Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, TN
The Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is one of the most important Divya Desams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped as Varadaraja, the king who grants boons. It is closely associated with Sri Ramanuja and the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples praised by the Alvars. The massive temple complex features impressive Dravidian architecture, a towering gopuram, and beautifully carved mandapams and sculptures. A rare and sacred form of the deity known as Athivaradar is kept submerged in the temple tank and is brought out for darshan only once every forty years. The temple remains a major pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees throughout the year.
