Arulmigu Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple

This temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Pundarikakshan Perumal, and also enshrines other deities including Pankajavalli Thayar (Lakshmi), Narasimha, Varaha, Neelivaneswarar (Shiva), and Brahma.

The temple stands as a fine example of Dravidian architecture and is recognized as an ASI-protected monument, reflecting its historical significance dating back to the Pallava period, with the original structure attributed to Nandivarman II and Dantivarman, and later contributions from the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar kings, and Madurai Nayaks.

The temple is set atop a small hill, adding to its spiritual ambience, and is a popular destination for devotees seeking darshan and participating in traditional poojas.

The daily pooja schedule includes Kala Santhi Pooja at 8:00 AM, Uchikala Pooja at 12:00 PM, Sayaratchai Pooja at 6:00 PM, and Arthajama Pooja at 9:10 PM, with rituals conducted in both Tamil and Sanskrit.

Temple timings are from 7:00 AM to 1:15 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering ample opportunity for pilgrims to experience the serene atmosphere and spiritual rituals. Free darshan is available for all visitors.

Festivals are a vibrant part of the temple’s calendar, with the Chariot Festival (Rathotsavam) celebrated during March–April (Tamil month of Chaitra) and Vaikuntha Ekadashi observed in December–January.

During the Chariot Festival, devotees can partake in a community feast (annadanam), and traditional prasadam is available regularly.

Visitors are requested to adhere to the temple’s dress code: men should wear a dhoti with shirt or kurta, avoiding shorts and revealing outfits, while women are expected to wear a saree or churidar/salwar kameez with dupatta, avoiding skirts and revealing attire.

Photography is prohibited inside the main sanctum but is permitted in the temple complex and gopurams. Ample parking space is available near the entrance for cars and two-wheelers.

The temple is easily accessible from Trichy, with directions leading from the city’s bus stands via the Thiruvanaikoil-Thuraiyur Highway to Thiruvellarai village.

The nearest railway stations are Srirangam (18 km) and Tiruchirappalli Junction (25 km), while Tiruchirappalli International Airport is 30 km away. Accommodation options are best found in Srirangam or Trichy city, with limited local rest houses in Thiruvellarai.

Nearby attractions include Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Temple, Utthamar Koil, and Sri Gneeliwaneshwarar Temple, making this a significant spiritual hub for pilgrims and visitors alike. For further information, the temple can be contacted at 9092762000.