New Delhi, April 16: Kanchipuram, one of the world’s oldest cities, is renowned for its rich culture and deep-rooted faith. This Tamil Nadu city boasts nearly 125 grand temples, each with its own historical significance. Among them, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple has gained immense popularity over the past decade.
Located in the serene town of Kanchipuram, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple stands out due to its rich history and magnificent architecture. Here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Varadaraja Perumal, alongside his consort, Perundevi Thayar. According to legend, the temple was established during the reign of King Krishna Varma, who discovered a sacred blue stone idol while bathing in the Thamirabarani River. The temple’s history is filled with tales of bravery and protection. It is believed that when King Krishna Varma’s kingdom was under attack, he prayed to Lord Vishnu, who intervened and helped him defeat the invading forces.
Blessed by Lord Vishnu, the king commissioned the grand construction of the temple. Its size and design have made it famous, but devotees also associate their faith with the golden and silver lizards present in the sanctum. Local belief holds that sighting these lizards alleviates financial troubles. These lizards are considered disciples of Sage Gautama, who visited the temple seeking liberation from a curse.
The temple’s most remarkable feature is the idol of Lord Vishnu, which is currently submerged in water. Crafted from fig tree wood, the idol remains unchanged despite years of being in water. It was last retrieved from the Ananda Saras Sarovar on June 28, 2019, and is scheduled to be taken out again in 2059. The idol is submerged without any protective coating, yet it neither swells nor attracts pests. This unique quality enhances the devotion of the devotees towards Lord Varadaraja Perumal.
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P.S./P.M.
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