Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Ancient Dravidian temple in Kanchipuram, famed for its divine lizard sculptures and 108 Divya Desams wall paintings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Dravidian temple in Kanchipuram, famed for its divine lizard sculptures and 108 Divya Desams wall paintings.
"A house of Dravidian art and story telling, the walls are etched with paintings of all forms of Lord Vishnu."
Touch the Sacred Lizards
A unique ritual to touch golden & silver lizards for blessings.
Admire the Wall Paintings
See all 108 Divya Desams beautifully painted on the walls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mystical Lizards
Temple Corridor Ceiling
Touch the golden and silver lizards for blessings, said to remove karma and bring prosperity.
108 Divya Desams Paintings
Prakara Walls
Marvel at exquisite wall paintings depicting all 108 Divya Desams, a visual journey of Lord Vishnu's abodes.
Architectural Grandeur
Temple Complex
Admire the Dravidian-style architecture and the colorful, multi-tier tower of this ancient temple.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Understanding Temple Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Touch the Sacred Lizards
A unique ritual to touch golden & silver lizards for blessings.
Admire the Wall Paintings
See all 108 Divya Desams beautifully painted on the walls.
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the holy site.
No On-Site Prasadam
Prasadam is not available for purchase within the temple.
Tips
from all over the internet
Touch the Sacred Lizards
A unique ritual to touch golden & silver lizards for blessings.
Admire the Wall Paintings
See all 108 Divya Desams beautifully painted on the walls.
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the holy site.
No On-Site Prasadam
Prasadam is not available for purchase within the temple.
Photography Restrictions
Be aware that photography might be prohibited in certain areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Varadaraja Perumal Temple for its stunning Dravidian art, particularly the detailed paintings of the 108 Divya Desams and the unique golden lizard legend. The temple is noted for its cleanliness and serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful spiritual experience. However, some note the unavailability of on-site prasadam and potential photography restrictions.
"You can find statues of all the 108 divya desams around the Prakara (not just photos)along with tbe traditional name of that divya desai. Very nice temple."
Vishakh R
"Lord Venkateswara temple in Pondicherry is very old and devotional. The Temple was not crowded when I visited on Sunday...so devotees always prefer when they want to visit."
Srihari Ganji
"A stunning temple adorned with exquisitely drawn wall paintings showcasing all 108 temples. Remarkably clean and well-maintained throughout. However, prasadam isn't available for purchase on-site. The temple pond stands immaculately clean, suggesting bathing might be prohibited on the premises."
Gobi R Chandran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. You can reach Kanchipuram by road from Chennai (approx. 75 km) via NH48. Buses and taxis are readily available. The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram, and the closest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA).
Auto-rickshaws and local buses are common ways to get around Kanchipuram. Taxis can also be hired for convenience.
Parking availability can vary, especially during peak times. It's advisable to check with locals or your driver for the best parking spots.
The temple is centrally located in Kanchipuram. Follow local directions or use GPS to navigate to the main temple complex.
By car, it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours from Chennai, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entry fee to visit the main temple complex. However, special darshan or specific areas might have separate charges.
The temple typically opens early in the morning and closes in the evening. Specific timings can vary, so it's best to check locally or online for the most current schedule.
Advance booking is usually not required for general darshan. However, for special events or festivals, it's advisable to check for any specific ticketing arrangements.
Yes, a modest dress code is expected. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
Puratasi Saturdays are considered highly auspicious and attract large crowds. While you can visit, expect higher footfall.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique golden and silver lizard sculptures on the ceiling, and the stunning wall paintings of all 108 Divya Desams.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the main temple complex. Please adhere to the signage and instructions from temple staff.
Touching the golden and silver lizards is believed to remove Sarpa Dosha, wash away past karma, and bring prosperity.
The temple pond is noted for its cleanliness, but bathing is generally not permitted on the premises.
The temple is a showcase of Dravidian art, featuring exquisite wall paintings and carvings depicting various forms of Lord Vishnu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, prasadam is not available for sale directly within the temple premises.
Yes, Kanchipuram offers various dining options, from local eateries serving South Indian cuisine to more established restaurants.
You should try traditional South Indian fare like dosas, idlis, vadas, and thalis. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silk sarees.
Kanchipuram has many vegetarian restaurants and eateries, catering to pilgrims and visitors.
Exploring local 'mess' or 'hotels' for authentic South Indian meals is highly recommended for a true taste of the region.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography inside is restricted, the temple's exterior architecture and the surrounding areas offer good photographic opportunities.
The golden and silver lizard sculptures are a unique visual element, though capturing them might be challenging due to restrictions.
A versatile lens for capturing architectural details and a wide-angle lens for broader shots would be useful.
Photography of the wall paintings is generally not allowed inside the temple complex.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around religious sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While photography might be restricted, the sheer visual spectacle of the temple's art and architecture can keep children interested. Remember to dress everyone modestly and carry water, especially during warmer months. 🙏 Devotees Seeking Spiritual Connection
The temple's serene and peaceful ambiance, especially during off-peak hours, allows for quiet contemplation and prayer. 🏛️ Art and History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Golden Lizards
According to local lore, touching these lizards is believed to bestow blessings, remove 'Sarpa Dosha' (serpent curse), wash away past karma, and even bring prosperity to devotees. This unique ritual draws many visitors who seek spiritual and material well-being. The act is performed with reverence, connecting pilgrims to ancient beliefs and the temple's mystical aura. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the temple's narrative, making it a point of fascination for both religious followers and curious travelers. The visual of devotees reaching up to touch these metallic reptiles is a memorable sight, symbolizing a tangible connection to divine grace and ancient wisdom.
It's a practice that highlights the blend of faith, legend, and ritual that defines the spiritual experience at Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Artistic Depiction of the 108 Divya Desams
These artistic murals are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted faith associated with Lord Vishnu. The temple is described as a 'house of Dravidian art and story-telling,' with the walls etched with these beautiful carvings and paintings.
Temple Etiquette and Visitor Experience
While the temple offers a serene and peaceful experience, it's important to be aware that photography may be restricted in certain areas, so always follow the guidelines provided by temple authorities. Many visitors commend the temple for its remarkable cleanliness and well-maintained premises, noting that the temple pond, in particular, is immaculately kept, though bathing is not permitted.
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