The Thiruvellarai temple the Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is a Divya Desam about 27 km north of Trichy, built on a 50-foot rise of white rock that gives the village its name (vellai arai, “white rock”).
Tradition holds it is older than Srirangam, and its 1,200-year-old Swastika-shaped well is one of the finest pieces of Pallava-era engineering in Tamil Nadu. It sees far fewer visitors than Srirangam, so it is a calm place to take in the carvings and the huge unfinished gopuram. This guide covers the legend, the history behind the “older than Srirangam” claim, what to see, timings and the route. It belongs on any list of the 10 ancient temples near Trichy.
Thiruvellarai temple: quick facts
| Deities | Pundarikakshan (Vishnu) and Pankajavalli / Shenbagavalli Thayar (Lakshmi) |
| Address | 1/46 Sannathi Street, Agraharam, Thiruvellarai 621009 |
| Distance | 27 km from Trichy; 45-60 min by bus or car |
| Timings | 6:00 AM-12:00 noon and 4:00-8:00 PM |
| Entry | Free |
| Don’t miss | The Swastika well (c. 800 CE), Pallava sculptures, the two seasonal entrances |
| Dress code | Traditional, modest clothing |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours including the well |
| Contact | 090927 62000 |
Compiled from public listings on 30 Sep 2026. Some listings give 8:00 AM-8:00 PM on weekdays, so call before a midday visit.
The legend of the white boar
The Thiruvellarai temple’s story begins with a hunt. The legendary king Sibi Chakravarthy was chasing a white boar when it vanished into a hole in the rock. The sage Markandeya, who was meditating nearby, told the king to fill the hole with milk. When he did, Vishnu appeared the boar had been the Lord himself.
The king decided to build a temple on the spot and brought 3,700 Vaishnavas to serve it. One of them died on the way. Tradition says Vishnu then joined the group himself, disguised as a devotee named Pundarikakshan, so the number stayed complete which is how the Lord here got his name.
A second legend links the temple to Lakshmi. She performed penance here, and Vishnu appeared before her as Sengamalakannan, the lotus-eyed one. That is why the Lord is also called Thamarai Kannan (lotus-eyed), and the goddess is known as Pankajavalli or Shenbagavalli Thayar.
Is Thiruvellarai older than Srirangam?
Tradition says yes. Thiruvellarai is described as older than the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam, and devotees believe that visiting it carries the merit of visiting all 108 Divya Desams. Some call it Adhi Rangam the “original Srirangam”.
What the stones prove is a long history. The temple holds three Pallava inscriptions two from Nandivarman II (732-796 CE) and one from Dantivarman (796-847 CE). The Cholas added shrines: King Parakesarivarman (907-955 CE) endowed shrines for Krishna and Rukmini. The Pandyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar rulers made later additions, and a merchant repaired flood damage around 1262-63.
Its sacred standing is just as old. Periyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar sang hymns about Thiruvellarai in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham (11 and 13 hymns), and the philosopher Vedanta Desika praised it in his Hamsa Sandesam. For another early Divya Desam with Chola roots, read our guide to Uraiyur Nachiyar temple, where Srirangam’s divine bride was born.
What to see at the Thiruvellarai temple
The Swastika well (Maamiyar-Marumagal Kenai). The highlight for most visitors. Built around 800 CE by Kamban Araiyan during the reign of the Pallava king Dantivarman, it is laid out in the shape of a swastika, with four stepped entrances of 51 steps each. Locals call it the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law well, because the four arms let people bathe on one side without seeing those on another. It sits a short walk outside the main temple.
The unfinished rajagopuram. The gateway tower was never completed; its base stands about 22 m (72 ft) high, and a completion effort was launched in 2017. Even unfinished, its sheer bulk tells you how ambitious the builders were.
Two seasonal entrances. The sanctum has two gates: the Uttarayana Vasal, open from about 15 January to 15 June, and the Dakshinayana Vasal, open for the other six months. They symbolise the cycle of entering and leaving life, and only one is open when you visit.
Pallava and Chola sculptures. Look for carvings of Narasimha and Varaha from the Pallava period, Krishna dancing in a swastika posture on the pillars, and Krishna slaying the demon Bakasura.
The raised shrine. The main shrine stands on a 50-foot-high rise, under the Vimalakruthi Vimanam, so expect a climb of steps.
Thiruvellarai temple timings, poojas and entry
| Opening hours | 6:00 AM-12:00 noon and 4:00-8:00 PM, daily |
| Daily poojas | Ushathkalam 7:00 AM · Kalasanthi 8:00 AM · Uchikalam 12:00 noon · Sayarakshai 6:00 PM · Irandamkalam 7:00 PM · Ardha Jamam (night) |
| Entry | Free |
| Footwear | Leave at the stand outside the entrance |
| Photography | Not allowed inside the sanctum; the well and outer areas are usually fine – ask first |
| Parking | Open parking near the entrance and on nearby roads; limited on festival days |
Compiled from public listings on 30 Sep 2026. Another listing gives 8:00 AM-8:00 PM on weekdays and a 1-4 PM break on Sundays, so call 090927 62000 before a midday visit.
What to wear: veshti/dhoti or trousers with a shirt for men; saree, salwar kameez or long skirt for women. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
Festivals
| Festival | Month (approx.) | What happens |
| Chariot festival | Chithirai (Apr-May) | The temple’s biggest event. Unusually, individuals and committees serve a community feast, a custom centuries old, while Divya Prabandham verses are recited |
| Chithirai Pournami | Apr-May | Full-moon celebrations |
| Panguni Brahmotsavam | Mar-Apr | Annual festival with processions |
| Aavani Sri Jayanthi | Aug-Sep | Krishna’s birthday |
| Gajendra Moksham | Varies | Re-enactment of Vishnu saving the elephant king |
How to reach Thiruvellarai temple
Thiruvellarai is a village about 27 km north of Trichy, off the road towards Thuraiyur.
| From | Distance | Option | Approx. cost |
| Chathiram / Central Bus Stand | 27 km | Bus towards Thuraiyur, Namakkal or Thottiyam, get off at Thiruvellarai (45-60 min) | ₹25-40 by bus |
| Thiruvellarai bus stop | 700-800 m | Walk or auto | ₹30-50 by auto |
| Srirangam | 22-25 km | Cab, 40-50 min | ₹600-900 cab one way |
| Trichy Junction / airport | 30-35 km | Cab, 50-60 min | ₹800-1,200 cab one way |
By car: head out of Trichy on the Salem road, turn off towards Mannachanallur, and continue north-west to Thiruvellarai; the gopuram is visible as you approach. Bus and cab fares are estimates; confirm locally.
Plan your visit
Thiruvellarai needs a half-day trip from Trichy. Combine it with other temples north of the Kaveri, or save it for the temple day of a 2-day Trichy itinerary. Start early the drive is cooler and the temple quieter before 9 AM.
Where to stay: there are no hotels in Thiruvellarai, so base yourself in Trichy; see our guide to hotels near Trichy junction.
Tips from our visit
- Go in the morning. Reach by 7-8 AM to see the temple and well before the midday closure and heat.
- See the Swastika well first or last – it is outside the main complex, so ask locals for the path.
- Check which gate is open. Mid-January to mid-June it is the Uttarayana Vasal; the rest of the year, the Dakshinayana Vasal.
- Expect steps. The shrine is on a raised rock, and the well has steep stepped arms; wear footwear that slips off easily and take care in the well, especially after rain.
- Carry water and small change – shops are few in the village.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Thiruvellarai temple timings?
The Thiruvellarai temple is open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:00 to 8:00 PM daily, according to most listings. One listing gives 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, so call 090927 62000 before a midday visit. Hours extend on festival days.
Is Thiruvellarai temple older than Srirangam?
Tradition says it is, and it is sometimes called Adhi Rangam. The temple has Pallava inscriptions from the 8th century CE and was praised by Periyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar. Devotees believe a visit here equals visiting all 108 Divya Desams.
What is the Swastika well at Thiruvellarai?
It is a stepped well built around 800 CE by Kamban Araiyan in the reign of the Pallava king Dantivarman. Shaped like a swastika, it has four entrances with 51 steps each, and stands a short walk from the main temple.
How far is Thiruvellarai from Trichy?
Thiruvellarai is about 27 km north of Trichy, 45-60 minutes by road. Buses towards Thuraiyur, Namakkal or Thottiyam from Chathiram or Central Bus Stand stop at Thiruvellarai, about 700-800 m from the temple.
Why does the temple have two entrances?
The Uttarayana Vasal is open from mid-January to mid-June and the Dakshinayana Vasal for the other six months. The two gates follow the sun’s northward and southward journeys and symbolise the cycle of entering and leaving life.
Final tip
Leave Trichy early, see the temple first and the Swastika well second, and be back in the city by lunch. If you are exploring the Vishnu temples north of the Kaveri, continue to the Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkatachalapathy temple on the Salem road.
