Deity
Vishnu (Varadharaja)
श्री वरदराज पेरुमाळ
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu is a celebrated Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu as Varadharaja. The record describes it as one of the greatest Divya Desams and a major center of Sri Vaishnavism, with Dravidian architecture and Chola-era dating.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Divya Desam
Major Sri Vaishnava center
Architecture
Dravidian
Chola period (11th c.)
Location
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram district
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 1053 CE
- Founder
- Chola Dynasty
- Constructed around 1053 CE under Chola patronage, the temple was significantly expanded by Kulothunga Chola I and Vikrama Chola. In the 16th century, Vijayanagara rulers added the celebrated 100-pillared mandapam featuring intricate monolithic stone chains.
Significance
- A premier Divya Desam, Varadharaja Perumal Temple serves as a central spiritual pillar of Sri Vaishnavism where Sri Ramanuja resided. It is renowned for the wooden icon of Atti Varadar, preserved in a submerged silver chamber and brought out for public darshan once every 40 years.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Use the full-day window
Approximate hours are 06:00–21:00; plan your darshan within this wide window.
Crowd planning
As a major Divya Desam in Kanchipuram, expect queues; arrive early when possible.
Dress code awareness
Wear modest, temple-appropriate clothing and follow posted instructions.
Keep time for temple procedures
Allow buffer time for entry, darshan flow, and any internal movement within the complex.
Combine with Kanchipuram circuit
If you are already in Kanchipuram, group nearby Divya Desam visits to optimize travel.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
06:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 03:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Varies (Tamil calendar) • Multi-day
Brahmotsavam
A principal annual festival period typically drawing large pilgrim crowds; confirm exact dates locally.
Margazhi (approx.) • 1 day
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
A major Vishnu observance; expect higher footfall and plan entry timing accordingly.
Panguni (approx.) • 1 day
Panguni Uthiram
Commonly observed in Tamil Nadu temples; enquire at the temple for special schedules.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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श्री वरदराज पेरुमाळ
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Additional Resources
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Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple Kanchipuram | Divya Desam darshan & guide
Kanchi Pilgrim Walkthroughs• 14:10
Watch on YouTubeVaradharaja Perumal Temple history | Chola era Dravidian architecture
Heritage Bhakti• 11:35
Watch on YouTubeKanchipuram Divya Desam circuit | Varadharaja Perumal stop
Yatra Planner• 9:20
Watch on YouTube