1 Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple: Kanchipuram’s Divine Jewel

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• November 28, 2025
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📍 Temple Location & Accessibility
• City: Kanchipuram, a major spiritual center in South India, renowned for its numerous Saivam (Shiva) and Vaishnavam (Vishnu) temples.
• Proximity: Approximately 75 kilometers from Chennai.
• Accessibility: The city is easily reachable with extensive bus services and offers abundant lodging facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
• Temple Area: The temple is specifically located in Vishnu Kanchi, also known as Chinna (or) Little Kanchipuram. (Shiva Kanchi houses the major Shiva temples).

Sthalapuranam (Temple History & Lore)
The temple’s history is profoundly linked to Lord Brahma’s quest for the vision of Sriman Narayanan (Lord Vishnu) in his magnificent four-armed (Chathur Bhujam) form.
• Brahma’s Tapas: Lord Brahma performed an intense penance (tapas). He was initially blessed with Theertham (holy water, now called Pushkaram) and Forest (now Naimisaranyam), but remained unfulfilled.
• The Ashwametha Yagam: An Asarari (celestial voice) instructed him to perform one great Ashwametha Yagam (Sathya Viradam) in Kanchipuram, which is considered spiritually equivalent to 100 yagams performed elsewhere.
• The Appearance: From the sacrificial fire, Sri Varadharajar manifested, granting Brahma the desired darshan.
• Origin of the Name ‘Kanchi’: The name is derived from “Ka” (Brahma) and “Anjitham” (who was worshipped), signifying the place where Brahma worshipped the Lord.
• Lizard Sannadhi: King Sakaranis’ son Asamanjan and his wife, cursed to become lizards, regained their original form after worshipping Sri Varadharajar, as advised by Sage Ubamanyu. Their golden and silver forms can still be seen in a small shrine; touching them is believed to cure problems and ailments.
• Narasimhar’s Antiquity: The Narasimhar Sannadhi is traditionally considered the first shrine built in the complex.
• Ramanujar’s Association: The great Vaishnava saint Udayavar Ramanujar resided here, performing daily Thirumanjanam (divine bath) for the Moolavar. He was honored by Sri Varadharaja Perumal himself with the title “Ethiraja Maamuni.”
• Koorathalwar’s Sacrifice: Ramanujar’s disciple, Koorathalwar, protected his Guru by sacrificing his own eyes to the Chola ruler’s anti-Vaishnava decree. In the temple, he sang the “Sri Varadharaja Sthavam,” and when the Lord offered him a boon, he requested ‘Gnanakkan’ (the eyes of wisdom) over ordinary sight to spread Vaishnavism

✨ Key Deities & Temple Features
Aspect Description
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) Sri Varadharajar (also known as Perarulalan, Devathirajan, DevaPerumal).
Moolavar Posture Standing position, facing the West direction.
Thaayar (Consort) Perundevi Thaayar.
Vimanam (Temple Tower) Punyakoti Vimanam (A massive structure, 200 units high x 800 units wide, enclosed by huge walls).
Theerthams (Holy Water) Vegavadhi Nadhi, Anantha Saras, and Theerthams named Sesha, Varaga, Padma, Agni, Kusala, and Brahma.

Temple Specials & Significance (SEO Focus)
• Athigiri (Atthi) Varadhar: The most unique feature. This wooden idol is taken out from the temple pond (Anantha Saras) and displayed for darshan for a few days only once every 40 years, drawing millions of devotees.
• Architectural Marvel: The temple complex is entered through the Punniyakoti Vimaanam. The Nootrukkal Mandapam (100-Pillared Hall) is famous for its extraordinary sculptures and a remarkable stone chain carving.
• Birthplace of a Sage: It is the Birthplace of Vedantha Desikar, another prominent Vaishnava philosopher.
• Garuda Seva Utsavam: The Garuda Seva procession during the annual Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) is a globally celebrated festival and a major spiritual spectacle.

📜 Mangalasasanam (Hymns of Praise)
The temple is glorified by the ancient Alwars (Vaishnava poet-saints):
• Thirumangai Alwar – 4 Paasurams
• Bhoodhathalwar – 2 Paasurams
• Pei Alwar – 1 Paasuram
• Total: 7 Divine Hymns
The temple also holds a significant place in the traditions of later Acharyas, including Aalavanthaar, Thirukachinambi, Udayavaar (Ramanujar), Koorathazhvaan, Vedantha Desikar, and Manavala Maamuni.
📞 Plan Your Divine Journey to Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple! 1800-425-1757
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