Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple Timings:
Sunday: 8.00 AM 1.00 PM and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Weekdays: 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM
This Divya kshetram is located at a distance of 27 Kms from Trichy enroute to Turaiyur by road. The presence of white rock hillocks close by, gives the name to this place as Swetagiri. This temple is also called Aadi Vellarai, as it is believed that this temple pre-dated Srirangam temple.
The presiding deity is Pundareekakshan in a standing posture with His consorts Shenpakavalli and Pankajavalli. There is also a separate shrine for Thayar. The Theertam is Divya Pushkarani and the Vimanam, Vimalakriti Vimanam.
Legend has it that Garudan and Markandeyan offered worship to the Lord.
The main shrine has two entrances referred to as Uttarayana vaayil, mainly used from the Tamil month of Thai (January) to Aadi (July) and then on Dakshinayana vaayil. In addition the temple has one more entrance referred to as “Naazhi Kettan Vaayil”, where it is believed that Mahalakshmi intercepted and questioned Lord Vishnu upon His returning home late, after His sojourn.
This is a vast temple and there are shrines for Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, Surya, Chandra and Adishesha in the sanctum. There are seven theerthams within the temple complex and it is believed that Ramanujacharya has lived here for some time. Manavalamamuni and Desikar have sung of this great shrine. Historical evidence, on the unfinished Raja gopuram located on the northern entrance, shows the contributions made by Hoyasala kings to this temple
Sri Pundarikaasham Perumal Temple Presiding Deity Information:
The presiding deity is Pundareekakshan standing position facing east direction. Prathyaksham was for Garudan, called as “Periya Thiruvadi”, Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoomi Piratti, Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva). This temple has been dedicated to Lord Varaha. So this temple is also called as Swedha varaha kshetharam.
Thayaar of the Sthalam is Goddess Shenbagavalli. Also called as “Peri Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi”. Here Thayar gets the first rights over Perumal.
Sri Pundarikaasham Perumal Temple Festivals:
All Vishnu festivals are celebrated. The Chariot festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April)
Chithirai summer festival and Chithirai Poornima-full moon day in April-May.
Gajendra Moksham (Lord Vishnu granting salvation to an elephant)
Aavani Srijayanthi in August-September with procession.
Panguni Brahmmotsavam on Tiruvonam star day in March-April
How to Reach Sri Pundarikaasham Perumal Temple :
From Trichy, take the road to Salem and after 10 km you will come to a right turn that leads to Manachanallur in 20 km. From there, head northwest for 6 km and you will find the huge rajagopuram which is gigantic.
Sri Pundarikaasham Perumal Temple Address:
1/46, sannathi steert,
Agrahara,
Thiruvellarai,
Tamil Nadu 621009
Phone: 090927 62000
email: temple.thiruvellarai@gmail.com
