Divyadesam 55 Sri Pavalavannar Perumal Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

The temple has various inscriptions from the Chola (10th -12th centuries) and Vijayanagara period (15-16th centuries). The temple is originally believed to be built during the period of Medieval Cholas. In modern times, the temple was maintained and administered by hereditary trustees, but a litigation during the 2014 from the Chennai High Court split the control between the trustee and the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.4] Among the 12 Alvars (the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition) three of them namely Peyalvar, Thirumalisai Alvar and Thirumangai Alvar have sung on the different forms of God in this temple. Many acharyas have also written songs on the various forms of God in this Temple. The temple faces the west.[1 As per another legend, sage Bhrigu was doing his penance and wanted to find out whom among the trio of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva would be the most accommodating when their patience was tested. Out of the three, he found Vishnu to be the most accommodating who in spite of the sage kicking him, went on to massage his legs for pain relief. The sage felt ashamed of his act, but Vishnu asked him to go to Kanchipuram to complete his penance. Vishnu appeared as Pavalavannar to the sage. The image of the sage is seen in the sanctum in worshiping posture inside the sanctum.

The central shrine of the temple has the image of presiding deity, Pavalavannar in standing posture. The festive image of the presiding deity and that of Santhanagopala Krishnan are located inside the sanctum. The West facing sanctum is approached through the flagstaff, pillared halls, namely Mahamandapam and the Ardhamandapam. The roof of the sanctum is called Vedasara Vimana and it has five kalasams and stucco images of various legend. The temple has separate shrines for Alvars located to the North of the flagstaff. The pillars in the hall are sculpted with images of Nammalvar, Ramanujar, Manavala Mamunigal and various avatars and legends of Vishnu. There are other shrines of Rama along with Sita and Hanuman and Garuda. The vimana of the central shrine is called Vedasara Vimana. The shrine of Pavalavalli, the consort of Pavalavannar, is located facing the central shrine in the Eastern side of the temple. The temple has two precincts with the second precinct enclosed by granite walls pierced by a five tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). The gopuram is studded with stucco images of various legends, with the notable among them being the representation of Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu slaying the demon Hiranya. A shrine of Manavala Mamunigal is located to the left of the gopuram from the entrance. The temple tank, Chakra Theertham, is located to the North east direction from...

திரு பவளவண்ணர் கோயில் (Sri Pavalavannar Temple) is a revered Divya Desam located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams glorified by the Azhwars' hymns. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Pavalavannar Perumal, symbolizing the coral hue of the Lord.

Key Details of the Temple

Presiding Deity (Moolavar):

Pavalavannar Perumal in a standing posture.

The idol's coral-like appearance gives the deity the name "Pavalavannar."

Goddess (Thayar):

Pavazhavalli Thayar, the divine consort of Pavalavannar Perumal.

Theertham (Sacred Tank):

Chakra Theertham, the temple’s holy water, is believed to purify devotees of sins.

Vimanam:

The temple tower is called Vamana Vimanam, signifying the Lord's incarnation as Vamana.

Temple's Significance

Mythological Importance:

The temple is associated with the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu, where he subdued the demon king Mahabali and restored cosmic balance.

It is believed that this is the place where Lord Vishnu appeared as coral-hued to bless the devotees.

Azhwars' Contribution:

The temple is praised in the Divya Prabandham, particularly by Thirumangai Azhwar, for its divine beauty and the grace of Pavalavannar Perumal.

Temple’s Unique Aspect:

Lord Vishnu here is portrayed in a radiant coral hue, symbolizing prosperity and well-being.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi:

Celebrated with grandeur, including special processions and rituals.

Brahmotsavam:

An annual festival attracting devotees from across the region.

Architectural Features

Built in Dravidian architectural style, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.

The sanctum and vimanam are key highlights, reflecting the temple’s historical and cultural richness.

Travel Information

Location:

Situated in Kanchipuram, about 2 km from the Kanchipuram bus stand.

Accessibility:

By Road: Easily accessible from major cities like Chennai (75 km away).

By Rail: Kanchipuram Railway Station is the nearest railway hub.

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the closest airport.

Why Visit?

To experience the spiritual serenity of a Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

To seek the blessings of Pavalavannar Perumal for prosperity and well-being.

To marvel at the temple's rich architectural and historical heritage.

This temple is a must-visit for devotees and history enthusiasts alike, offering a perfect blend of devotion and...

Nagareshu Kanchi Pachaivannan (Coral hued) Perumal Temple

He is in sitting posture facing west and is also known as Vaikuntanathar. Utsavar is in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi. After offering prostrations at the dwajhasthambam and worshipping Garudazhwar facing Perumal we made our way to Perumal’s sanctum.

After worshiping there and taking theertham and Srisathari we came out and went along the pradaksina margam.

There was a huge mandapam with several pillars . On the pillars were carvings of Thumbikkai azhwar, Hanuman and different forms of Vishnu.and we were struck by the figure of a devotee offering dandavath pranams in cement infront of a platform resting on a tortoise. Inside the mandapam was a sannidhi for Andal There was a black and white photo of Pravalavalli Thayar and Badrinarayana of Badrinath. There was a kanadi-arai ,ayaaga saalai and udaiyavar sannidhi

As we moved we viewed the vimanam which clearly showed Vishnu in seated posture.As we completed the pradakshinam we reached Thayar Sannidhi. Thayar is Pravalavalli in seated posture and after praying to Her we came out.

Our circumbulation was complete. As we made our way out we noticed a huge tank which was totally dry. Also the head of Garudazhwar at the top of the compound wall was missing. Such an ancient hallowed temple needs to be renovated and restored. Perumal and Thayar are well cared for but the surroundings call...