Sri Pavala Vanna Perumal Temple

Thiru Pavala Vannam, also known as the Pavala Vanna Perumal Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are considered the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. This temple holds the 54th position among the 108 Divya Desams. In this sacred temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Sri Pavala Vannar Perumal, along with his divine consort, Pavalavalli Thayar. The presiding deity, Moolavar, is Pavala Vannan, who is depicted in a standing posture facing west. Notably, there is another shrine located about ½ km away from the main Sannadhi, where the Moolavar is Pachai Vannan, seated on Adiseshan. Together, these two Sannadhis—Pavala Vannar and Pachai Vannar—are considered as one Divya Desam, forming a unique and significant part of the sacred landscape of Kanchipuram.

Timings

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

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The temples of Pacchai Vannar and Pavala Vannar in Kanchipuram are deeply intertwined in their significance. It is believed that devotees must worship both Pacchai Vannar Perumal and Pavala Vannar Perumal together, without omitting either one. Despite the fact that Mangalasasanam, the hymns of praise by the Alvars, was not specifically performed for the Pachai Vannar Sannadhi, both temples are collectively regarded as a single Divya Desam. Therefore, they are to be worshipped as one unified sacred site.

Pacchai Vannar, also known as "Maragatha Vannar," is considered to be an embodiment (hamsa) of Lord Shiva, while Pavala Vannar is seen as an embodiment of Parashakti. This unique association suggests that by worshipping at these two temples together, devotees are simultaneously offering their reverence to both Lord Shiva and Parashakti.

According to legend, Bhrigu Maharishi and Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Vishnu at this sacred site. Thirumangai Alwar's verses in his "Thirunedunthandakam," where he refers to Vishnu as Pavalavanna and Kachhi Oora, have played a significant role in classifying this temple as one of the 108 Divya Desams.

The temple is also connected to the legend of Tiruvekka and Lord Brahma's ritual sacrifice, further enhancing its spiritual importance and the rich tapestry of mythology that surrounds it.

Legends :

According to legend, a conversation took place between Lord Vishnu (Thirumal) and his consort, Thirumagal (Lakshmi), in Vaikundam. During this conversation, Thirumagal expressed her desire for the Lord to change his dark complexion (Karvarnam) to a golden hue by seeking the grace of Lord Shiva, who is responsible for the threefold duties of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Agreeing to her request, Lord Vishnu descended to the Kanchi shrine. There, He created a sacred water body, known as the Chakra Theertham, using His chakra weapon. Every day, He bathed in this holy water and worshipped Lord Shiva, who is revered as Veerattakasar, with 14,000 lotus flowers.

Pleased by Lord Vishnu's devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Him along with Uma Devi (Parvati) and granted His wish to change His complexion from dark to golden. As a result, in this temple, Lord Vishnu is depicted with a golden hue, symbolising the divine transformation.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Modestly: Wear clean, modest clothing appropriate for the temple setting. Traditional attire is often preferred, and covering shoulders and legs is generally expected.
Remove Footwear: Always remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. Leave shoes and sandals in the designated areas outside the temple.
Follow Rituals: Observe and follow the temple's specific rituals and practices. Participate respectfully in the worship activities, such as offering flowers or lighting lamps, as guided by the temple authorities.
Maintain Silence: Keep noise levels to a minimum and maintain a respectful silence while in the temple. This helps create a serene atmosphere conducive to worship and meditation.
Offer Prayers Respectfully: When offering prayers or making offerings, do so with sincerity and respect. Follow the prescribed methods for making offerings, such as naivedyam or flowers.
Respect Temple Guidelines: Adhere to any guidelines or instructions provided by the temple authorities regarding conduct, photography, and participation in ceremonies.
Donate Thoughtfully: If making a donation, do so with the intention of supporting the temple’s upkeep and activities. Use designated donation boxes or channels for contributions.

Avoid Loud Conversations: Refrain from engaging in loud or disruptive conversations within the temple. Respect the sanctity of the space by keeping interactions quiet and subdued.
Do Not Touch Deity Idols: Avoid touching or making physical contact with the deity idols or sacred items unless specifically instructed by the temple priests.
No Photography: Refrain from taking photographs or recording videos inside the temple unless permitted by the temple authorities. Many temples have restrictions on photography to maintain decorum.
Do Not Eat or Drink: Avoid eating or drinking inside the temple premises. Consumption of food and beverages should be done outside the temple area.
No Smoking or Chewing Gum : Smoking and chewing gum are generally prohibited within the temple premises. Ensure that you adhere to these restrictions to maintain cleanliness and respect.
Avoid Disruptive Behaviour: Do not engage in behaviour that might disturb other worshippers or disrupt the ongoing rituals. Maintain decorum and act in a manner befitting the sacred space.
Do Not Engage in Unauthorised Activities: Refrain from participating in activities that are not authorised by the temple, such as unauthorised rituals or placing personal items on the altar.

Dress Code

For Men : Men should wear traditional attire such as dhoti or kurta-pyjama, or other modest clothing. Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and informal wear.

For Women : Women should opt for traditional clothing like sarees, salwar kameez, or modest dresses. Avoid revealing or short attire, and ensure shoulders and legs are covered.

How to reach

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By Air : The nearest airport to the temple is in Chennai, approximately 60 kilometres away. From Chennai, you can reach the temple by road.

By Rail : Kanchipuram has its own railway station, providing convenient access to the temple for travellers coming by train. It takes only 3 minutes to reach the temple.

By Road : Kanchipuram is well-connected by road, with good transport links to various locations within Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Palar River: Flowing through Tamil Nadu, the Palar River passes near Kanchipuram and is important for local agriculture and water supply.

Cities:

Kanchipuram: The temple is situated in Kanchipuram, a prominent city known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. It is a major pilgrimage site and historical centre.
Chennai: About 70 kilometres southeast of Kanchipuram, Chennai is a major metropolitan city and the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is well-connected to Kanchipuram by road and rail.
Vellore: Located approximately 100 kilometres west of Kanchipuram, Vellore is another significant city in Tamil Nadu known for its historical landmarks and educational institutions.