on 28-05-1837. As he announced, he attained Jeeva Mukti in a sitting posture.

The Architecture of the Sithananda Swamy Temple

The Sithananda Swamy Temple sprawls over 44670 sq. ft. with ponds, shrubs, and trees. On the left side of the southern entrance is a Peepal tree, along with the Nagar statues. This 200-year-old temple faces west and has a three-tiered Rajagopuram. On the south side, visitors can see another three-tiered gopuram. The temple stands over the Jeeva Samadhi of Sithananda Swamigal. There are stucco images of 108 Siddhars in the temple.

One can find a Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum on the Samadhi of Sithananda Swamigal. There are separate shrines for Shree Sundara Vinayagar, Shree Guru Dakshinamurthy, and Shree Ayyappa. The temple bell was made in France during the former French regime. It has the precise sculpture of Sithananda Swamigal, which is its uniqueness.

There is a huge water tank in the temple complex with abundant fish. Initially, the temple pond was small and used to irrigate the garden inside the temple. It was improved during the 1980s.
There is a meditation hall. Visitors can see the statue of Sithananda Swamigal before the hall and a picture of the Swamigal behind it. The statue of Saraswati is at the entrance.

Bharathiyar had a habit of writing poetry at this Sithananda Swamigal Temple, which was surrounded by thick trees ('Thoppu' in Tamil) where one could find quails wandering about. Bharathiyar loved to hear the chirping sounds of the birds and wrote many poems sitting there. This place was then called Quail (Kuil) Thoppu. There is a statue of Bharathiyar seated with a book and a pen in his hand at the Sithananda Swamy Temple.

The tomb of Muthukumaraswamy is near the Shiva Lingam on its right side, where the temple of Sundara Vinayagar stands now. His wife Annammal's tomb is behind the Samadhi of Swamigal, and his brother Somasundaram's tomb is to the left.

The Sithananda Swamy Temple has been constructed and renovated in various phases since 1837. Recently, it underwent renovation. The temple conducted Kumbhabishekam on January 29, 2016, in a grand manner.

Festivals in the Sithananda Swamy Temple

The Sithananda Swamy Temple conducts Poojas and spiritual activities on all days. Thursday is an important day for Sithananda Swamigal. The temple conducts special Poojas on Thursdays, and hordes of devotees from across the city visit the temple every Thursday. Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi, Maha Shivratri, Guru Pooja, 108 Sankabishekam, and Annabishekam are also celebrated.