Deity
Vishnu (Pundarikaksha)
श्री पुंडरीकाक्ष पेरुमाल
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient hill temple dedicated to Vishnu as Pundarikaksha. The record associates it with a pre-Pallava era context and Pallava dynasty linkage, expressed through Dravidian architectural style.
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Divya Desam
Architecture
Dravidian
Pre-Pallava; Pallava-linked
Location
Thiruvellarai, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 0800
- Founder
- Pallava King Dantivarman / Chola Dynasty
- Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple was constructed in the 8th-9th century CE by Pallava King Dantivarman, as evidenced by rock-cut cave inscriptions and a swastika-shaped stepwell. The granite superstructure was expanded by Chola and Hoysala kings. It predates Srirangam in regional antiquity.
Significance
- Enshrining Lord Pundarikaksha on a white hillock (Thiruvellarai), this Divya Desam was praised by Periyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar. The complex features two entrance staircases representing Dakshinayana and Uttarayana solar paths. It is internationally famous for its engineering marvel—a 9th-century swastika stepwell.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Verify darshan hours
The record lists 06:00–20:30 as approximate; check at the temple for any breaks or festival-day changes.
Prepare for a hill setting
Wear comfortable footwear for approach paths and steps typical of hill temples.
Start early to avoid heat and crowds
Morning visits can be more comfortable and may reduce waiting time.
Follow sanctum and photography rules
Observe signage and staff guidance regarding movement, silence, and any restrictions.
Keep time for unhurried darshan
Allow buffer time for queues and for moving through the hill temple complex at a steady pace.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
07:00 AM - 01:00 PM, 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Margazhi • 1 day
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
A major Vishnu festival commonly observed at Divya Desams; confirm local arrangements and timings.
Varies • Multiple days
Brahmotsavam
A multi-day temple festival period with special worship; dates vary by local calendar.
Varies • Varies
Hill Temple Special Days
As a hill temple, some days may involve extended worship routines; verify locally for any special schedules.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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श्री पुंडरीकाक्ष पेरुमाल
Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
Additional Resources
Watch
Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Thiruvellarai Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple | Divya Desam Darshan
Divya Desam Yatra• 10:15
Watch on YouTubePundarikaksha Perumal Temple Thiruvellarai | Hill temple walkthrough
Temple Walks Tamil• 8:05
Watch on YouTubeThiruvellarai temple | Dravidian architecture & Pallava link (overview)
Heritage Notes India• 13:30
Watch on YouTube