Sri Pachai Vannar Temple and Sri Pavalai Vannar Temple

TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

In Kanchipuram, stands the two temples of Pachai Vannar and Pavalai Vannar, two shrines standing opposite to each other, two places of holiness where the Lord is mentioned by his colour. He is seen in emerald green at the Pachai Vannar and coral coloured at the Pavalai Vannar. The temple of Pavalai Vannar was praised in the hymns of the Alwar saints as the 108 sacred abodes of Vishnu. Though Pachai Vannar temple is not mentioned in the hymns, both these temples are believed to constitute the divyadesam. The temples are said to have been built by the Pallava king Nandivarman II, with later contributions from Cholas and Vijayanagar kings.

Legend

The legend regarding the Pavala Vanna Perumal temple revolves around a yagna conducted by Lord Brahma. Goddess Saraswathy, angry that she was not a part of it, sent demons to create obstruction. Lord Vishnu, battled the demons and ensured that the yagna proceeded smoothly. The God here is coral in colour.

In the Pachai Vanna Perumal shrine, it is believed that the Lord gave boon to Sage Bhrigu that Mahalakshmi will be born as his daughter, Bhargavi. Subsequently Lord Vishnu married Bhargavi at this sacred place. In this temple, the Lord is emerald green in colour.

This temple is part of the famous Kanchipuram Divya Desam Yatra.

Architecture

The temples are built in traditional Dravidian style of architecture with tiered gateway gopurams adorned with sculptures. Lord Pavalavannan is in standing posture with a separate shrine for Pavalavalli thayar. A few metres away is Pachai Vannan perumal temple and here the Lord is in a sitting posture on Adisheshan.

Darsan Info

Sri Pavalai Vannar temple timings 7:00 AM till 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM. Though Pachai Vannar is not a divyadesam, both these temples usually considered as a single divyadesam and worshipped together. Devotees believe that if one visits one temple, visiting the other is mandatory

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire. Western dresses are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu

Famous Festival

June - Vaikasi Brahmotsavam(May/June)

December - Vaikunta Ekadashi

Culture

Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.