Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hastagiri),
Kanchipuram – Greatness of Temple
Kancheepuram
is one of the most ancient cities in India. Out of seven
sacred Cities of India “Ayodhya, Madura, Maya, Kasi,
Kanchi, Avantika, Dwaraka” that can bestow salvation
(Moksha) Kancheepuram is venerated as most important one. This
was the Capital of Thondai Mandalam, a country filled with scholars. This was ruled
fairly by Pallava kings for a number of years.
During
ancient days, Kancheepuram was a seat of famous Universities and even now it is a place
noted for eminent persons and educationists. This
city witnesses the growth of both “Saivam” and
“Vainavam”. This city has got many temples. No
other city in India consists of so many temples. Many of these temples have
been praised in Hymns (songs of Saiva and Vainava Saints).
Among
Vainava Temples, “Koil (Temple)” means Srirangam, Thirumalai (Hill) means Tiruvengadam
(Tirupati) and “Perumal Koil” means Varadaraja Perumal Temple
of Kancheepuram. This temple is one among the most important Vainava
temples and also one of the 108 Divya Desams sung by Alwars. This
was praised by Thirumangai Alwar in 4 pasurams, by Boothath Alwar in 2 pasurams
and by Peyalwar in one Pasuram.
The
Learned say that Lord Varadaraja is the god referred to by Nammalvar in his
“Thiruvai Mozhi”. In conformity with this saying Nammalvar appears in this
temple without “Gnana Muthra” and by keeping his hand on his chest. Thirukkachi
Nambi who lived in this place was performing Aalavattam (Sacred
fanning) to Lord Devarajaswamy. It is told that this saint used to
talk to Lord every day.
Lord
Varadaraja Perumal in his standing posture facing west blesses the devotees
with all mercy. As Perumal granted a boon – Varam in Tamil - to Lord
Brahmma pleased with his Yajna, He is praised as Varadaraja Perumal. The place
derived the name Athigiri as Iravadam elephant lifted Perumal as a Mount “Athi-Mount”. The
24 steps in the temple represent the number of letters of Gayathri Mahamantra.
Two sons
of Sage Bringi were the disciples of Sage Gautama. They did not notice
that two lizards had fallen into the water they brought for their mentor’s
puja. Gautama cursed them to be changed as lizards. When they sought
a relief, the Rishi said it lies in Kancheepuram. After a long journey
around the world, they reached Kancheepuram and begged Lord Perumal for
salvation. Perumal said that their soul would reach him while their mortal
coil would remain in lizard forms. Those who worship the lizards would be
relieved of all adverse aspects on them, added Perumal. He also said
that Sun and Moon would be witnesses to this boon.
There
are two long Mandapas under the tank north of the 100 pillar mandapa in the
temple, where the 40 feet long Athi Varadaraja Perumal in his reclining posture
is placed. The wooden idol is brought out for the darshan of the
devotees once in forty years. Special Pujas are offered to Perumal.
Ramanujar:
This is
the place where Ramanujar, who used to bring holy water to Lord for
Thirumanjanam, was spotted by Alavandar as a successor to him. It is
from this place that Ramanujar was sent to Srirangam by Thirukkachi Nambi
with the blessings of Lord Devarajaswamy every day.
