This is the largest and most renowned Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram, located in an area often referred to as Vishnu Kanchi or Chinna Kanchipuram. Historically, the site was known as Attiyur or Hastigiri, as mentioned in ancient inscriptions. The deity of this temple is celebrated by Boothathu Azhwar as Attiyuran Pullur Varadhan. A distinctive feature of this temple is its sanctum, situated atop a large terrace on Hastigiri Hill, which is accessed by a flight of steps. This design reflects the architectural concept of the Uttaravedi style of temples. Notably, the deity is also called Uttaravedi Azhagiyar.
Location
Chinna Kanchipuram.
Architecture
The sanctum of the temple is rectangular and features a Shala Shikaram (hollow spire), known as Punyakoti Vimanam. The first enclosure on the hill is called Vayyamaligai, the second is Senayarkon Tirumutram (named for the shrine of Senai Nathar), the third is Yamunai Thuraivar Tirumutram (noted for Saint Yamunacharya’s meeting with young Ramanuja), and the last is Azhwar Pradakshinam (housing the shrines of the Azhwars). A distinctive feature of the temple is its sanctum, situated atop a large terrace on Hastigiri Hill, accessed by a flight of steps. This arrangement embodies the Uttaravedi architectural concept. The deity of the temple is also referred to as Uttaravedi Azhagiyar.
The outermost Prakaram features two entrances with tall Gopurams—the western Gopuram, dating to the 13th century AD, and the eastern one built by Saint Azhagiya Manavala Jeeyar. Several shrines and Mandapams were added during the Chola period. The shrine for Adiseshan (the serpent couch of Vishnu) was constructed in 1212 AD by Sivaganga. Chola King Vikrama Cholan built the shrine for Karia Manikka Perumal in 1129 AD, leading to the area’s designation as Vikrama Chola Vinnagar. The temple kitchen was established by Naraloka Veeran, a notable general and minister under Chola King Kulothunga I. The 1000-pillared Mandapam was constructed by Kakatiya King Pratapa Rudra Deva in 1316 AD, while the Abhisheka Mandapam was added in 1236 AD.
The shrine for Perundevei Thayar was built during the later Chola period, before 1236 AD, as noted in contemporary records, and was later expanded around 1487 AD. The Mukha Mandapam was constructed around 1259 AD, with several other Mandapams, such as the Unjal Mandapam, Vahana Mandapam, Tulabhara Mandapam, and Kalyana Mandapam, added in subsequent years. The most impressive structure is the 100-pillared Kalyana Mandapam, erected in the 16th century.
Sculpture
The 100-pillared Kalyana Mandapam rests on a beautifully carved platform and is supported by a closely spaced colonnade of tall, intricately adorned pillars. These pillars are adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting a variety of scenes, including warriors on rearing horses and rampant Yalis. At the entrance, you can find exquisite sculptures of Rathi and Manmathan, mounted on a parrot and a swan, respectively. The pillars feature over a thousand relief sculptures, illustrating scenes from the Ramayanam, the Bhagavatham, other Puranas, Dasavataram, and various Vaishnavist themes such as Ramanujar and the Azhwars. Additionally, the Mandapam displays numerous dance Karanas, motifs, and royal portraits.
Painting
Achuta Rayar, successor to Krishna Devarayar, commissioned several paintings in the Varadaraja Perumal temple. The temple walls feature framed panels depicting the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavism. In the Andal Unjal Mandapam, the ceiling is adorned with scenes from the Bhagavatha Puranam and Hari Vamsam, including the stories of Gopika Vastraharanam, Kaliya Mardanam, and Vishnu with his consort. Other themes include the Vijayanagar crest with a boar and dagger, Vidhyadhara riders in palanquins and paintings of elephants and horses composed of feminine figures, representing the Vahanas of Rathi and Manmathan. The corners of the Mandapam are decorated with images of Garuda and Devas, with Rathi and Manmathan being prominent themes in a Mandapam opposite the Narasimha shrine. In the main shrine of Varadaraja Perumal, there is a painting of the deity’s Garuda Vahanam, flanked by large umbrellas, depicting the famous Garuda Sevai festival.
Inscription
The temple boasts over 300 inscriptions that illuminate its history, architectural development, festivals, and royal patronage. These inscriptions were created during the reigns of various dynasties, including the Cholas, Telugu Chodas, Kadavarayas, Pandyas, Cheras, Kakatiyas, Sambhuvarayas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, and Mughals. The earliest inscription dates back to Chola King Rajadhi Raja I (1018–1054 AD), while the most recent is from Mughal King Alamgir Pasha (1723 AD).
Hymns
The temple is sanctified by the hymns of Boothathazwar (hymns 95 and 96 of Irandam Tiruvandhadhi), Peyazhwar (hymn 26 of Mundram Tiruvandhadhi), and Tirumangai Azhwar (hymns 6-10-4 of Periya Tirumozhi, 19 of Tirukkurunthandakam, and 15 of Tirunedunthandakam).
Mythology
(1) Brahma once undertook intense penance to experience the divine vision of Vishnu. Initially, Vishnu appeared in the form of water in a pond, but Brahma was not satisfied and continued his penance. Vishnu then manifested as a forest in Naimisaranyam, yet Brahma remained unfulfilled. Finally, Vishnu emerged from the sacrificial fire, bearing the marks of fire on His face. Overwhelmed, Brahma fell at Vishnu’s feet. Impressed by Brahma’s unwavering devotion, Vishnu granted him numerous blessings, earning the deity the name ‘Varadhan,’ meaning ‘the giver of boons.’ It is believed that on Chitra Pournami day, Brahma visits Vishnu at midnight to offer worship.
(2) The elephant Gajendran worshiped Vishnu at this site, leading to its name, Hastigiri. In Sanskrit, ‘Hasti’ means elephant.
(3) Jealous scholars, envious of Saint Vedanta Desikar’s renown, misled a poor young man, promising him wealth if he approached Desikar. The young man sought money from Desikar, who responded that he too was poor. The man explained that learned scholars had assured him of wealth through Desikar. Desikar then took him to the Thayar Sannidhi in the Varadharajar temple and sang the Sri Sthuthi. Moved by the recital, the Goddess showered gold coins upon them.
Events
In this temple, the renowned Saint Tirukkachi Nambigal served God in the sanctum sanctorum by fanning cool air. Young Ramanujar became his disciple and received teachings from God through Nambigal about the core principles of Vaishnavism. Ramanujar performed the daily task of drawing water from the temple well for the deity’s sacred bath, a service still known as Tirtha Karyam. It was in this temple that the elderly Yamunacharya met the young Ramanuja and chose him as the future champion of Vaishnavism.
Festivals
Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Pari Vettai
Theppa Utsavam
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Varadarajar; Perundevi Nachiyar
Built By : Krishna Devaraya
Period : 16th Century
Sanctified By : Tirumangai Azhwar
Category : Temple