In the holy city of Kanchipuram, stands the divyadesam
temple of Sri Varadaraja Perumal, praised by the Alwar saints in their hymns.
The temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in
Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (abode of trio). This temple was
renovated and expanded during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I, and his son
Vikrama Chola. The later Chola kings also contributed to the renovation of the
structure. It is said that during the Mughul invasion, the main deity was
taken to Udayarpalayam, Trichy. Robert
Clive, a British General is described as having donated a valuable necklace to
the Lord.
Location TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai
Legend
The legend regarding
the temple revolves around a yagna conducted by Lord Brahma. Goddess
Saraswathy, angry that she was not a part of it, decided to create obstruction.
She too the form of Vegavathi, a fast flowing river to destroy the yaga shala.
Lord Vishnu lay down across the flowing river to stop its flow. Sarswathi, not
having the power to cross the Lord, surrendered herself. At the end of yagna,
Lord Varadaraja appeared and Brahma requested him to stay in the place and
bless his devotees which he agreed to.
This temple is part of the famous Kanchipuram Divya Desam
Yatra.
Architecture
The Temple is huge
and showcases the artisanship of the bygone eras. Built in Dravidian
style, it has a tiered gopurams at the entrance. The temple has five prakarams. One of the
prominent architectural marvel in the temple is the huge stone chain sculpted
in a single stone. The pillared mandapams, sculptures, carvings, mural
paintings epitomises the architectural brilliance of the Chola and Vijayanagara
empire. The shrine of Varadarajaswamy is on a small hillock. Carved lizards in
gold adorn the sanctum. There are shrines for Narasimha and Goddess Perundevi
Thayar along with other Gods and Alwars.
Culture
Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the
important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both
Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and
popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a
major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.
Darsan Info
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple timings :
Morning : 6.00 -
12.30
Evening : 3.30 - 8.30 P.M
Garuda Seva, celebrated on the third day of the 10-day
Brahmotsavam is celebrated with pomp and splendour. Lakhs of devotees throng to
worship at the temple on the day.
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.
Western dresses are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu
Famous Festival
May - Brahmotsavam, Garuda Seva
July - Thiruaadipooram
October - Navrathri
November - Thiru Karthigai
December - Vaiunda
ekadasi
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas and rituals to the deity.
Four worship services are offered daily
Special Rituals
Thirumanjanam to Perumal is performed on every Friday and on
Hustha star Days. Thirumanjanam are also performed at the shrines of Chakrath Alwar, Thiruvananth Alwar and Anjeneyar Sannadhi .
Additional Info
Hotel Raja Ganapathy
Indian Coffee house
Hotel Srinivasa
Supermarket : Available
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