Sri Pundarikashan Perumal Temple , Thiruvellarai
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📍 Thiruvellarai, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
National SignificanceThe 4th Divya Desam, historically known as Aadhi Vellarai, predates Srirangam on white hillock Swethagiri and features the famous 8th-century Pallava Swastika stepwell and dual solstitial entrance gateways.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Pundarikakshan (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Pundarikakshan / Senthamaraikkannan (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing East on white hillock); Utsavar: Pankajavalli Utsavar / Pundarikakshan; Thayar: Shenbagavalli Thayar (Pankajavalli); Vimanam: Vimalaakruthi Vimanam; Theertham: Manikarnika Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Swastika Kinaru; Pratyaksham: Garuda, Markandeya Maharishi, King Sibi Chakravarti.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Pundarikakshan (Nindra Kolam)
Sannathi Street, Agraharam, Thillampatti, Thiruvallarai, Tamil Nadu 621009, India
Spiritual Highlights
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Climbing the 18 steps representing the Gita chapters and crossing through alternating seasonal solstice portals.
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About Sri Pundarikashan Perumal Temple , Thiruvellarai
Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple in Thiruvellarai, located 25 km north of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is the 4th Divya Desam. Revered as Aadhi Vellarai, traditional lore and epigraphical evidence hold that this sanctum existed even prior to Srirangam. It was sung in 23 glorious pasurams by Periyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar. The temple is situated atop a natural limestone and white rock hillock known as Swethagiri (white hill).
The sanctum sanctorum has a profound cosmic design featuring two entrance doorways: the Dakshinayana Vaasal, open during the southern sun transit (Aadi to Margazhi), and the Uttarayana Vaasal, open during the northern transit (Thai to Aani). This represents the soul's journey through time toward liberation. Inside the sanctum, Surya and Chandra stand on either side of Lord Pundarikaksha waving divine fly-whisks (chamaram), while Sage Markandeya and Garuda kneel in adoration.
In this kshetram, Goddess Shenbagavalli (Pankajavalli) Thayar holds royal precedence: during all processions and festivals, Her palanquin proceeds ahead of the Lord. The complex also houses the famous 8th-century Pallava Swastika Kinaru (Marpidugu Perunkinaru), an engineering wonder shaped like a swastika where four separate flights of steps lead to water without bathers ever seeing one another.
Architecture & Heritage
Rock-cut and Early Dravidian Architecture (Pallava period (late 8th-century CE inscriptions of Dantivarman); subsequent Chola, Pandya, and Hoys)
Swastika-shaped stepwell (Marpidugu Kinaru) constructed in 800 CE, two directional entrance gates (Dakshinayana and Uttarayana), granite ramparts.
8th-century epigraphs of Pallava ruler Dantivarman detailing hydraulic engineering and royal gifts.
Rituals & Traditions
Six daily pujas; operational shifting between the Uttarayana gate (January–June) and the Dakshinayana gate (July–December).
Panguni Brahmotsavam chariot procession and the formal opening of seasonal solstice gateways.
Puliyodarai, Sakkarai Pongal, Ven Pongal.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional dress code enforced: Men must wear Dhoti/Kurta; Women must wear Saree or Chudidhar with Dupatta. Western shorts and casuals strictly prohibited.
Located on an elevated hillock requiring climbing approximately 20 stone steps to reach the main sanctum. Handrails are provided along the steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Pundarikakshan (Nindra Kolam)
Shenbagavalli (Pankajavalli) Thayar Sannidhi (Independent Temple), Surya and Chandra (Inside Sanctum bearing Chamaram), Sage Markandeya Sannidhi, Garudazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanujar Sannidhi, Swami Vedanta Desikan Sannidhi, Sri Manavala Mamunigal Sannidhi, Nalayira Alvars Sannidhi
Sannathi Street, Agraharam, Thillampatti, Thiruvallarai, Tamil Nadu 621009, India
How to Reach
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) (approx 30 km)
Srirangam Railway Station (SRGM) (approx 18 km)
Thiruvellarai Bus Stop (approx 0.3 km)
