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Tamil Nadu

Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

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January

18.0 - 32.9 ºC

February

18.5 - 35.7 ºC

March

20.1 - 38.8 ºC

April

23.2 - 40.2 ºC

May

22.5 - 40.8 ºC

June

24.0 - 39.8 ºC

July

23.4 - 38.9 ºC

August

22.9 - 38.4 ºC

September

22.8 - 37.8 ºC

October

22.3 - 36.2 ºC

November

20.4 - 33.6 ºC

December

18.8 - 31.7 ºC

Major Airports :

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

Nearest Railway Station :

Tiruchirappalli Junction Railway Station (TPJ)

Major Airports :

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Tiruchirappalli

A Dravidian spiritual marvel

In the quiet village of Thiruvellarai, just on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli, lies an ancient temple shrouded in mystery - the Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple. As the sun sets behind the towering Dravidian architecture, shadows dance across the sacred stones. This is no ordinary temple; it is a revered shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, known to locals as Pundarikakshan and his consort, Lakshmi, called Pankajavalli.

The temple is believed to have been constructed by Sibi Chakravarthy. Inscribed within its two rock-cut caves are three cryptic messages from an era long past - two from the reign of Nandivarman II and one from the time of Dantivarman. You will also find Pallava sculptural depictions of Narasimha and Varaha, two of the ten avatars of Vishnu.

So, if you ever find yourself near this temple, step through the granite gates and immerse yourself in its history, magic, and living traditions that have flourished through the ages.

A haven blessed by Lord Vishnu

Embraced by a majestic granite enclosure, the Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple stands proud, surrounded by its sacred shrines and six shimmering bodies of water. Yet, as you approach, you can’t help but notice the rajagopuram - the temple's towering gateway - still waiting for its final touch, as if it’s poised for the ceremonial unveiling.

Just outside this hallowed ground lies a marvel: a swastika-shaped temple tank, a stunning relic built in 800 AD by the visionary Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman. Wander inside the temple to discover the vibrant stories captured in the paintings commissioned by the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. These artworks tell tales of the divine, some still basking in their original hues.

At the heart of this spiritual journey is Pundarikakshan, a deity whose blessings have graced numerous figures from myth and legend - Garuda, the mighty eagle and vehicle of Vishnu, Sibi Chakravarthy, sage Markandeya, and even the celestial beings like Bhoomadevi, Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and Chandra.

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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

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Tiruchirappalli

Spectacular celebrations await!

The temple is alive with activity not only on regular days but also during six daily rituals, and three grand festivals held each year. If you visit during the chariot festival, which takes place in the Tamil month of Chaitra (March-April), you will experience a truly spectacular celebration. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and the enticing aroma of a community feast. This age-old tradition brings villagers together like a family reunion, where flavours and stories are shared across generations, reminding everyone of the deep connections that unite them.

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