Varadaraja Perumal Temple,
Kanchipuram – The Temple
This temple is facing towards west with five tiered Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is about 160 feet (49 m) tall. There is another gopuram on the eastern side. This gopuram has seven tiers and is about 180 feet (55 m) tall. The eastern gopuram is taller than the western gopuram, which is contrasting to large temples where the Rajagopuram is the tallest one. The temple covers an area of about 23 acres (93,000 m2).
There are about 32 shrines, 19 Vimanas, 389 pillared halls (most having the lion type Yali sculpture) and sacred tanks some of which located outside the complex. There is a separate shrine for Koorath Alwar, located outside the temple complex. Thirukkachi Nambi Shrine can be seen to the west of this shrine. The temple has three precincts (prakarams) namely Azhwar Prakaram, Madaipalli Prakaram and Thirumalai Prakaram.
First
Prakaram:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Second
Prakaram:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Third
Prakaram:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Murals /
Paintings:
The ceilings of the sanctum are adorned with
Vijayanagara murals. Murals can be found in the various Mandapas in the
temple. Most of these murals / paintings / frescos in this
temple were commissioned during the 16th century CE during
the rule of Vijayanagara kings. These paintings are not only artistic but also
assume archaeological significance recording the events and social life in 16th
century CE.
Theerthams:
Theerthams associated with this
temple are Vegavathi River, Anantha Saras, Sesha Theertham, Varaha Theertham, Padma Theertham,
Agni Theertham, Kusala Theertham and Brahma Theertham. The main Theertham of this
temple, Sesha Theertham, is situated on the north side of the 100
pillared Mandapam in the outer prakaram.
Sthala
Vriksham:
Sthala Vriksham is Arasu tree (Bodhi tree).
Temple
Car:
The temple car is believed to have been donated by
Krishnadeva Raya in 1517 CE. The wooden car of this
temple is stationed at Adison Pettai, a center place at Kanchipuram.
Clive's
Mahara Kandi:
Robert Clive was responsible for the establishment of
British rule in India. He has donated a gold ornament with precious stones. This
is called Clive Mahara Kandi and is used in Swamy Alankara daily.
Plaez
Ornaments:
Col. Loyonal Plaez was the Collector of Kanchipuram (Chengalpattu)
200 years back. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Devaraja Swamy. He donated
precious ornaments to the Lord. These ornaments are used
for Swamy Alankara during festive occasions.