Karaikal Districts

Pondicherry - Karaikal

Pondicherry - Karaikal

Karaikal (also Karikal or Karaikkal) is a city and a municipality in Karaikal district in the Indian state of Pondicherry. 132 kms south of Pondicherry, along the coast, Karaikal is one of the four regions of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It is the destination for those who seek solicite, leisure, serenity and piety. Known from times immemorial for its rich religious heritage, Karaikal is a 'must visit' for the pilgrim tourist and the religious minded. Karaikal is known for its rich religious heritage, and is a destination for those seeking leisure and serenity. The town boasts a harmonious society comprising of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuations. Tamil is the predominant native language of the people. As the area was formerly a French possession, the French language is also found, especially among the elder generation.

Religion : Karaikal has only three major religious communities.

Hinduism

Hindus form the largest religious community in this region. (According to the 1961 Census, 75.37% Hindus in Karaikal). There are in all 99 temples in Karaikal region, 91 under Government control and the remaining 8 under private management. In Karaikal region there are 30 Saivite shrines, 15 Vaishnavite temples, 33 Amman shrines, 8 Ganesh temples and 13 dedicated to other deities. It is however, to be noted that there is not even a single temple dedicated to Lord Murugan in Karaikal.

Christianity

Christians are concentrated in Karaikal at 10.75% (1961 Census) in the total population.

Islam

Karaikal has the highest percentage of muslim population in this Union Territory of Pondicherry. Even before the French landed at Pondicherry in 1674 there was Muslims in the area. Historians have pointed out that there were two mosques in the town. They had settled here at least several centuries ago. The seafaring Arabs who migrated from their native land in the early part of VII century.

Most of the muslims in Karaikal belong to the Sunni sect. A great majority of the musilims in Karaikal follow the Shafi school of ritual and dogma. There are 13 Pallivasals and 8 Durghas were listed out on enquiries and scattered references.

Pondicherry - Karaikal

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