Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Q: Where is Varadaraja Perumal Temple located?

The temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, about 72 km from Chennai. Kanchipuram is known as the “City of Thousand Temples.”

Q: What is unique about the temple?

The temple complex has impressive Dravidian architecture with towering gopurams and detailed stone carvings. The deity Varadaraja Perumal is believed to grant boons to devotees, symbolizing compassion and grace. The temple has a large water tank (Pushkarini) used during festivals and rituals.

Q: What is the historical significance of the temple?

Built originally during the Chola period around the 12th century, with later additions by the Vijayanagara dynasty. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred Vishnu temples revered in the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition. The temple is a significant center for Vaishnavism and pilgrimage.

History

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a significant and ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Varadaraja Perumal, meaning “the King who bestows blessings.” The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams—sacred abodes of Vishnu celebrated in the hymns of the Tamil Alvar saints—and holds immense religious importance for Vaishnavites. Constructed mainly during the Chola and later Vijayanagara periods, the temple is renowned for its grand scale, intricate sculptures, and architectural beauty that exemplify South Indian temple design.

The temple complex is vast, featuring multiple concentric enclosures, towering gopurams, pillared halls, and beautifully carved mandapams. The sanctum houses the idol of Varadaraja Perumal in a majestic standing posture, accompanied by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The temple is a vibrant center of worship and hosts several important festivals, with the annual Brahmotsavam drawing large crowds of devotees. With its rich history, devotional significance, and artistic splendor, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple stands as a vital cultural and spiritual landmark in Kanchipuram.

Greatness:

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a magnificent and historically significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Varadaraja, the “Giver of Boons.” Renowned for its grand Dravidian architecture, the temple features towering gopurams, spacious courtyards, and intricately carved pillars that showcase the artistic brilliance of the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. Serving as one of the 108 Divya Desams—holy shrines revered in Vaishnavism—it holds deep spiritual importance for devotees who seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity and protection. The temple’s vibrant festivals, elaborate rituals, and sacred ambiance attract pilgrims throughout the year, making it a vital center of worship and cultural heritage in South India. With a legacy spanning over a millennium, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple stands as a testament to enduring faith and architectural splendor.

Specialities:

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most revered Vishnu temples in South India and a key Divya Desam—one of the 108 sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu as praised in the works of the Alvars (Vaishnavite saints).

Dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Perumal (a form of Vishnu), the temple is a major pilgrimage destination for Vaishnavites and is rich in religious, historical, and architectural significance.Built by the Cholas and later expanded by the Vijayanagara kings, the temple is renowned for its massive gopurams, majestic halls, intricately carved pillars, and beautiful sculptures. One of the temple’s highlights is the 100-pillared hall, noted for its artistic excellence and detailed carvings. A unique feature of the temple is the idol of Aththi Varadar, made from fig wood, which is kept submerged in the temple tank and brought out for public worship only once every 40 years—a rare event that attracts lakhs of devotees.The temple is not only a sacred space for worship but also a treasure trove of South Indian temple art and culture, standing as a symbol of enduring faith and tradition.