This is one of the 14 Divya Desams located in Kanchipuram and one of the 5 Vishnu temples in Periya Kanchipuram.
Location
Across from the Pachai Vanna Perumal temple in Periya Kanchipuram
Architecture
This is a medium-sized temple located in a spacious area. It features high walls and a large, pillared Mandapam. The Vimanam above the sanctum reflects the style of Chola architecture.
Inscription
A Telugu inscription has been discovered in this temple.
Hymns
Saint Tirumangai Azhwar has praised the deity in the Tirunedunthandagam. The Azhwar expresses astonishment at the coral red color of Perumal and questions which color represents the deity’s original form. According to the legendary classification of the four Yugas (each lasting extremely long periods), Perumal was white in Treta Yuga, red in Krita Yuga, green in Dwapara Yuga, and is blue in the current Kali Yuga.
Mythology
Brahma conducted a Yagnam without his consort Saraswati. In her anger, Saraswati sent numerous demons to disrupt the Yagnam. To protect Brahma, Vishnu intervened and defeated all the demons, resulting in blood covering his body. This caused him to take on a red coral color, leading to the name ‘Pavala Vannan’ (with ‘Pavalam’ meaning coral and ‘Vannam’ meaning color in Tamil). Additionally, Brighu Muni, who had previously kicked Perumal in the chest and felt remorse, came to this temple to perform penance. Perumal appeared to him while seated in Vaikundam with Adiseshan as his couch. The temple includes a separate Sannidhi dedicated to Brighu Muni.
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Pavala Vanna Perumal
Sanctified By : Tirumangai Azhwar
Category : Temple