At the heart centre is Matri Mandir, the sanctuary of truth surrounded by 5 zones and 40 odd settlements. Spread across 58 kms, Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, is believed to have performed his Cosmic Dance here. On the gateway of Chidamabaram, are carved 108 poses of the Classical dance form, Bharata Natyam. Nearby are the peaceful, extensive Botanical Gardens, opened in 1740. On full moon day, deities from 38 temples are taken to the sea for a symbolic immersion.
Devotees join in for a dip in the sea.
It is celebrated 3-4 times in a year. Men, women and children walk on fire at local temples to fulfil vows. Pondicherry has direct rail connections with Madras. And there are excellent roads connecting Pondicherry with Tamilnadu.