Varadaraja Perumal Temple,
Kanchipuram – Religious Significance
Divya
Desams:
The
temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham,
the 7th – 9th century Vaishnava canon. The
temple is classified as a Divyadesam,
one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. Lord
Varadaraja Perumal of this
temple was praised by Thirumangai Alwar in 4 pasurams, by Bhoothath
Alwar in 2 pasurams and by Peyalvar in one Pasuram.
Sapta
Puri:
Kanchipuram to regarded as one of the seven holiest
cities in India, the Sapta Puri, that can bestow salvation
(Moksha) as per Garuda Purana. The other cities are Ayodhya, Madura, Haridwar,
Kasi, Ujjain and Dwaraka.
Holiest
among the Vaishnava Temples:
Among Divya
Desams (most prominent Vaishnava Temples), Koil (Temple) means Srirangam
Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Thirumalai (Hill) means Tirupati
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Thiruvengadam) and Perumal Koil
(Vishnu Temple) means Kanchipuram
Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Mumurtivasam:
This
Temple along with Ekambareswarar
Temple and Kamakshi
Amman Temple in Kanchipuram are popularly called as
Mumurtivasam (abode of trio).
Umbrella:
The
temple is famous for its huge umbrella used during
festive occasions.