Located in the city of Kanchipuram of Tamil Nadu, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the most famous and oldest temples of Lord Vishnu in South India. Also known as Hastagiri, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it religiously significant for devotees. Once you are here, the sanctity of the place will give you immense peace of mind. Besides being a sanctuary for devotees, this temple attracts history lovers as it features distinctive Dravidian architecture prevalent during the Chola Empire. The temple is not just a religious centre but an eyewitness of the transitional periods while standing strong from ancient times. As you dive deeper into its history, a sense of power will engulf you.
History Of Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
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As per certain beliefs, the temple was built in honour of Lord Rama and his family. It is also said that their statues were brought from the sea to the temple. Before those deities, the idol of Narasimha was also worshipped here. As mentioned earlier, the exact date or year of its establishment is not clear, but it has stood through several dynasties like Pandyas, Kakatiyas, Cholas, Cheras, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara. The renovation of the temple was done during the Chola dynasty in the year 1053. The two main patrons of this temple were King Kulottunga Chola I and King Vikrama. The wall of the temple complex and the gopuram was built in the 14th century. Later, in 1688, the main deity was shipped to Udayarpalayam due to Mughal attacks.
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Architecture Of Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
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The temple complex expands across 23 acres of area and has 32 shrines. The design and illustration of the architecture have the ancient touch of the work of Vishwakarma Sthapathis. There are also seven precincts in the temple. You will find a seven-tiered rajagopuram where the main shrine is located. It is around 130 feet tall. The temple is the epitome of an architectural marvel as several stone chains have been sculpted from one single stone. The sanctum has the vimana of Varadaraja Swamy. There are two idols of Lord Varadaraja. The wooden idol is 40 feet tall. The main idol is made of granite and it is 10 feet tall. There is also a maha mandap with 100 pillars. These pillars have inscriptions from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
About The Idol At The Temple
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The idol of the temple and the story associated with it is also an interesting tale. The presiding deity of Lord Perumal is in a reclining position and is made using a Fig tree as it is considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The main idea is taken out for public worship only once in 40 years and is kept locked. Last, the idol was taken out in 2019.
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Best Time To Visit The Temple
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You can visit Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple throughout the year. However, as per the weather, October to March is the best time to visit the temple and Kanchipuram as well. The weather is cool this time of the year as the temperature often goes down to 17 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you get favorable weather to explore the temple and the city with your family and friends.
Essential Facts To Know About The Temple
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Before visiting Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, you must know certain essential facts about the temple. Have a look-
- Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- The idol of Lord Varadaraja is 5 feet tall and visible as soon as you enter the temple premises.
- There is a ‘pushkarini’ with 83 spring holes. Also, there are 12 wells inside the temple. The water in the tanks is full of certain acidic components, which devotees believe cure certain types of ailments, like headache, fever, etc if taken a dip.
- You must follow a certain dress code while entering this temple. Men must wear a shirt and trousers or dhoti or pajamas with a kurta. Women must wear a saree while visiting the temple. They can wear a half-saree with a blouse or churidar and kurti.
- You must not carry any valuables inside the temple. Also, you must avoid taking cameras and mobile phones as those are banned inside the temple premises.
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Places To Visit Near The Temple
It will be great if you offer puja to the temple and then plan a day out at the nearby places. You will find lots of places around. Here are some of the exciting places to visit near Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Have a look-
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
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Located only 15 minutes away from Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of 51 Shakti peethas and is also known as Kamakoti Nayaki Kovil. The goddess is placed in the padmasana position and is sitting on the lotus. With several stories associated with this temple, a visit will take you on another spiritual journey.
Distance from Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple: 4.2 Km
Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
2. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
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It is a monastic institution that holds the grandeur of the Hindu community. Established in 482 BC by Adi Shankaracharya, its main intention is to preserve and promote Vedic knowledge and practices amongst the Hindu community. It runs under the supervision of the Shankaracharyas and is a place where you can have an insight into our Vedas knowledge and its unmatched power.
Distance from Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple: 2 Km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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3. Kanchi Kudilm
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In the city full of temples, Kanchi Kudil is an escape to history and old times. It is a heritage house that is 90 years old and showcases how a typical Tamil family used to live 90 years ago and carried out their daily activities. It also has a section which shows how Kanchipuram sarees were made.
Distance from Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple: 1 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the exemplary and ancient temples in Kanchipuram where you can find the perfect amalgamation of tradition, religion, architecture, and history. Planning a trip to Tamil Nadu and not visiting this temple might make you regret it later.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Where is Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple located?
The temple is located at Chinna Kanchipuram. It is a locality on the Eastern side of Kanchipuram, a small town in Tamil Nadu.
Who is worshipped at Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
The presiding deity at Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is Lord Vishnu and the main idol is taken out every 40 years to be worshipped by devotees.
What are the festivals celebrated at Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
This temple celebrates different festivals each month like Baisakhi Brahmotsavam, Purattasi Navarathri (10-day festival), and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
What is the timings of Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple timings are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
What is the significance of Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
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