Pavazhavannar and Pachaivannar Temples

This temple is near Kamakshi Amman temple, Pavazhavannar and Pachaivannar temples are opposite to each other. In Pavazhavannar temple, the deity is in a standing pose and faces west. The goddess is Pavazhavalli. Pachaivannar is in a seated pose in the coils of Adiseshan. Just as there are several incarnations to Vishnu, there are several colors too for him.

There are legends for the color. Vishnu is green in color because a bit of poison that rose while the Milk Ocean was churned fell on him. Vishnu went to protect the yagna of Brahma and fought with the Asuras. In this fight some blood spilled on him and he became red in color. That is why he got the name Pachaivannar and Pavalavannar (red coloured).

Thriumangai Alvar has eulogized Pavazhavannar through psalms. The sanctum of Devi and Andal face the Moolavar. The holy tank is called Chakra Tirtha. In the Brahmotsava of Varadaraja, he will come to this temple in Mohini Avataram.