Pavalavannam Temple

Thiru Pavala Vannam or Pavalavanam temple is one of the 108 divyadesams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. It is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Krishna, located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one among the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sri Pavala Vannar Perumal with his consort Pavalavalli thayar.

Architecture

This 19th century Modern temple covers a two acre area, and it has a hall decked with mirrors all around. The temple is west facing. It also has imposing walls surrounding a single prakaram and a 5 tiered rajagopuram. There are shrines to Aandaal, the Alwars and the Acharyas in the prakaram. The temple tank is called Chakra theertham and the vimanam is known as Pavala Vimanam.

History and Significance

It is said that both the Pacchai and Pavala Vannan perumal has to be worshipped, without leaving any one of them. Opposite to Pavala Vannar Sannadhi, is the Pacchai Vannar Sannadhi found. Inspite of the Mangalasasanam not done in Pacchai Vannar sannadhi, both these two temples are considered to be the single and has to be worshipped as a single Divya desam.

Pacchai vannar, who is also called as “Maragatha vannar” explains in this sthalam that he is the hamsam ( a form) of Lord Shiva and Pavala Vannar as the hamsam of Para sakthi. So it is said that by worshipping these two sthalams at the same time, we worship both Lord Shiva and Parashakti.

Legend has it that Bhrigu Maharishi and Parvati worshipped Vishnu here. Tirumangai Alwar’s Paasuram refering to Vishnu as Pavalavanna and Kachhi Oora in his Tiruneduntaandakam has been the basis for classifying this temple as a Divya Desam.

The legend associated with Tiruvegkaa and Bhrahma’s ritual sacrifice is also associated with this shrine.

Festivals

The annual Bhramotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi. Vaikuntha Ekadasi in Margazhi and Pavitrotsavam in the month of Pankuni are the other festivals celebrated here.

Special Rituals  performed in temple

The Pavalavanam temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition Vaikunta Ekadesi and during the Tamil month of Margazhi draws lot of pilgrims.

500 metres opposite to this temple is another temple called Sri Pachai Varnar (calling the Lord Sri Narayana as green toned one) temple. Though this temple has not been revered in Mangalasasanam, it is beleived that both these to be visited together as both these constitute the divya desam.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The Moolavar of this sthalam( Sri Pavala vannar) is Sri Pavala Vannar Perumal. Other name is ‘Paramapatha Nathan’. Moolavar is in standing position facing west. Prathyaksham for Brighu Maharishi, Aswini Devathai and for Parvathi. Thayar of this sthalam is Pavalavalli thayar. The temple is revered by the verses of Tirumangai azhwar.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule

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

How to reach

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.