Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
An ancient Vaishnavite temple atop Hasthagiri Hill, renowned for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Varadaraja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Vaishnavite temple atop Hasthagiri Hill, renowned for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
"A breathtaking spiritual and architectural marvel! Visited the Varadharaja Perumal Temple recently, and it was an unforgettable experience."
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own vehicle makes exploring Kanchipuram much easier.
💧 Carry Water Bottles
Stay hydrated, especially during long queues and hot weather.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Athi Varadhar Idol
Temple Tank
The sacred Athi Varadhar idol, submerged for decades, is a sight of immense spiritual significance.
Golden and Silver Lizards
Ceiling
Touch these mythical creatures on the ceiling for absolution of sins, a unique and revered ritual.
100 Pillar Mandapam
Hallway
Marvel at the intricate artwork and historical inscriptions on the pillars of this grand hall.
Hasthagiri Hill
Temple Base
The temple is situated atop this sacred hill, offering a majestic presence and panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting Around Kanchipuram
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own vehicle makes exploring Kanchipuram much easier.
💧 Carry Water Bottles
Stay hydrated, especially during long queues and hot weather.
👶 Snacks for Little Ones
Bring snacks for infants and young children as they can get hungry.
⏰ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid weekends and holidays for a less crowded and more peaceful visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own vehicle makes exploring Kanchipuram much easier.
💧 Carry Water Bottles
Stay hydrated, especially during long queues and hot weather.
👶 Snacks for Little Ones
Bring snacks for infants and young children as they can get hungry.
⏰ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid weekends and holidays for a less crowded and more peaceful visit.
🙏 Respect Temple Etiquette
Follow dress codes and be mindful of practices like removing footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Varadaraja Perumal Temple for its majestic architecture, spiritual ambiance, and historical significance, particularly highlighting the unique Athi Varadhar idol and the golden/silver lizards. However, many note the substantial crowds and long wait times during peak periods, suggesting strategic planning for a more peaceful visit.
"I visited Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple today, and it was a truly divine experience. The temple’s architecture is stunning, with beautifully carved pillars and a peaceful atmosphere all around. The temple opens at 8:00 AM, and it gets a little busy after that, but darshan is still manageable.
The main speciality of this temple is the powerful presence of Sri Varadharaja Perumal, and the entire place feels spiritually uplifting. The campus is clean, spacious, and very well maintained. A must-visit temple for anyone coming to Kanchipuram.
However, I felt that the management is a bit money-minded, which could be improved for a better visitor experience. Still, the temple itself is beautiful, peaceful, and full of spiritual energy."
Bimal Rajah
"Fell in love the architecture of tha temple. Very pleasant and serene views and the perumal here is called devaraja or varadharaja perumal. It is one of the main divyadesams for the sri vaishnavites and The day is visited was a bit crowded. Due to ayyappa season. Better to visit on weekdays or early mornings"
abhiram murarisetty
"The origins of the temple trace back to the Pallava period, but major expansions and renovations were undertaken by the Cholas and especially the Vijayanagara kings.
The temple is an extraordinary example of Dravidian architecture, with contributions from dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Nayaks.
The walls of the temple complex contain over 350 historic inscriptions that document donations, royal patronage, and temple events across centuries.
Spread over 23 acres, the temple is known for its grand seven-tiered Raja Gopuram (tower), massive stone walls, and immense courtyards.
There are three main precincts, around 32 shrines, nearly 20 Vimanas, a majestic 100-pillared Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall) with exquisite sculptures, and a temple tank called Anantha Saras.
The main sanctum sits atop the Hastigiri hillock, accessed by a flight of steps, and houses the main deity Varadharaja Perumal in standing posture, with Sun rays illuminating the idol on a special day after Chitra Pournami in April-May.
Perundevi Thayar, his consort, has a separate shrine at ground level, and many other Vaishnava icons and saints, including shrines for Ramanuja, the Azhwars, and Narasimha, can be found within the temple.
A unique feature is the sacred idol of Athi Varadar (crafted from fig wood), which is preserved underwater in the temple tank and brought out for public worship only once every 40 years.
The artistry in the Kalyana Mandapam—including intricate chain carvings from a single stone and mythological panels—is a highlight of the Vijayanagara period.
The magnificent gopurams, 100-pillared marriage hall, and beautifully carved shrines are awe-inspiring, with the entire complex radiating a sense of ancient devotion and spiritual strength.
festivals such as Brahmotsavam and Garuda Sevai draw huge crowds, with vibrant traditions and processions.
Dress code is traditional not necessarily dhoti saree but simple enough to enter the temple
Visiting the temple is an immersive experience, whether admiring the historic sculptures, receiving darshan of the grand standing idol, or touching the legendary golden lizard for blessings."
Mahesh Kalpande
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is about 75 km from Chennai. You can hire a taxi, take a bus to Kanchipuram, and then a local auto-rickshaw to the temple. Many visitors recommend having your own vehicle for easier access to multiple Kanchipuram attractions.
Limited parking is usually available near the temple premises, but it can get crowded. Having your own vehicle is still recommended for flexibility.
The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temple.
Yes, Kanchipuram is well-connected by bus services from Chennai, Vellore, and other nearby cities. Buses are a common and affordable way to reach Kanchipuram.
The temple is a prominent landmark in Kanchipuram and is generally easy to find. Local auto-rickshaw drivers will know the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entry fee to enter the main temple complex. However, special darshan tickets might be available for quicker access to the deity, especially during peak times.
The temple usually opens early in the morning, around 4 AM, and closes around 12:30 PM. It reopens in the evening around 4:30 PM and closes by 8:30 PM. It's advisable to check the exact timings as they can vary.
A quick visit might take 1-2 hours, but to truly experience the temple and its surroundings, allocate at least half a day, especially if you plan to wait for darshan.
Information on online ticket booking is not widely available. It's best to purchase any special darshan tickets directly at the temple counter.
Modest clothing is recommended. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire. Traditional Indian wear is appreciated.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
During weekends, public holidays, and special festivals, the queue can be very long, often exceeding an hour to get near the deity. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours is recommended.
While there are no dedicated facilities, carrying snacks and water for infants and young children is highly advised due to potential long waits.
Don't miss the Athi Varadhar idol in the temple tank, the golden and silver lizards on the ceiling, and the intricately carved 100 Pillar Mandapam.
Photography might be restricted in certain inner sanctums. It's best to check for signage or ask temple authorities regarding photography rules.
Devotees believe that touching the golden and silver lizards on the ceiling can help absolve them of their sins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the streets leading to the temple, known as Sannathi Theru, have numerous shops selling snacks, meals, and beverages. You can also find restaurants in Kanchipuram town.
Kanchipuram is a temple town, and vegetarian food is widely available in restaurants and eateries around the temple.
While specific temple prasad might be offered, exploring local eateries for South Indian vegetarian meals and snacks is recommended.
Eating is generally not permitted inside the inner sanctums of the temple. It's best to consume food in designated areas or outside the temple complex.
Most food stalls operate during temple hours and are usually open from morning until evening, catering to pilgrims and visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering gopurams, the intricate carvings on the pillars, the temple tank, and the overall architectural grandeur offer excellent photo opportunities.
Photography is usually prohibited inside the inner sanctums where the main deities are housed. Always check for signage or ask for permission.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, which is ideal for photography. The golden hour can create beautiful shots of the temple architecture.
The detailed carvings on the 100 Pillar Mandapam, the sculptures on the temple walls, and the imposing gopurams are highly photogenic.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in and around religious sites without specific permissions from authorities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to minimize wait times. The temple's grandeur and unique features like the golden and silver lizards might capture children's imagination. However, be mindful of the dress code and ensure children are dressed modestly. The vast temple complex offers space to walk around, but keeping a close eye on children is essential.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid the hustle and bustle. Take your time to absorb the divine atmosphere, admire the intricate carvings, and perhaps spend some time by the temple tank. The temple's location atop Hasthagiri Hill also adds to its tranquil setting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be aware that photography might be restricted in certain inner sanctums. Focus on the exterior architecture, the mandapams, and the general ambiance. The unique golden and silver lizards on the ceiling also present an interesting photographic challenge, if permitted.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Grandeur and History
Key features include the 100 Pillar Mandapam, adorned with exquisite sculptures and inscriptions, offering a glimpse into the temple's rich past. The temple is also renowned for its sacred tank where the Athi Varadhar idol is kept submerged for extended periods, only to be brought out for special occasions. This idol holds immense religious significance for devotees.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the temple is steeped in history and mythology. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, believed to have been visited by the Alvars (saints). This spiritual lineage adds another layer to the temple's importance for pilgrims.
Spiritual Significance and Rituals
A unique ritual observed here involves touching the golden and silver lizards on the ceiling. This act is believed to help devotees shed their sins and attain spiritual purification. The presence of the Athi Varadhar idol, a divine representation of Lord Vishnu, further enhances the temple's spiritual aura.
The temple's location atop Hasthagiri Hill (Elephant Hill) adds to its sacred geography. The journey to the deity is considered a pilgrimage in itself, with many visitors finding a profound sense of peace and devotion during their visit. The temple's role as one of the 108 Divya Desams underscores its importance in the devotional landscape of South India.
Navigating Crowds and Planning Your Visit
To ensure a more peaceful and enjoyable experience, it's highly recommended to plan your visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons. These times generally see fewer devotees, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the temple premises. Carrying sufficient water is also crucial, as the climate can be warm, and long waits are common.
For those traveling with infants or very young children, bringing snacks is a practical tip shared by many visitors. This helps keep the little ones comfortable during the visit. The temple's opening hours are typically from 4 AM to 12:30 PM and then from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, but it's always wise to confirm these timings beforehand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit