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Temple Icon Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram ✓

📍 Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

International Significance

The 43rd Divya Desam at Kanchipuram (Hasthigiri) is the supreme seat of Thondai Nadu where Lord Varadaraja emerged from Brahma's Ashwamedha sacrificial fire, and where Athi Varadar rests in the Anantha Saras.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram

🕉️ Divine Snapshot

Primary Deity:

Sri Varadaraja Perumal / Devadhirajan (Nindra Kolam)

Temple Category:

Divya Desam (Explore Cluster)
Temple Timings:

Opens 06:00 AM, closes 08:30 PM
Location:

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu (Explore temples in Kanchipuram)

Full Address:

Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502, India

Spiritual Highlights

Unique Powers:

UNVERIFIED

Miracle Beliefs:

Touching the gold and silver lizards sculpted on the ceiling of the enclosure is believed to absolve planetary afflictions and accidental touch doshas.

Devotee Practices:

Climbing Hastagiri rock to offer prayers, touching the relief lizards on the corridor ceiling, circumambulating the Ananthasaras tank.

Spiritual Benefits:

UNVERIFIED

About Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is the 43rd Divya Desam. Regarded alongside Srirangam and Tirupati as the three supreme pillars of Sri Vaishnavism, it is celebrated in 24 pasurams by Boothathalvar, Peyalvar, and Thirumangai Alvar. The sanctum stands atop a massive 24-step stone terrace hillock known as Hasthigiri (Elephant Mount).

According to the sthala puranam, Lord Brahma performed an Ashwamedha Yajna here on the banks of the Vegavathi river to behold the supreme form of Vishnu. When the sacrificial fire reached its zenith, Lord Vishnu emerged radiant as a thousand suns out of the sacrificial altar (Yajna Vedi) under the Punyakoti Vimanam as Varadarajan (the King of Boon-givers), bearing His conch, discus, and abhaya posture to grant Brahma's prayer.

The temple is world-famous for the sacred fig-wood idol of Athi Varadar, which rests underwater in the silver vault of the Anantha Saras pushkarini, brought out to bless humanity once every 40 years. This temple was the spiritual nurturing ground of Sri Ramanujacharya, who performed the daily water service (Theertha Kainkaryam) to Lord Varadaraja under the guidance of Thirukacchi Nambigal.

Architecture & Heritage

Architectural Style:

Dravidian Architecture with 100-pillar Mandapam masterpiece (Chola kings Kulothunga I and Vikrama Chola (11th century CE); Vijayanagara stone sculpting under Kri)

Architecture Highlights:

Elevated Hastagiri hill sanctum, Punyakoti Vimanam, 100-pillar stone mandapam featuring intricate hanging stone rings, Ananthasaras pool with submerged shrine.

Sacred Objects:

Atthi Varadar wooden idol preserved inside an underwater silver vault in Ananthasaras, gold and silver relief lizards.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major Festivals:
Atthi Varadar Festival (once in 40 years) 🎊 Brahmotsavam Vaikunta Ekadashi Garuda Sevai Panguni Uthiram
Special Events:

Lizard darshan ceremonies, boon granting rituals, educational blessing prayers, Atthi Varadar emergence (40-year cycle)

Seasonal Celebrations:

Monsoon boon granting season, winter festival celebrations, Atthi Varadar special seasons

Rituals & Traditions

Daily Rituals:

Six daily kalas per Pancharatra Agama tradition; grand Vaikasi Brahmotsavam featuring the historic Garuda Sevai.

Special Traditions:

Atthi Varadar festival held once every 40 years for 48 days when the submerged fig-wood idol is brought out for public darshan.

Prasada Available:

Kanchipuram Idli (spiced steamed cakes), Puliyodarai, Sarkarai Pongal, Laddu.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code:

Strict traditional Hindu dress code enforced: Men must wear Dhoti/Kurta; Women must wear Saree or Salwar with Dupatta. Western shorts and casuals prohibited.

Accessibility:

Outer prakarams are paved and flat. The main sanctum is situated atop the Hasthigiri mount requiring climbing 24 stone steps.

Nearby Temples (37)

Within about 200 km driving distance from Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram. Plan a yatra and cover as many of these as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Temple Location

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How to Reach

Nearest Airport:

Chennai Airport (70 km)

Nearest Railway:

Kanchipuram Railway Station (3 km)

Nearest Bus Stop:

Kanchipuram Bus Stand (2 km)

Travel Tips:

By Road: Well connected from Chennai. By Train: Regular trains from Chennai and major cities. Temple city with multiple attractions.

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