Pavalavannam temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Pavalavannam temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tiru Pavala Vannam or Pavalavanam temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is located in Kanchipuram in the Tamil Nadu state. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Pavalavannar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Pavazhavalli.

Pavalavannam temple Legend

It is believed that Lord Vishnu assumed various colours during various eras according to the nature of the living beings and their behaviour. During Satya Yuga, people were well-behaved (satvaguna) and Vishnu was white (called svetavarna) in colour. During Treta Yuga, he assumed the colour of Pavalam (emerald) and hence came to be known as Pavalavannar or Pralavannar (in Sanskrit). In Dvapara Yuga, he assumed green colour (pachai in Tamil). In the current Kali Yuga, he assumed blue tint called syamalavarna and it is believed that people will not be influenced by the form Vishnu appears.

Pavalavannam temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pavalavannam temple History

It is believed that the temple built during the period of Medieval Cholas.  The temple has three inscriptions on its walls, from the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE), Rajadhiraja Chola (1018-54 CE) and Vijayanagar period (15-16th centuries). Current time the temple is maintained and administered by hereditary trustees and the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Pavalavannam temple Architecture

Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has five-tiered rajagopuram or gateway tower. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and two bodies of water. The temple is west facing. 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. There are Rama along with Seetha and Hanuman and Garuda. There are also shrines to Aandaal, the Alwars and the Acharyas in the prakaram. The vimana of the central shrine is called Vedasara Vimana and the temple tank is called Chakra theertham.

Pavalavannam temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pavalavannam temple Festivals

Brahmotsavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) is the major festival of the temple. Pavitrotsavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March – April) and Vaikunta Ekadasi during Margazhi (December – January) are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

Pavalavannam temple Timings:

The temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Pavalavannam temple Pooja Timings:

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7:00 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Pavalavannar Perumal and Pavazhavalli.

How to reach the Pavalavannam temple

Pavalavannam Temple is in the heart of Kanchipuram city, which is 70 km away from Chennai. Lots of transportation and accommodation facilities are available in vicinity. The temple is close to Kamakshi amman temple and Kanchipuram railway station.

By Air

The nearest airport is Chennai International airport at the distance of 75 KM. Someone can hire a taxi to reach the temple.

By Rail

The temple is close to Kanchipuram railway station which is connected with Chennai and other cities in South India.

By Bus

Bus services are available from Chennai, Pondicherry, Nagaercoil, Madurai and Bangalore to Kanchipuram city. The temple is only 1 km from the Kanchipuram bus stand.

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