Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple Timings, History, Pooja

Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple or Hastagiri or Attiyuran Temple or Devaraja Swamy or Sri Athi Varadaraja Swamy Temple or Tirukachichi is situated at the eastern corner of Kancheepuram. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. Sages Narada, Brigu, Lord Brahma, Adikesan Gajendran had the darshan of Lord Perumal in this sacred temple. The temple was constructed in 2000 years and later renovated by Pallava and Vijayanagar kings.

The temple along with Sri Ekambareswarar temple and Sri Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram is popularly known as Mumurtivasam (home of the trio), while Srirangam is known as Koil means temple, Tirupati as Malai means hill and Perumal Koil means Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal Temple. It is one of the most sacred places for the Vaisnavites. The fourth of the Divya Desams that completes this series is Melukote, known as Thirunarayanapuram. Vaishnavites believe that visiting the four places without break will secure a place for Paramapadam.

The East Gopuram height is 125 feet; width 99 feet and the West Raja Gopuram is 96 feet and width 92.5 feet. The temple consists of five prakarams (Corridors). Mada Street (Mada Vilagam), Alwar Thiruveethi (or) Alwar pradhakshnam where Sannadhi of Alwars and Achariars are situated.

This Palatial temple was constructed at various stages, centuries ago by various kings. A number of new structures were added and Tiruppanies did during the dynasty of Vijaya Nagara Kings between the 14th and 16th centuries. During the reign of Vijayanagar kings such as Krishna Devarayar, Achutharayar, Sadasivarayar, Sri Rangarayar I, Sri Venkatarayar I and Venkatarayar III, new buildings came up in Devarajaswamy Temple. They made Punniya Kodi Vimanam golden.

The Hundred pillar Mandapam was also built by them. It has become a center of attraction for foreign tourists with exquisite sculptures and delicate works of art. The Tirupempresas made by Alam Kheer Basha of Delhi in 1645 was inscribed on the walls of the temple.

Poor people are permitted to conduct marriages in Hundred pillared Hall for a minimum charge.

Athi Varadaraja Swamy Temple Speciality:

Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal’s 40ft long idol in reclining pose is made of Athi wood. The idol is brought out for darshan once in 40 years. The Chakkarathazwar Shrine, Lord Perumal’s discuss deity, with 16 hands holding conch and discs, is located on the east side of the temple tank. It is also praised as Sudharsana Azhwar.

People pray to Perumal for excellence in education and for the well-being and prosperity of the family. Lord Sudarshana Azhwar removes the obstacles in the marriage proposals of the devotees. They are also successful in court cases and get peace of mind. Women facing health problems and seeking child boon pray to Mother Perundevi Thayar.

Devotees also pray to the golden and silver lizards for relief from any unwanted events due to real lizards falling on their bodies. Prayer also brings them peace of mind, security, and success in their endeavors.

Kanchipuram Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple Timing:

Morning: 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 3.30 PM to 8.30 PM

Kanchipuram Hastagiri Daily Poojas:

Poojas are performed five times a day.

Thirumanjanam to Perumal (Moolavar) on every Friday and on Hustha star Days. Ekantha Thirumanjanam at Thayar Sannadhi – every Friday.

Chakrath Alwar:

Thirumanjanam is also performed at the shrines of Chakrath Alwar, Thiruvananth Alwar and Anjeneyar Sannadhi at Thiruvadi Koil. No more than 5 donors will be registered for Thirumanjanam in all shrines. Thirumanjanam is performed jointly for administrative convenience.

Thirumajanam Timings:

1. Thirumanjanam is performed to Abisheka deity using Panjaper  Pooja method. This is Ekanda Pooja.
2. Thirumanjanam to  Urchavar  (Procession Deity)   is performed five times a day and during special festival occasions
3. Thirumanjanam to  Varadaraja Perumal (Moolavar) is performed every Friday & during Hustha Star.   Darshan is available
4. Thirumanjanam to Perundevi  Thayar (Moolavar) is performed every  Friday  &  during  Uthiram Star.  This is Ekantha Thirumanjanam.
5. Thirumanjanam to  Chakrath Alwar (Moolavar)  is performed every Saturday  – Based on the requests of the Public and devotees.  Thirumanjanam in these shrines can be performed even on other days also.

Special Darshan & Timings:

Note: For festivals and Thirumanjanam performed at the temples fees are collected from donors based on actual expenses.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple History:

Lord Brahmma performed a Yajna in Kanchi to purify himself. He avoided his wife Saraswathi and performed Yajna with his other wives Gayatri Devi and Savitri Devi. Enraged Saraswathi Devi flowed like the Vegavati River. Lord Perumal, at Brahmma’s request, stopped the flooding by standing across the river in a reclined posture. After the yajna, Perumal appeared from the Flames of the Yagna. There are 24 steps to reach Athigiri.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple Festivals

On the eve of Ekadashi, Poornima (Full Moon Day), Amavasya (New Moon Day). Sri Perumal Utchavam will take place where Thirumajanam & Thiruveedhi Ulla will be taking place at the Temple. Each Friday special poojas are being offered to Lord Perumal, Sri Maha Vishnu.

Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple Accommodation:

At Adison Pettai in downtown Kancheepuram, there are a number of individually managed Choultries and accommodation facilities available. The Chatram clothing store is managed by Kanchi. Dharma Paripalana Mahamai Sangam. The “Tamil Nadu Tourist House” near the railway line is operated by the government of Tamil Nadu. In addition, the wedding halls and the Choultries located near the temple provide accommodation for the devotees.

The devotees who visit the temple during night times can stay at the following places.

• Ramanujar Hall (In Sannadhi Street near 16 Pillared Mandapam)
• Vanamamalai Madam.
• Ananda Bhavanam ( Marriage Hall / Lodging)
• Sri Sudarsana Marriage Hall
• Kundarmal Veda Agama Chatram (used by North Indian Devotees)

How to Reach Kanchi Varadharaja Temple:

By Air:
Chennai International Airport is the nearest Airport which is 57.3 km. From there Private taxis and Cabs are available to reach the temple. Southern Railway runs trains connecting Kancheepuram with Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu and other states of India.

By Rail:
Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple is 5 km away from Big Kancheepuram Railway Station. Town buses, Autos, Private Taxis are available here.

By Road:
Route 1: Chennai to Kancheepuram via Tambaram Wallajapath – 76 K.M.

Route 2: From Chennai via old Seevaram Wallajapath – 85 K.M.

Route 3: From Chennai via Sriperumpudur, Singuvar Chatram – 76 K.M (National Highways)

Kanchi Varadharaja Perumal Temple Address:

West Mada Street,
Nethaji Nagar,
Kancheepuram,
Tamil Nadu – 631 501.