Varadharaja Perumal Temple
About Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Far From City: 3 kms from city center
Cost:
About Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hours
Open Time:6:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost:No entry fee
Legend of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
According to a legend, Lord Brahma performed a yajna in Kanchipuram along with Goddess Gayatri and Goddess Savitri. He avoided Goddess Saraswati who got upset and took the form of River Vegavati flooding the region. Lord Brahma couldn't control the floods and hence requested Lord Perumal to help. Lord Perumal reclined on the ground across the river till Lord Brahma finished the rituals.
History of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple was built in 1053, during the reign of the Chola Kings. It was later expanded by the Chola Kings, King Kulottunga Chola I and King Vikrama. The complex had a wall and the gopuram constructed in the 14th century. In 1688, the main idol was shipped to Udayarpalayam which is now a part of Tiruchirapalli after the Mughals attacked the region. After the situation was under control, they asked for the Idol to be sent back, however, after seeing reservations to do so, a local preceptor had to be involved to get the idol back to the Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
In 1532 CE, Achuytaraya was accused of unequal distribution of land between Ekambaranathar and Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Achyutraya found that Vira Narasingaraya Saluva Nayaka had made this uneven distribution against the instructions and immediately corrected it by allocating equal portions of land to both the temples. The inscriptions that date back to 1532 CE mention the same.
Architecture of Varadharaja Perumal Temple
The temple complex expands over an area of 23 acres and has 32 shrines. The complex is an illustration of ancient temple architecture belonging to the Vishwakarma Sthapathis. The structures contain several inscriptions denoting the equal distribution of land, gifts and offerings made to the deity over the period since it was built. The temple complex has seven precincts. The main shrine has a seven-tiered rajagopuram that is about 130 feet tall.
Some features that attract tourists in large numbers are the stone chain that was sculpted in one single stone and the carvings of lizards. These lizards are covered in gold. The sanctum also has a Vimana of Varadaraja Swami. The wooden idol of the deity is 40 feet tall while the main idol is 10 foot tall and made of granite. The complex also has a maha mandap with 100 pillars. All of these pillars have legends of the Ramayana and Mahabharata sculpted on them. The structures also have mural paintings on the walls and the ceilings.
Best time to visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple
The best time to visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple is in the mornings and the evenings as the routine rituals/ aartis are performed during those hours. Weekdays are a preferred option for those who want to escape the crowd.
How to Reach Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple is easily accessible from any part of Kanchipuram. Tourists can take a bus ride or hire a taxi or cab to reach the temple complex. Tourists travelling via private vehicles can take the Kanchipuram ? Chengalpattu road to reach the Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
Top Tourist Places in Kanchipuram
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Kailasanathar Temple
Devarajaswami Temple
Ekambaranatha Temple
Kanchi Kudhil
Kachapeshwarar Temple
All Tourist Places in Kanchipuram
Tips
1. Parking space is available near the temple complex at a minimal cost.2. Weekends are usually very crowded.3. There's no dress code, but visitors are advised to wear modest clothes covering the shoulders and knees.
Comments on Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Post Your Comment
