About Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple
The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, located in Vishnu Kanchi (the section of Kanchipuram dedicated to Lord Vishnu), is one of the most sacred and visually striking Vaishnavite temples in South India. Spanning over a vast complex of 23 acres, this majestic temple is celebrated as one of the 108 Divya Desams—the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu revered by the Tamil Alvar saints.
Architectural Marvel and Sanctum
The main deity, Lord Varadaraja Perumal (a form of Lord Vishnu), stands in a majestic posture on a raised mound called Hastagiri (Elephant Hill). According to sacred belief, this hill represents the divine elephant Airavata. The inner sanctum is reached by climbing a flight of stone steps, offering devotees a profound spiritual sight of the deity adorned in opulent attire and jewels.
One of the ultimate highlights of the temple's art and architecture is the legendary 100-Pillar Hall (Noottrukal Mandapam). Carved out of a single piece of granite, this pavilion features intricately sculpted pillars displaying warriors on rearing horses, mythological creatures, intricate floral chains, and scenes from epic scriptures. Hanging from the ceiling of this hall are delicate stone chains carved out of single granite blocks—a monumental testament to the mastery of medieval Indian sculptors.
The Legend of Athi Varadar
A unique and revered tradition of this temple is the deity of Athi Varadar, carved from sacred fig wood. The original deity is preserved in a silver casket submerged underwater inside the temple tank, Anantha Sarovar. Once every 40 years, the deity is brought out for 48 days of public worship—a massive event that draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe. The last Athi Varadar festival took place in the summer of 2019.
History
The origin of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple dates back several centuries, with historical records indicating foundational contributions by the Chola Dynasty in the 11th century during the reigns of Kulottunga Chola I and Vikrama Chola. Over subsequent centuries, the temple was significantly expanded and embellished by the Pandya Dynasty, the Hoysalas, and notably the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century.
The Vijayanagara Era Legacy
Most of the grand architectural structures visible today—including the massive outer gopurams (towers), the expansive enclosures (prakarams), and the magnificent 100-pillar hall—were constructed during the height of Vijayanagara rule. Emperors like Krishnadevaraya were ardent patrons of the temple, endowing it with rich gold ornaments, land grants, and artistic structures.
Saints and Philosophers
The temple holds profound historical significance in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Great philosopher-saints such as Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, and Thirukachi Nambi spent significant years of their lives serving here. It is believed that Acharya Ramanuja used to carry holy water every day for the temple's daily rituals, deep in devotion to Lord Varadaraja.