Pundarikakshan Perumal Koil (Thiruvellarai, Trichy)

History & Historical Heritage

The Pundarikakshan Perumal Koil is one of the highly revered 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, situated in the historic town of Thiruvellarai, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The temple's sacred heritage is immortalized in the hymns of the Alvars, the Vaishnavite poet-saints, whose Naalayira Divya Prabandham glorifies this shrine. The deities are worshipped as Pankaja Nayaki and Pundarikaksha Perumal. According to historical notes, The Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava king Dantivarman (796–847 CE). [ 17 ] [ 18 ] A swastika -shaped temple tank built during 800 CE is present in the south-western corner of the street around the temple. It has four stepped gateways, each having 51 steps. The tank is believed to have been built by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of Dantivarman. In modern times, it is maintained by the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple complex covers an area of 2.62 ha (6.5 acres), while the tank covers an area of 0.1256 ha (0.310 acres). [ 19 ] [ 20 ] The chariot festival is unique in the state as a community feast is offered by several individuals and committees, a custom many centuries old. [ 21 ] [ 22 ] The architecture of the temple represents classical South Indian Dravidian stone carving, with high perimeter walls, tall gateway towers (Gopurams), and central shrines displaying intricate sculptures of Vishnu in various postures. Devotees from all over India travel to this holy destination to perform parikramas, join major festivals, and experience deep spiritual peace.

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