One of the hidden treasures of Pondicherry that adds a unique charm in the city tourism is the beautiful white pavilion having a fleur-de-lis like top which is esteemed as Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument. Located right at the centre of another tourist attraction in Pondicherry,
Bharathi Park, Aayi Mandapam is a historical construction that was built by Louis Gurre in the year 1854 for the gratefulness of an Indian courtesan. However, there is an interesting legend behind the construction of this masterpiece which tells that in the early 16th century, the king of Vijayanagara Empire – Krishnadevaraya once on his visit to Pondicherry came across a beautiful building which he assumed it to be a temple, which was actually a house of a devadasi.
As a result of his misconception, he even bowed down on his knees and folded his hands to pay his reverence. Some passers-by giggled; however, one even asked the confused king that why he fell on his knees and even paid respect before the house of a temple dancer – devadasi. The whole incident mortified the king and as a result of that, he ordered to demolish her house.
Pondicherry Tourism
Located at the centre of the Old Colonial region at Rue Saint Gilles Street, White Town in Pondicherry, Bharathi Park (also known as the Government Park) is a vast lush green park flanked by some of the most prominent government buildings in the town like Lt. Governor’s Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, Ashram Dining Room and the Cercle de Pondichéry private club. The well-maintained lush green lawns house the very famous Aayi Mandapam- the monument made in honour of the lady courtesan Aayi at the time of the French ruler- Napoleon III. The park flaunts some very gorgeous water fountains, flower beds blooming with bright colored flowers and is dotted with quaint little granite bench for the visitors to relax on.
The park boasts of children?s play area, a tiny artificial pond and a traffic park; and is replete with massive statues of the celebrated people of the past and the present.
Other than being a common picnic spot for the families and the kids, the park is frequented by young couples looking to spend some quality time surrounded by natural beauty and by the local residents to relax and unwind from the din of the commercial town.
The park is also common among the photography buffs who frequent the place to capture the magnificent architecture of Aayi Mandapam or the natural beauty of the surrounding well-kept lawns. Bharathi Park has been one of the most popular places of attraction in the city since the times of French colonists and is still thronged by tourists and locals alike.
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