Varadarajar temple is a massive and
impressive edifice. The Hundred-Pillar-hall erected
during the Vijayanagar period in this temple is noted
for its exquisite sculptures.This is an extremely large
temple with abundant sculptures. This temple is made
up of several sub-shrines. This is also called the Devaraja
Swamy temple.
This temple provides a glimpse of 16th century pillared
pavilion with an exuberant workmanship.this temple situated
on the top of Hastigiri or Elephant Hill. One has to
ascend 24 steps up the hill to reach the sanctum sanctorum.Lord
Varadaraja is in standing posture facing towards the
west with his gracious look. The figure is huge in size
with four hands holding the insignias of Sankha, Chakra,
etc., and richly decorated with costly jewels.
The main Deity of Sri Varadaraja Perumal in this temple
is very large, and is believed to be second in size
to none other than the Deity of Sri Venkateswara of
Tirumala-Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh. Significant among
other things in this temple are the sculptures of two
lizards carved on the ceiling of the corridor enclosing
the Sanctum. The lizards, one covered with a sheet of
Gold and the other with a sheet of Silver.The sculptures
of the Sun and the Moon can be
found beside those of the lizards.The sculptures and
paintings in this temple are absolutely amazing. Significant
among the sculptures is the "Nooru Kaal Mandapam"
or 100 Pillar Hall. This entire masterpiece has been
sculpted out of a single rock.The ornamental rings carved
out of a single stone VARADARAJA TEMPLE
Varadarajar temple is a massive and impressive edifice.
The Hundred-Pillar-hall erected during the Vijayanagar
period in this temple is noted for its exquisite sculptures.This
is an extremely large temple with abundant sculptures.
This temple is made up of several sub-shrines. This
is also called the Devaraja Swamy temple.
This temple provides a glimpse of 16th century pillared
pavilion with an exuberant workmanship.this temple situated
on the top of Hastigiri or Elephant Hill. One has to
ascend 24 steps up the hill to reach the sanctum sanctorum.Lord
Varadaraja is in standing posture facing towards the
west with his gracious look. The figure is huge in size
with four hands holding the insignias of Sankha, Chakra,
etc., and richly decorated with costly jewels.The main
Deity of Sri Varadaraja Perumal in this temple is very
large, and is believed to be second in size to none
other than the Deity of Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala-Tirupathi
in Andhra Pradesh. Significant among other things in
this temple are the sculptures of two lizards carved
on the ceiling of the corridor enclosing the Sanctum.
The lizards, one covered with a sheet of Gold and the
other with a sheet of Silver.The sculptures of the Sun
and the Moon can be
found beside those of the lizards.The sculptures and
paintings in this temple are absolutely amazing. Significant
among the sculptures is the "Nooru Kaal Mandapam"
or 100 Pillar Hall. This entire masterpiece has been
sculpted out of a single rock.The ornamental rings carved
out of a single stone in a chain at the four corners
are the special features of the hall.The riders on horseback
, beautiful figures of Rathi and Manmatha, exquisite
temple jewellery are other notable features.
This temple is an important stopover point for almost
all tourist buses that come into Kanchipuram. Although
the temple never gets crowded (it is too big), the queue
at the Sanctum gets backed up very often. Note that
as a tradition, Vaishnavite temples always close at
Noon, to be reopened in the evening. You can expect
the Santum of this temple to be closed in the afternoon,
too. While you are there, don't forget to taste the
food sold at the Temple's Madappalli (Kitchen). There
are stories about how Arignar Anna, strikingly one of
the strongest atheist leaders known in Tamilnadu, loved
the food from this temple's kitchen. Anna's house is
located right next to the temple premises and has been
converted into a Memorial Center.
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