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Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Vishnu as Varadaraja · Divya Desam · Tamil Nadu
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
The Varadharaja Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram is one of the great Vishnu shrines of South India and a celebrated Divya Desam, where the lord is worshipped as Varadaraja — “the king who grants boons.” Among its wonders are a hall of finely carved stone pillars with hanging stone chains, and the hidden Athi Varadar, a wooden image brought out for public worship only once every forty years.
The boon-granting lord of Kanchi
Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples, holds three great Vishnu shrines, of which Varadaraja is the chief. Tradition links the temple to a great sacrifice performed by Brahma, from whose fire the lord is said to have appeared. As Varadaraja, the giver of boons, he stands on the small Hastagiri hill within the temple, drawing pilgrims who come to ask his grace.
The hidden Athi Varadar
Beneath the temple tank lies the Athi Varadar, an older image of the lord carved from fig (athi) wood. It is kept submerged in the water and raised for public darshan only once in forty years, in a festival that draws enormous crowds. Between these rare appearances it rests unseen, a quiet mystery at the heart of the temple.
Carved pillars and stone chains
The hundred-pillar hall of the temple, built under the Vijayanagara kings, is a masterwork of Dravidian carving — columns worked into rearing horses and warriors, and, most famously, lengths of chain cut from single blocks of stone. Built and added to over many centuries by the Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers, the temple is a layered record of South Indian art.
How to reach Kanchipuram
- By road: Kanchipuram is about 75 km from Chennai, well connected by bus and cab.
- By train: Kanchipuram has its own railway station; Chengalpattu is a nearby junction.
- By air: Chennai International Airport is about 70 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Varadaraja Perumal?
Varadaraja is Vishnu worshipped as “the king who grants boons.” His temple at Kanchipuram is one of the city’s three great Vishnu shrines and a celebrated Divya Desam.
What is the Athi Varadar?
The Athi Varadar is an older image of the lord carved from fig wood, kept submerged in the temple tank and raised for public worship only once every forty years, drawing huge crowds.
What are the stone chains at the temple?
The hundred-pillar Vijayanagara hall contains lengths of chain carved from single blocks of stone, alongside columns worked into horses and warriors — among the finest Dravidian stone carving.
Which dynasties built the temple?
The temple was built and expanded over centuries by the Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers, making it a layered record of South Indian temple art.
How do I reach Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is about 75 km from Chennai, with its own railway station and Chennai airport about 70 km away.
Is Varadaraja Perumal a Divya Desam?
Yes — it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the abodes of Vishnu praised in the hymns of the Tamil Alvar saints.
॥ जय श्रीमन्नारायण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Vishnu as Varadaraja (giver of boons) |
| Significance | One of the 108 Divya Desams |
| Special | Athi Varadar shown once every 40 years; stone-chain pillars |
| Builders | Pallava, Chola, Vijayanagara |
| River | Vegavathi |
| Main Festival | Vaikunta Ekadashi / Garuda Sevai |