Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple: is a Hindu,Tamil temple dedicated to the goddess Punithavathi. It is located on Bharathiar Street, in the center of Karaikal, Pondicherry india, Ammaiyar or Goddess Punithavathi is one of the renowned goddess in Karaikal.The temple was constructed by Malaiperumal Pillai in 1929. The main goddess is Punithavati, also knownas Karaikkal Ammiyar. There is also a sanctum for Vinayaka inside this temple. Karaikal Ammaiyar is one of the 63 Nayanmars. Karaikal Ammaiyar (also known as Punithavathi) was born to Dhanathathanar, from a merchant community knows as Nattukottia chettiar
The Mangani Tirunal Festival (the festival of the mango fruit) is observed in the Tamil Month of Aani On the full moon day. The belief is that Karaikal Ammaiyar gave Annam (food) to Bhikshatanar during his tour around the world begging alms. Since she gave him with curd rice and mangoes, those items are distributed on the festival day, in a big hall adjacent to the temple.
