Sri Pavalavanna Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram – Divya Desam of Vishnu’s Coral‑Red Form

Location

Situated in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, a sacred city known as one of the Sapta Puri (seven holy cities).

Deities

Main Deity (Moolavar): Sri Pavala Vannar Perumal (Lord Vishnu), seen in a standing posture facing west.
Consort: Pavalavalli Thayar (Goddess Lakshmi).
The temple emphasizes Vishnu’s protective and compassionate aspects.

Subshrines

Shrines dedicated to Pavalavalli Thayar.
Subshrines for Alwars (Vaishnava saints) who glorified the temple in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Temple tank: Chakra Theertham, considered sacred for ritual baths.

Temple Significance

Divya Desam Status: One of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in hymns by Alwars such as Peyalvar, Thirumalisai Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar.
Spiritual Belief: Worship here is said to grant peace, prosperity, and divine grace of Vishnu.
Historical Importance: Constructed in Dravidian style architecture during the Pallava period, with inscriptions highlighting its antiquity.
Unique Feature: Vishnu here is worshipped as Pavala Vannar (“Coral-hued Lord”), symbolizing his radiant, protective energy.

History

The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham (6th–9th century CE) by Alwars such as Peyalvar, Thirumalisai Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar.
Constructed during the Pallava dynasty, it reflects their patronage of Vaishnavism and temple architecture.
Inscriptions and literary references confirm its antiquity and importance in the Kanchipuram temple cluster.

Legends

Lord Brahma’s Yajna: According to tradition, Lord Brahma performed a great sacrifice in Kanchipuram. Goddess Saraswati, seeking to disrupt it, sent demons. Vishnu appeared, vanquished them, and protected the yajna. In doing so, his complexion turned radiant red like coral, hence the name Pavalavannar (Coral-hued Lord).
Appearance to Sage Naimisaranya: Another legend states that Vishnu appeared here before Sage Naimisaranya, blessing him with darshan in his coral-red form.
The temple thus symbolizes Vishnu’s protective power and his role as the guardian of dharma.

Architecture

Style: Built in Dravidian architecture, typical of Pallava temples.
Sanctum: Houses Vishnu as Pavalavanna Perumal in a standing posture facing west, a rare orientation among Divya Desams.
Consort Shrine: Dedicated to Pavalavalli Thayar (Lakshmi).
Temple Tank: Known as Chakra Theertham, considered sacred for ritual baths.
Layout: Features a modest gopuram, pillared mandapams, and inscriptions reflecting Pallava craftsmanship.

Rituals

Daily Worship: The temple follows Pancharatra Agama traditions with six daily pujas (Ushat kala, Kalasanthi, Uchikala, Sayaraksha, Ardha Jamam, Ekanta Seva).
Offerings: Devotees present tulsi leaves, butter, and flowers to Vishnu.
Special Sevas: Satyanarayana Puja and recitation of Divya Prabandham hymns are common.
Temple Tank Rituals: Bathing in Chakra Theertham is considered purifying and meritorious.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated with grandeur, including special darshan and chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama.
Krishna Jayanti (Janmashtami): Though Krishna is not the presiding deity, the temple observes his birth with pujas and hymns.
Brahmotsavam: Annual festival with Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting), Vahana Sevas (Garuda, Hanuman, etc.), and Theerthavari.
Alwar Tirunakshatras: Birth anniversaries of Alwars are marked with recitations from Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Deepavali & Pongal: Temple decorated, special naivedyam offered, and community feasts organized.

Beliefs

Coral‑Red Form of Vishnu: Worshippers believe Vishnu appeared in this radiant hue after protecting Brahma’s yajna, symbolizing his protective energy.
Blessings of Protection: Devotees pray here for safety from obstacles and enemies, inspired by the legend of Vishnu vanquishing demons.
Peace & Prosperity: Worship at this Divya Desam is said to bring harmony in family life and prosperity.
Pilgrimage Merit: Visiting this temple, part of the Kanchipuram Divya Desam circuit, is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

Temple Hours

Morning: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Evening: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Best time for darshan: early morning, when the temple is less crowded and rituals are performed with full devotion.
On festival days (Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam), timings may extend with special pujas and processions.

Getting Here

By Road: Kanchipuram is ~75 km from Chennai. Frequent buses and taxis connect Chennai, Vellore, and Tirupati.
By Rail: Kanchipuram railway station has trains from Chennai and nearby towns.
By Air: Nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (~70 km).
Local Access: The temple is located in Melkathirpur, Periya Kanchipuram, near other Divya Desams. Auto‑rickshaws are the easiest way to move between temples.

Tips

Combine Visits: This temple is part of the Kanchipuram Divya Desam circuit. Plan to visit Varadaraja Perumal, Deepa Prakasa Perumal, and Pandava Dhootha Perumal on the same day.
Dress Code: Traditional attire (dhoti/saree) is recommended. Avoid shorts or western casuals inside sanctum.
Offerings: Tulsi leaves, butter, and flowers are considered auspicious for Lord Vishnu here.
Festival Crowds: Arrive early during Vaikunta Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam to avoid long queues.
Temple Tank: Take a ritual bath in Chakra Theertham if possible; it is believed to purify sins.
Nearby Attractions: Kanchipuram silk saree shopping, Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple.