History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Varadharaja Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Varadharaja Perumal Temple or Hastagiri or Peruma Koil or Attiyuran is the ancient historical temple solely dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram – one of the Sapt Puri – Seven holy pilgrimage centre of India. Kanchipuram has mainly two part Shiva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi, as Kanchi is home to lots of famous Shiva Temple and Vishnu Temples which revolves around the Kamakshi Temple. It is one of the Divya Desam - the 108 temples of Lord Vishnu, thus Kanchi is popular in follower of Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti. The glory of this temple and Lord Vishnu was sung by the great devotee and vaishanva saint and 12 great poet – also known as alvar also they visited here. Varadharaja Perumal Temple is the biggest, famous and most visited Lord Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram. Devotees of Lord Vishnu across the world visits here to seek blessings in Vishnu Kanchi specifically during the 10-day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam, Purattasi Navaratri and Vaikunda Ekadasi. Varadharaja Perumal Temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam - abode of trio. This temple is the core of the Vishnu Kanchi also called Devrajaswamy Temple which is not just one temple but a complete temple complex with many temples, pillared halls & pavilions and tanks.
The majestic temple complex, spread across 23 acres of land and 32 shrines which are built ancient Dravidian style temple architecture. This temple has a unique 40 feet long idol of Lord Vishnu in reclined posture made of wood. Which is kept in a silver box and is immersed in sacred water tank – Ananth Saras Temple tank. The idol is taken out every after 40 years for worship and darshan. At the entrance of temple campus, 7 floor tall around 130 feet majestic Raj Gopuram attracts everyone at first sight.
It is said that Varadharaja Perumal Temple was built during the rule of the Chola Kings in 1053. Which was later expanded by King Kulottunga Chola I and King Vikrama. The complex wall and the gopuram constructed in the 14th century. In 1688, the main idol was shipped to Udayarpalayam which is now a part of Tiruchirapalli to protect idol from the attack of Mughals. Then, idol took back to Varadharaja Perumal Temple once Mughal attack was stopped or their rule was over.
Another key attraction of temple is its popular 100 stone carved pillar wedding hall on left side of Raj Gopuram with 4 pillar raised Mandapa in center and other 96 are matrix of 8 rows and 12 columns. The main shrine is supposed to be located on an elephant-form hill called Hastagiri also. The other attraction is stone chain that was sculpted in one single stone and the carvings of giant gold placted lizard on ceiling behind the main Garbhgruha.
As per Hindu epics, Lord Brahma got separated with his wife Sarasvati over a small misunderstanding. He did the Aswameda yajna worship with a horse to seek blessing from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was pleased by his worshipped and appeared in front of him in the form of a Boar and got Sarasvati unite with Brahma. It is also said that the Yagya was about to wash by the flood of river Vegavathi – the form of Saraswati. But it was stopped by the temple deity and supreme lord Vishnu, and saved the Yagya. Varadharajaswamy form of Vishnu emerged at thousands of sun inside the athi tree and stayed here permanently until submerged in nearby sacred water tank. Some of the priest and legends during those time also said that Sarasvati had cursed Indra to be in the form of the elephant and roam around the area. His cursed was relieved by Lord Vishnu who appeared as the mount Hastagiri. Athigiri indicates a mountain in the form of elephant. There are 24 steps to reach the Athigiri and that 24 steps are actually the letters of the Gayatri Mantra.
Devotees pray here in Perumal for achieving best in education and the well-being of the family. Women facing in health problems or cannot conceive a baby comes here to pray Mother Perundevi Thayar. People also here worships the two lizards which are the form of the two sons of Sage Brinji.
Lots of festivals are celebrated here with great zeal and devotion towards the Lord Vishnu, the main festivals are 10 days Brahmotchavam, Tamil New Year - Thiru Avadara Utchavam - Chitra Pournami, Navarathri, Thiru Aadipooram 11 days, etc.
It is said that by worshipping silver and golden lizards you will become free from the unwanted things happening due to the fall of the real lizards on their body. The prayer also brings mental peace and safety to the devotees and the visitors.
The nearby temples from the Varadharaja Perumal Temple are Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanatha Temple, Devarajaswami temple, Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchi Kudhil, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kachapeshwarar temple etc.
How to reach Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India
you can hire taxi or state/private buses. The road is very well connected to the cities of this state. Kanchipuram railway junction is the nearest railway route and the Chennai International airport is the nearest flight connection. Thus it is easily accessible from any part of Kanchi and all major cities of India.
