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Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

The Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, also known as Thiruvellarai Temple, is located in Thiruvellarai, near Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is the 4th of the 108 Divya Desams where the Alwars performed Mangalasanam. The temple is one of the oldest, dating back approximately 1.5 million years, and predates the Srirangam Temple. It is an important site in the Cholanadu Divya Deshams around Srirangam and is revered as the divine abode of Lord Pundarikaksha Perumal. Notably, Sri Ramanujacharya spent 12 years here and received help from Vishnuchittar in composing the Sribhashyam.

Timings

7:00 AM to 1:15 PM and 3:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of cost

The Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas, based on inscriptions found in two rock-cut caves at the site. These inscriptions date back to the periods of Nandivarman II (732–796 AD) and Dantivarman (796–847 AD), with construction likely completed during Dantivarman's rule.

Vaishnavism spread widely due to the influence of the Alwars, the Vaishnava saints of the 7th–9th centuries, who were supported by the Pallava kings. According to tradition, Lord Vishnu, in the Ocean of Milk, praised Mother Mahalakshmi and offered her a boon. She expressed a desire for a greater right in the Milk Ocean, but Vishnu advised her to come to Earth to receive it during the time of Emperor Shibi.

Emperor Shibi, who was fighting demons, encountered a troublesome white swine that he couldn't capture. He met sage Markandeya, who explained that the swine was actually Lord Vishnu in disguise and advised the emperor to perform a special ritual. Following the sage's guidance, the emperor successfully sought the Lord's blessing. Vishnu transferred the rights of the place to Mahalakshmi and would remain only as an idol.

Sage Markandeya told the emperor that Vishnu was already on a mission as Lord Rama and advised him to return to his kingdom. Despite reluctance, the emperor built the temple and brought 3,700 families to perform the rituals. When one family member died, Vishnu ensured that the number remained at 3,700. In the temple, Mother Sengamalavalli resides in the sanctum sanctorum and leads the festival processions in a palanquin.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before starting your pilgrimage.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam information centre for details on the temple and pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve travel and accommodation well in advance.
  4. Bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on the deities inside the temple.
  6. Maintain Silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly.
  7. Follow ancient customs and traditions.
  8. Respect religious sentiments.
  9. Deposit Offerings only in the hundi.
  1. Avoid visiting the temple for reasons other than worship.
  2. Do Not Smoke or consume alcohol on temple premises.
  3. Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  4. Do Not Approach mediators for quick darshan; it may inconvenience others.
  5. Do Not Carry Weapons inside the temple.
  6. Avoid Wearing headgear like helmets, caps, or hats.
  7. Do Not Perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  8. Do Not Spend Excessive Time during Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
  9. Avoid Purchasing prasadam from street vendors.
  10. Do Not Encourage beggars.
  11. Do Not Spit or create any nuisance on temple premises.


Dress Code

  1. Men: Should wear a shirt and trousers, or a dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth.
  2. Women: Should wear a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a churidar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ). Approximately 20 kilometres from the temple. From Airport you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the temple.
  2. By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ). About 20 kilometres from the temple. From Station : Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to take you to the temple.
  3. By Road: From Tiruchirappalli Central Bus Stand: You can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Thiruvellarai and the temple. 

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near Thiruvellarai Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple:

  1. Kaveri River: A major river in Tamil Nadu, revered as sacred and vital for agriculture.
  2. Kollidam River: A distributary of the Kaveri, significant for irrigation and cultural importance.


Cities Near Thiruvellarai Temple:

  1. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): ~20 km away, a major cultural and transport hub with landmarks like Rockfort Temple.
  2. Srirangam: ~25 km away, renowned for the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a Vaishnavite centre.
  3. Thanjavur: ~75 km away, historic city with the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  4. Karur: ~85 km away, known for industries and ancient temples like Pasupatheeswarar Temple.
  5. Madurai: ~140 km away, famous for the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple and cultural heritage.