Pavalavannar Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Pavalavannar Perumal Temple, also called Tirupavalavannam, is a Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram and one of the 108 Divya Desams. Vishnu is worshipped here as Pavalavannar, the 'coral-coloured' Lord, with his consort Lakshmi as Pavalavalli. The temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas, with later additions by the Vijayanagara kings, and it has inscriptions on its walls from the time of Kulothunga Chola I. A guide places it near the main road by the railway station.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Pavalavannar Perumal
- See the old inscriptions on the temple walls
- Visit the shrine of Pavalavalli
- Walk the quiet courtyards
Ideal for
- Devotees of Vishnu and the 108 Divya Desams
- Visitors interested in temple inscriptions
- Pilgrims following the Alvars
Good to know
- One source gives about 7 to 10 am and 5 to 7 pm, so the visiting window is short, so check locally
- Dress modestly, remove footwear at the entrance, and expect a quiet atmosphere
- Mobile phone and camera rules vary inside the sanctum, so ask at the gate
- Allow about 30 to 45 minutes
Spiritual significance
Pavalavannar is a Divya Desam praised by the Alvars, and one of the first Vishnu temples a visitor meets on entering Kanchipuram.
Why it matters
- A Divya Desam: one of the 108 Vishnu temples praised by the Alvars
- A Chola-era temple: with inscriptions from the 11th century
- An easy stop: near the main road into the city