Sundaravarada Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram
- Legends
As per
Hindu legend, Sundara Varada Perumal temple is closely associated with Mahabharata. Bhima, Pandava prince in Mahabharata worshipped Vishnu at
this place. There are three Varadas around the main sanctum in the ground floor
namely Achyuta Varada, Anirudhha Varada and Kalyana Varada, who are believed to
have given relief to Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, the other three Pandava princes. The consort presiding
deity, Anandavalli is believed to have appeared for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. The images of the three
Varadas are located around the sanctum in cardinal directions. A fleet of steps
led to each of them.
It is
believed that Lord Vishnu, in different forms, gave darshan to Pancha Pandavas,
who are believed to come here (Virata Parvam) during the time of their exile.
Hence this place is also referred to as Pancha Varada Kshetram. While there are
no inscriptions confirming the visit of the Pandavas, several of the villages
in and around Uthiramerur were named after the Pandavas and this serves as an
indication that they visited this place.
It is
said that Sundara Varadhar was worshipped by Yudhishthira, Vaikunda Varadhar by
Bheema, Achutha Varadhar by Arjuna, Aniruddha Varadhar by Nakula and Kalyana Varadhar
by Sahadeva. All the above 5 Gods are the principal deities here, though
Sundara Varadhar remain the main deity. It is also said that Pandavas lost
their power and wisdom and after worshipping here, they gained all their power
back.
