Religious/ Spiritual

Tadkeshwara Temple, Brindaban (18 Kms). An old Shiva temple situated on the banks of the river Sakartod.

The Church of Our Lady of Piety was built by Portuguese between 1886-1889. While a reminder of the aggresive approach taken by the Portuguese in terms of converting locals to Christianity, the church is nevertheless an impressive structure.

The Church is one of the oldest in Silvassa. The most beautiful part of the church are the beautifully decorated internal and external archways.

The Church of Our Lady of Piety is situated just opposite to the famous Tribal museum and hence will be easy to locate.

The Church of Our Lady of Piety was built by the Portuguese in the late 18th century and it is believed to have been built around 1886 or 1889. The Church is one of the oldest standing buildings in Silvassa. The most stunning structure of the church is the skillfully bedecked interior and outer arches.

The Church of Our Lady of Piety is located just opposite the well-known Tribal Museum. There are in fact many Catholic churches in Silvassa due to the settlement of the Portuguese here for many centuries.

Locally known as Tadkeshwara this temple on the banks of the River Sakartod is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus, this church is noted for its Gothic architecture and stained glass planes, which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ.

The main building comprises the houses of Shri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa, a French woman who accepted Aurobindo as her spiritual mentor and guide and later became his most important disciple). In the courtyard are the samadhis of Aurobindo and The Mother where their mortal remains have been enshrined. Visitors are allowed to visit the samadhi between 8 am and 6 pm everyday. The other places of interest in the Ashram complex are the International Education Centre, guesthouses, libraries and the cottage industries.

Shri Aurobindo Ashram Shri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw People from all over the world.

Legend says that Lord Siva disguised himself as an ascetic, seeking alms from a lady called Punithavathi living in Karaikal. Who later, as Karaikal Ammaiyar, was destined to find an esteemed place among his 63 saints. An image of this lady saint is housed in a small and beautiful temple erected right where she lived.

Located right behind the Raj Nivas in Pondicherry town, this Ganesha temple has an interesting aside. A neighboring Frenchman finding the place of worship a nuisance, made several futile attempts to do away with the deity. Still, it kept reappearing. Convinced, he turned an active believer. Therefore, it is also fondly referred to as Vellakkaran (White man) Pillai (Ganesha).

Dedicated to Masthan Saheb Syed Dawood Buhari, a Sufi saint who came to Karaikal from Buhara two centuries ago. He died aged 120, in 1829. Various miracles are attributed to him. The over-170-year-oldKandhuriFestival (November) is celebrated in his commemoration. It starts with the hoisting of a huge flag on a pole -reminiscent of a ship mast and a sea-faring tradition. And winds up, 10 days later with a spectacle of floats lit with electric colours.