Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Pandavatutar Perumal Temple or Thirupadagam located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, an avatar of the god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is extolled in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Pandava Tutar Perumal (Krishna) and his consort Lakshmi (Rukmini).

The temple is considered one of three oldest temples in Kanchipuram; The other two oldest temples are Ulagalantha Perumal Temple and Yathothkari Perumal Temple. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas of the late 8th century CE with later contributions from Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. The temple has three inscriptions on its walls, two dating from the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) and one to that of Rajadhiraja Chola (1018–1054 CE). A granite wall surrounds the temple, all the shrines, and two bodies of water. There is a four-tiered rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, in the temple.

Pandava Tutar is believed to have appeared to Pandava. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Krishna Janmashtami festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Avani (August–September), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.