Varadharaja Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the major tourist places and temples in Kanchipuram. Also popularly known as Attiyooran or Hastagiri. The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in the suburb of Kanchipuram, is one of those 108 temples. Which were seen by the Alvars of Lord Vishnu. Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the oldest temple in Kanchipuram. That is why this temple is surrounded by old stone pillars.
According to historians, this temple was built in 1053 by the Chola dynasty. For this reason, this temple remains a center of attraction for religious travelers as well as for history lovers and art lovers. If when you will come to visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple. One will be mesmerized by the darshan of Lord Vishnu as well as the grand architecture and intricate carvings of the temple complex. So let’s tell all the details about it.
Table of Contents
History of Kanchipuram
The rich history of Kanchipuram has come into existence from the 2nd century BC. Many great and powerful dynasties have ruled here. It is also believed that the city was a part of the Dravidian kingdom of Mahabharata. This ancient city is called ‘Banaras of the South’ by the famous poet Kalidas. Whereas during the Maurya and Pallava dynasties it was also called Kanchi, Kanchipura or Kanchipuraka.
According to legend, the name Kanchipuram is derived from the words Kai and Anchi. “Kai” refers to the Hindu god Brahma and “Anchi” refers to the worship of Lord Vishnu. The city was known as Konjeevaram during the British period. It was also made a strategic battleground for the Carnatic Wars of the British East India Company against the French. Where the Anglo Mysore War of the 18th century also took place.
Best Time To Visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
October to March is the best time to visit Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kancheepuram. Because during this time the temperature of Kanchipuram is quite pleasant and cool. Along with the pleasant and cool weather, many famous festivals and festivals are also celebrated in Kancheepuram with great pomp. The weather of Kanchipuram is mostly humid and hot except in these months. There is heavy rainfall here in Mansun. That is why it would be best for tourists to visit Kanchipuram only in the winter months.
Legend of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Some people have the opinion. That when the Mughals invaded in the south. and damaged religious places. At that time the idol here was hidden in the pond of the temple. After 40 years it was taken out by the sons of the Dharmadhikari of the temple. Let us tell you that the idol of Lord Atti Varadaraja is kept in Anant Saras Sarovar. There are many interesting facts about him too. People associated with the temple management tell that the water of this pond never decreases nor does the pond ever dry up in 40 years.
It is emptied only to remove the statue. Then this lake remains dry for 48 days. Its water is poured into another lake built near this lake. Sri Santanam explains that in 1979, when the idol was placed in the lake to offer water to the Lord, it rained so heavily that night that the entire pond was filled with rain water.
Architecture of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
It is said that 12 poet-saints or Alvars visited these 108 temples. There are many other temples in the temple complex. The main temple has a 100-pillared hall. It has some beautiful carved sculptures. The idol of Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal, 40 feet tall and made of Athi wood, is seen in a recumbent posture. That statue is brought out for darshan only once in 40 years. Its 96 feet high Raja Gopuram (the main entrance) is especially visible.
There are also more than 350 inscriptions from the Chola Pandya, Telugu Chodaya Kandavaraya, Chera, Kakatiya, Sambuvaraya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara dynasties. In the temple premises, lizards carved in stone and plated with gold are also seen. His grand gopuram in the Varadaraja Perumal temple also first attracted my attention by his 7-floor high Raja Gopuram! While going inside through the entrance of the gopuram, a royal feeling starts arising in the mind.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple Timings & Entry Fee
Varadaraja Perumal Temple opening timings are 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM. During that time devotees and travelers are allowed to have darshan. There is no entry fee charged here. That is, here you can have free darshan of God.
Famous Temples And Tourist Places of Kanchipuram
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Devarajaswami Temple
Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Kanchi Kudhil Kanchipuram
Ekambaranatha Temple
Vaikunda Perumal Temple
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Jain Temple, Kanchipuram
Chitragupta Temple
Kumarakottam Temple
Kachapeshwarar Temple
Eri Katha Ramar Temple
How To Reach Varadharaja Perumal Temple
The nearest airport to reach Kanchipuram is Chennai International Airport. It is at a distance of 58 km from the temple. Kanchipuram is easily accessible with the help of train. The distance of the temple from Kancheepuram railway station is 4 km. Kancheepuram can also be reached via train from Chennai. Since there are many railway stations in Chennai. There are many different trains that reach Kanchipuram from Chennai at different times.It is also easy to reach Kanchipuram by road as it has a better network of roads.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple Map & Location
Video of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Interesting Facts
Kancheepuram is a major religious place in Tamil Nadu and famous as the ‘Golden City’ of a thousand temples.
The idol of Atti Varadaraja is taken out from the holy lake in Kancheepuram once in 40 years for 48 days.
This idol of Lord Vishnu’s Varadaraja form is made of fig wood.
Built by the rulers of Vijayanagara, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple is also known as Devarayaswamy Temple.
The Vaikasi Brahmotsavam celebrated here for 10 days is the most spectacular.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is the focal point of the city of Kanchipuram.
FAQ
Q .Why is Athi Varadar kept in water for 40 years?
As per tradition, water is drawn from the water tank next to the temple every 40 years.
Q .How old is the Varadharaja Perumal Temple?
1,100-year-old
Q .Who built varadaraja temple?
Built by the rulers of Vijayanagara
Q .Which temple has lizard?
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Q .Where is the Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
Address – W Mada St, Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
Conclusion
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