Sri Varadaraja temple Story

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Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

 

It is located in Kanchipuram (75 kms away from Chennai), which is one of the religious destination and also one among the seven holy cities in India. It is the most prominent Vishnu temple only next to the The Great Tirupati and Srirangam. The name Varadarajar translates itself into Tamil as the King who showers blessings and glory.

 

Moolavar : Sri Varadharajar, facing towards West in a standing position.

Thaayar : Perundevi Thaayar

Other names of the Perumal are Perarulalan, Devathirajan, DevaPerumal.

 

Sannadhis:

  • Sri Ranganaathar Sannadhi
  • Sri Ramar Sannadhi
  • Sri Krishnar Sannadhi
  • Sri Andal Sannadhi
  • Garudan Sannadhi
  • Kugai Narasimar Sannadhi
  • Chakkarathaalwar & Yoga Narsimar residing in a single sannadhi Sannadhi
  • Perundevi Thaayar Sannadhi
  • Ananthaalwan Sannadhi
  • Thanvanthri Sannadhi

 

Mangalasasanam

 

Divya Prabhandam is the collection of Divine hymns by the Alvars. Mangalasasanam means “Praying that the holy shrines be delighted and joyful all the time” Mangalasasanam in this Divyadesam are done by the likes of Aalavanthaar, Thirukachinambi, Udayavaar, Koorathazhvaan, Shri Vedantha Desikar & Manavala Maamuni.

 

Pasuram

 

Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple has a total of 7 Paasurams sung upon them. They are sung by

 

Thirumangai Alwar - 4 Paasurams

Bhoodhathalwar- 2 Paasurams

Pei Alwar - 1 Paasuram  

 

Pushkarani

 

Vegavadhi Nadhi

Anantha Saras

Sesha, Varaga, Padma, Agni, Kusala, Brahma Theertham

 

Vimanam

 

Punyakoti Vimanam , which is 200h x 800w in size, enclosed by huge walls

Once entered, one can find a stone made chain in the Majestic Nootrukkal Mandapam (The 100-pillar Mandapam) whose pillars are so carefully crafted to astonishing sculptures.

Athi Varadar
  • Athi Varadar is the original idol of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • As the deity is made from the wood of a Fig Tree (Fig means Athi in Tamil) he is called as Athi Varadar. He was worshipped by Legends like Ramanujacharya, Sri Vedanta Desikar & Manavala Mamunigal.
  • As per Agama Literature, The idol had to be replaced because of a minor damage in it.
  • So from a nearby place, Pazhaya Seevaram, a new Vigraham was brought and kept in place of Athi Varadar. Eventually, Athi Varadar was then and even today, kept in the pond of the temple, Anantha Saras.

 

Rise of Athi Varadar

 

He is raised out of the temple tank once in 40 years, so that the devotees can get the glimpse of the Vigraham that was worshipped by the greats. The last time, when the Murthi was displayed to the public was during 1979.  The Vigraham, after spending 40 years in the liquid medium is expected to be raised by the 1st of July 2019 and is celebrated as a great festival.  This Grand Utsavam is observed for 48 days and ends by 18th of August. During the celebration time, Athi Varadar is carried to Pazhaya Seevaram for paying reverence or as a thanksgiving ceremony for having provided adequate wood. Once the celebration gets over, Athi Varadar is taken aback to the Anantha Saras and immersed in there after boxing into a silver casket

 

Prominence

  • Atthi Varadhar – He is taken out from the pond once in 40 years and grand poojas are done in a very remarkably auspicious way.
  • Sri Vedantha Desikar, one of the most brilliant Stalwarts of Sri Vaishnavism, was born here
  • Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple – Thiru Kacchi, is one among the 22 Thondai Naatu Divyadesams
  • Garuda Seva - A Grand Utsavam (festival) done in Vaikasi month during Brahmotsavam

Do's:

Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiry ,temple information and for pooja details etc.
Do Do reserve your travel and accommodation at temple well in advance.
Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple
Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only


Don'ts:

Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshiping of God and Goddess
Do not smoke at Temple.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple
Do not Eat Non Vegetarian food in the Kshetram
Do not approach mediators for quick Dharshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others
Do not carry any weapon inside the temple
Do not wear any head guards like helmets ,caps ,turbans and hats inside the temple premises