The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a spectacular and historically significant Vishnu temple located in the Vishnu Kanchi section of Kanchipuram. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, it is a crucial pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites. The vast complex, sprawling over 23 acres, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with contributions from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The temple is famous for its towering gopurams, a 100-pillared hall with exquisite sculptures, and the sacred golden and silver lizards, touching which is believed to absolve sins. A unique feature is the original fig wood idol of Athi Varadar, which is kept submerged in the temple tank and brought out for darshan only once every 40 years.
Darshan & Daily Rituals
Temple opens with Suprabhatham and Viswaroopa Darshan.
General darshan is open. Thiruvaradhanam is performed.
Temple is closed for the afternoon after Uchikala Pooja.
Temple reopens for evening darshan. Nithyanusanthanam is performed.
Ekantha Seva (final ritual). Temple closes for the night.
General Darshan
Free entry for all devotees through the general queue.
Special Darshan Pass
A paid pass for a separate, faster-moving queue to reduce waiting time.
Perundevi Thayar
Consort (Goddess Lakshmi)
Narasimha
Incarnation of Vishnu, located in a cave shrine on the hillock
Dhanvantari
The divine physician, an aspect of Vishnu
Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
The grand 10-day annual festival featuring the spectacular Garuda Sevai procession, which attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Athi Varadar Festival
A rare and monumental event where the original fig wood idol of Lord Varadarajar is brought out from the temple tank for public darshan for 48 days. This festival occurs only once every 40 years.