Pavala Vanna Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Introduction

Pavalavanna Perumal Temple is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the temple town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This is a Divyadesam, regarded as highly sacred, and this has come for praise in the hymns of the Azhwar saints Peyazhwar, Thirumalisai Azhwar, and Thirumangai Azhwar and thus forms part of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandam compositions. Vishnu is worshipped here as Pavalavannam or Pavalavanna Perumal, and his consort, as Pavazhavalli. Lord Pavalavannam is believed to have appeared before sage Naimisaranya in this shrine. This is one of the important temples of Kanchipuram, which receives many devotees.

Temple Legends

According to Legends, Vishnu took on different colors in different Yugas, the eons, depending on the nature and character of the living beings of that period. During Satya or Krita Yuga, people were pure by nature and entertained only noble thoughts, and hence, Vishnu was of pure white color, then. In the Treta Yuga that followed, he is said to have assumed the color of emerald, called Pavalam in Tamil. Likewise, in the subsequent Dwapara Yuga and the present Kali Yuga, the Lord turned green and blue, respectively. Since he appeared before the Aswini Gods in the emerald color, that is, Pavalam, he is hailed as Pavalavannam, the Lord of the emerald color, even in the present times.

As per another mythological story, Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, once wanted to stop her husband Brahma’s penance and sent an army of demons to attack him. But Vishnu protected Brahma from the assault and, in the process, got smeared with blood or blood red color. This is also said to have contributed to the name Pravalesa, in Sanskrit and Pavalavannar in Tamil. Since then, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Pavalvannam, the Lord with emerald color.

Vishnu is also said to have appeared to sage Brigu as Pavalavannam here, and the sage’s image can be seen in the sanctum, worshipping the Lord.

The History and Architecture of Pavalavannam Temple, Kanchipuram

This Dravidian style temple is believed to have been built by the medieval Cholas and expanded by the Vijayanagara kings, later. There are also inscriptions in the temple belonging to the Chola kings of the 11th century CE. The temple enclosed within the granite walls has a seven-tiered Raja Gopuram, the entrance tower, and two tanks. The sanctum sanctorum is west facing, where Lord Pavalavannam can be worshipped in the standing posture. Vedasara Vimana is the roof above the sanctum. There are separate shrines for Goddess Pavazhavalli, deities like Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Garuda, the bird mount of Lord Vishnu, and the Azhwars.

Temple Festivals

Brahmotsavam celebrated during Vaikasi (May-June) can be called the major festival of this temple. Pavitrotsavam of Panguni (March-April) and Vaikunta Ekadasi of Margazhi (December-January) are some of the other important festivals of the temple.

Benefits of worshipping Pavalavanna Perumal

Lord Pavalavannam is believed to be the ultimate for attaining salvation in the present Kali Yuga. He can relieve people from the ill effects of this era filled with anger, resentment, cunningness, and lies. It is also a belief that praying to him can keep negative forces away, remove the adverse influences of snake planets Rahu and Ketu, ensure children’s welfare, and help devotees lead a life of peace and contentment.