Aayi Mandapam
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Aayi Mandapam (Park Monument) is a white monument in Pondicherry, India built during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of France. It is situated in center of Bharathi park. The monument commemorates the provision of water to the French city during his reign. It was named after a lady courtesan called Ayi. She destroyed her own house to erect a water reservoir to supply water for the city. Generally it opens at 9 am in he morning and close in between 5 to 6 pm. A small children park is also there where parents used to take their children for their entertainment. The whole area is covered with trees. Anyone's eyes can impenetrate by greenery. People can enjoy the green beauty and can relax their minds. People used to spend 1 to 2 hours a day.
Prasenjeet ChakrabortyPrasenjeet Chakraborty
30
The park having 4 entrance but only one is opened which is east faced. No entry fees, best place to relax near the rock beach. It's recently renovated. The monument was a icon for puducherry government. Aayi Mandapam is built by the French architect. It is a white monument built in the memory of Ayi. The memorial resembles a bit with the arched gateway of European architecture. Aayi Mandapam is a beautiful and peaceful place with lush green lawns around. It was named after a lady courtesan named Āyi. She destroyed her own house to erect a water reservoir to supply water for the city.
Mohamed SiddikMohamed Siddik
10
## A very tall, white monument - Mantap ## Built in Nepolen III's time ## Right in the centre of the Bharathi Park ## Majestic Looking structure ## Commemorates Water supply to the French Pondicherry (Ref to our Photos for the real view) An interesting story behind Aayi Mandap: The King Krishnadevaraya (of Vijayanagara Empire), while traveling through Pondicherry, saw a beautiful building. The king was amazed at the building's architecture and its carvings. The religious king thought it was a temple. But from the locals, the he came to know that it is Brothel run by a Lady, Aayi (Aayi meaning ‘Mother’ or mother’s sister) !!! The king was shocked and asked his soldiers to bring the prostitute to him and break the building! The prostitute, Aayi, was came and pleaded for mercy. Aayi, in a desperate plea, asked the king, permission to break down her house by herself and the king agreed – she did it. In its place a water tank was dug for the drinking purpose of the people around. The place was, from then, known as Aayi Kulam (Pond of Aayi – still existing – Ref: Google Map). Years later, when the French made Pondicherry as their capital in India, they faced acute water shortage. An architect came from France (Monsieur Lamairesse) who built a 5 km long tunnel from Aayi Kulam to the French town. Hearing the whole story, the French king (Napoleon III) ordered the architect to build a monument for Aayi. The monument is in Greco-Roman style at the centre of today’s Barathi Park. On top of the monument is a French fleur de lis. There is a stone plaque written in old Tamil & Latin paying tribute to Aayi and thanking her for providing water for the people of the town. An artificial, large ‘Conch’, near this Mantap also is very beautiful, along with many other beautiful areas within the Bharathi Park – (Reviewed separately).
TravellerGTravellerG
00
Unveiling the beauty of history, Aayi Mandapam stands tall in the heart of Bharathi Park, Pondicherry. Built during the time of Napoleon III, the white monument commemorates the provision of freshwater to the French city and pays tribute to the legendary lady courtesan, Āyi, who played a vital role in making it happen. A visit to this architectural masterpiece is a must for anyone interested in exploring Pondicherry's rich past.
Arjun SPArjun SP
00
Aayi Mandapam official symbol of union territory Pondicherry. Park monument in Pondicherry built during napoleon 3 emperor of france . Present in the centre of bharathi park . Recently lady Ayi statue was placed as courtesy .ayi given her house to erect water supply reservoir to supply water for whole city.. ayi reservoir still available in muthariyar palayam, py
vinoth kumarvinoth kumar
20
This monument is pretty much old stating back to the period of nepolian era or when the french ruled. Its the centre of attraction for the park. Its a tourist spot. The surrounding gardening arrangements makes it further look beautiful. A perfect place to bring friends, kids etccc. Oldest yet a great one.
S AravindS Aravind
50
Nearby Attractions Of Aayi Mandapam
Paradise Beach Pondicherry
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Bharathi Park Puducherry
Puducherry Museum
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Nearby Restaurants Of Aayi Mandapam
Cafe Xtasi
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Coromandel Cafe
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KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch
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WRMM+6MP, White Town, Puducherry, 605001, India
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4.2
(202 reviews)
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Description
Aayi Mandapam is a white monument in Pondicherry, India built during the time of Napoleon III, Emperor of France. It is situated in center of Bharati Park. The monument commemorates the provision of water to the French city during his reign. It was named after a lady courtesan named Āyi.
attractions: Paradise Beach Pondicherry, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi Park Puducherry, Puducherry Museum, Promenade Beach, Pondicherry french colony, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, restaurants: Cafe Xtasi, Coromandel Cafe, KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch, Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம், Baker Street, Escape In, Surguru Spot Restaurant, Dilliwaala6, Barbeque Nation- Puducherry, De Bussy Restaurant
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