Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram is a Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Hastigiri and Attiyuran. Sri Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal temple timings are from 6 AM to 8:30 PM.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
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The original image of Perumal was developed from an Athimaram or fig tree and is worshipped once every 40 years for ten days.
The shrine was considered one of the ‘Divine Lands’ temples, with 108 Vishnu temples believed to have been visited by 12 poets or Alvars.
These people sang praises to the Lord. It is located next to the Vedapuriswarar Temple and is maintained by the same trust.
History
The temple’s history is as follows: It was built by the Cholas in 1053 and later expanded by the great Chola kings Kulothunga Chola and Vikrama Chola.
In the 14th century, the later Chola kings built another wall and tower. Kanchipuram is home to many admirable Vishnu temples. Ramanuja, a great Hindu scholar, whispered to live in this temple.
According to the Puranas, Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Varadaraja in the Krishna era, Gajendra in the Treta age, Jupiter in the Dvapara age and Anantha Sheshu in the Kaliyuga. Iravatam, Indra, in the form of a hill, is believed to have the form of an elephant goddess.
The greatness of this holy shrine place and Lord Sri Varadaraja is in many forms in the temples near Kanchipuram. The scripture ‘Sri Hastigiri Mahatmayam’ contains descriptions of this temple.
Who built Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a vast temple built on a 23-acre complex. It stands out among the famous pilgrimage sites in India.
The upper wall where Varadaraja Swamy is situated is beautiful. The 180-foot-tall tower is also magnificently carved.
Under the tomb is the temple of Narasimha. There is a shrine dedicated to Perundevi Thayar. The Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties of Varadharaja Perumal inspired the construction of this temple.
The stone chains of the hundred-pillar porch are carved out of a single stone and speak of its architectural design.
Significance
The importance of Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram is as follows: –
To reach the tombs of Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi Tayar, one must climb the stairs. The sanctum sanctorum has a statue of Varadaraju, and the inner sanctum sanctorum has carved lizard paintings on the outside.
These were covered with silver and gold foil. Sun and moon engravings are also visible. Pilgrims are allowed to touch these lizards, which wash away their sins. This famous shrine is famous for its sculptures.
Many temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as Sivakanchi and Vishnukanchi. Our Kamakshi temple is the power pedestal of this place.
The sanctum sanctorum is located on a hill, surrounded by a terrace with two-storied, covered porches in the form of a beautiful courtyard surrounding the sacred shrine.
The oldest statue of Varadaraja Perumal is 40 feet tall, reclining, and is open to the public once in 40 years. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the temple as a protected monument.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple Timings
Below are the Varadaraja Perumal Temple timings:
| Varadaraja Perumal Temple Timings | From | To |
| Morning. | 6 AM. | 12 PM |
| Evening. | 4:30 PM. | 8:30 PM |
The fee charged at Varadharaja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
| Purpose | Entry Fee |
| To visit 100 pillared Mantap | Rs. 5 |
| For Photography | Rs. 50 |
| For Video shooting | Rs. 100 |
Worship and rituals at Varadaraja Perumal Temple:
- Sri Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Temple follows the Vaikasan Agama tradition.
- The priests of this temple perform four devotional services and are said to be the descendants of Yajna Valkyar.
- The four temple rituals begin as follows: –
- ‘Kalashanthi’ ends at 8:00 AM,
- ‘Uchikalam’ at noon,
- ‘Sayarakshai’ at 5:00 PM and
- ‘Sayarakshai’ at 8:00 PM.
- Each ritual consists of three stages:
- alangaram (decoration), ‘nivethanam’ (food offering) and ‘deepa aradanai’ (waving of lamps) for both Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi.
- Weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals were performed at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Accommodation
We suggest you stay in Chennai as it is very convenient for tourists. If accommodation is available in Chennai, they can easily use transport facilities to reach Kanchipuram.
As Chennai is a major city, they can also avail transport facilities to other tourist destinations. Due to the above, Chennai is advantageous for tourists because of its easy transportation and facilities.
Festivals
Festivities held at the Sri Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Temple are:
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most famous festivals celebrated at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Devotees flock in large numbers to participate in these festivities.
- In addition, Adi Velli, Navratri & Diwali festivals call for grand celebrations for Paruthiyur Mahalakshmi. Garuda Seva and Rath Yatra are also trendy festivals for devotees.
- Margashira is also famous for its Adhyayana ustavam. Purattasi celebrates on Saturdays for Paruthiyur Anjaneya.
- There is an excellent ten-day festival of Rama Navami on the temple premises. It celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama. The saint took to the adjoining areas during the Chitra Purnami and Pongal.
How to reach
Air: The nearest airport to Chennai is Kanchipuram (58.8 km) for domestic and international tourists.
Rail: Kanchipuram has a railway station and good connectivity with Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.
Road: Kanchipuram is 74 km from Chennai and well-connected to major national and state highways. There are regular buses between Chennai and Kanchipuram.
Nearby Temples
- Sri Yathothakaari Perumal Temple
- Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
- Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple
- Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple
- Sri Pavala Vannar Temple
- Sri Thirukkar Vannar Temple
- Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple
- Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple
- Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Temple
Varadaraja Perumal Temple Online booking
No online ticket booking is available for the temple; one must take tickets from the ticket counter near the temple.
Contact
For more information, visit the official website of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal temple.
Email: srikanchivaradharajartemple@gmail.com
Contact number for Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram: 044 27269773
Address: Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India