Pachai Vanna Perumal Temple

In Kanchipuram, there are two notable temples, Pachai Vannar and Pavala Vannar, situated opposite each other. These temples are distinguished by their unique colours of deities: Pachai Vannar features Lord Vishnu in an emerald green hue, while Pavala Vannar showcases the deity in a coral colour. The Pavala Vannar Temple is celebrated as one of the 108 sacred abodes of Vishnu, praised in the hymns of the Alwar saints. Although the Pachai Vannar Temple is not mentioned in these hymns, both temples are traditionally considered part of the Divyadesam. They are believed to have been established by the Pallava king Nandivarman II, with subsequent contributions from the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties.

Timings

Morning : 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM & Evening : 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

Marichi Maharshi, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, had a pressing question. He wondered why Lord Vishnu, the supreme being, would choose to incarnate as a human, specifically as Lord Rama. He also questioned why Lord Rama allowed Ravana to abduct Mother Sita and whether it was necessary for Him to travel to Lanka with the help of Sri Anjaneya to rescue her, when He could have done it Himself.

To seek clarity, Marichi Maharshi prayed for a direct darshan of the Lord. When Lord Vishnu appeared before him, Marichi posed his questions. He asked if Lord Vishnu was indeed the one who incarnated as Rama, why He permitted Ravana to abduct Sita, and whether it was essential for Him to undertake such a journey to Lanka.

Lord Vishnu responded, “This incarnation was meant to fulfil the desires of My devotees. Lord Shiva, who is deeply devoted to Me, incarnated as Sri Anjaneya. Many joined Me in this mission, and I cherished their companionship. This avatar was also designed to demonstrate the ideal principles of family life. It was to show that sons should respect and obey their parents, brothers should live in harmony, and everyone should uphold proper conduct. This was to establish the rules for an ideal family structure.”

Lord Vishnu then gave darshan to Sage Marichi in the form of Pachai Vanna Perumal, clarifying all the doubts and fulfilling the sage’s quest for understanding.

Do's and Don'ts

Do Conduct Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the temple structure and surroundings for signs of wear, damage, or decay. Early detection of issues can prevent more severe problems later.
Do Engage with the Community: Involve local residents, devotees, and volunteers in preservation activities. Their engagement can provide both support and a sense of shared responsibility.
Do Use Appropriate Conservation Techniques: Apply proper conservation methods for cleaning, repairing, and restoring artefacts and structures. Consult experts to ensure techniques are suitable for the materials used.
Do Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the temple’s condition, restoration efforts, and historical significance. Documentation helps in planning future preservation work and in educating others about the temple’s heritage.
Do Educate Visitors: Inform visitors about the temple’s history, significance, and the importance of preserving it. This can foster respect and care among those who visit the temple.
Do Protect Artefacts: Implement measures to protect valuable artefacts and sculptures from environmental damage, vandalism, and theft. Use proper storage and display techniques.
Do Follow Legal Guidelines: Adhere to local and national regulations regarding heritage conservation. Ensure all preservation activities comply with legal standards and guidelines.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or chemicals that can damage the temple’s structure or artefacts. Stick to recommended conservation products and methods.
Don’t Neglect Maintenance: Avoid postponing or neglecting routine maintenance and repairs. Regular upkeep is essential to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Don’t Allow Vandalism: Prevent and address any vandalism or unauthorised modifications. Implement security measures to safeguard the temple from potential harm.
Don’t Alter Historical Features: Avoid making unnecessary changes or alterations to the temple’s original design and features. Preserve historical accuracy by sticking to traditional methods and materials during restoration.
Don’t Ignore Community Input: Don’t disregard the concerns and suggestions of the local community and devotees. Their input can be valuable in ensuring that preservation efforts are well-received and effective.
Don’t Compromise on Quality: Avoid cutting corners or using substandard materials for repairs and restoration. Ensure that all work is done to a high standard to maintain the temple’s integrity.
Don’t Overlook Environmental Factors: Don’t ignore environmental factors such as humidity, pollution, and weather conditions that can affect the temple’s condition. Implement measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

Dress Code

For Men : Men are generally expected to wear traditional attire such as dhotis, or mundus, paired with a simple shirt or kurta. In some temples, Western attire like trousers and shirts may also be acceptable, but should be modest.

For Women : Women are typically expected to wear traditional clothing like sarees, salwar kameez, or skirts with blouses. It is important for attire to be modest and cover the shoulders and knees.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to Kanchipuram is Chennai International Airport, about 60 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kanchipuram.

By Rail: Kanchipuram has its own railway station, Kanchipuram Railway Station, well-connected to major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. You can take a train to this station and reach the temple from there. The temple is just 2 minutes away.

By Road: Kanchipuram is accessible by road from Chennai via National Highway 16, which is about 75 kilometres away. Buses and taxis frequently operate between Chennai and Kanchipuram, offering a convenient travel option.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Palar River: This is the closest major river to Kanchipuram. It flows through the region and is a significant water source for the area.

Cities:

Kanchipuram: The city where the Pachai Vannar Temple is situated. It is renowned for its historical and religious significance, with numerous ancient temples and cultural heritage sites.
Chennai: Located approximately 75 kilometres east of Kanchipuram, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and a major metropolitan area.
Vellore: Situated around 100 kilometres west of Kanchipuram, Vellore is known for its historical fort and medical institutions.
Tiruvannamalai: About 100 kilometres southwest of Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai is famous for the Arunachaleswarar Temple and its spiritual significance.
Thiruvallur: Located approximately 40 kilometres north of Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur is known for its historical and religious sites.