Tamil NaduTimings 2026Free Entry

Pavalavannam Temple: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Tirupavalavannam or Pavalavanam temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god…

By Kishan Rajyaguru|Updated 18 October 2026

Location Tamil Nadu

Entry Fee Free

Best Time October to February

Railway Station ~29 km

Nearest Airport ~71 km

About Pavalavannam Temple

Tirupavalavannam or Pavalavanam temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified 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 Pavalavannar Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Pavalavalli.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas, 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 (1018-54 CE). A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all the shrines and two bodies of water. There is a seven-tiered rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, in the temple.

Pavalavannar is believed to have appeared to sage Naimisaranya. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June), being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Pavalavannam Temple: Key Facts

TemplePavalavannam Temple
LocationTamil Nadu
StateTamil Nadu
Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
Best Time to VisitOctober to February
Nearest Railway StationArani Road railway station, ~29 km
Nearest AirportPuducherry (PNY), ~71 km
GPS12.49000, 79.43000

Pavalavannam Temple Timings 2026

Pavalavannam Temple is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

How to Reach Pavalavannam Temple

LocationTamil Nadu
By AirPuducherry (PNY), about 71 km
By AirChennai (MAA), about 98 km
By TrainArani Road railway station, about 29 km
Major StationViluppuram Junction railway station, about 61 km
By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities

Distance from Nearby Cities

From	Road Distance (approx.)	Travel Time (approx.)
Puducherry	93 km	2 hr
Chennai	127 km	3 hr
Tirupati	166 km	4 hr
Salem	218 km	5 hr
Bengaluru	264 km	6 hr

Best Time to Visit

October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pavalavannam Temple located?

Pavalavannam Temple is in Tamil Nadu, India. GPS location: 12.4900, 79.4300.

What are the timings of Pavalavannam Temple?

Pavalavannam Temple is open daily from early morning to evening, usually with an afternoon break. Timings change on festivals, so confirm with the temple office before you go.

Is there an entry fee at Pavalavannam Temple?

General darshan is free. Special pujas, sevas or quick darshan may have a separate fee set by the temple.

What is the best time to visit Pavalavannam Temple?

October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast.

Which is the nearest railway station to Pavalavannam Temple?

Arani Road railway station is the nearest railway station, about 29 km away. The nearest major station is Viluppuram Junction railway station, about 61 km away.

How far is Pavalavannam Temple from Puducherry?

Pavalavannam Temple is about 93 km by road from Puducherry (approx.).

Which is the nearest airport to Pavalavannam Temple?

Puducherry (PNY) is the nearest major airport, about 71 km away in a straight line. Chennai (MAA) is the next option.

What is the dress code at Pavalavannam Temple?

Wear modest, traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.

Is photography allowed inside Pavalavannam Temple?

Photography is usually not allowed inside the sanctum. Outer areas may allow photos; follow the signs and staff instructions.

Which other temples are near Pavalavannam Temple?

Yathothkari Perumal Temple, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, Tiruvelukkai are close by and can be covered on the same trip.