Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred temples of Vishnu revered by the Alvars, the poet-saints of Tamil Nadu.

Timings

06:00 am and 12:30 pm and from 03:30 pm to 08:30 pm.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

ORIGIN/HISTORY:


The Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, has a rich and long history dating back to the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century CE.

The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacred temples of Vishnu revered by the Alvars, the poet-saints of Tamil Nadu.


Pallava Origins (8th Century CE)


The temple was initially constructed during the reign of Pallava king Nandivarman II (715-770 CE).

The Pallavas were renowned for their architectural prowess, and the Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a fine example of their Dravidian style of architecture.

 The temple's original structure consisted of a central shrine housing the deity Sundara Varadaraja Perumal, flanked by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.


Chola Contributions (10th-13th Centuries CE)


The Cholas, who succeeded the Pallavas in the region, made significant contributions to the temple's expansion and embellishment.

During the reign of Chola king Kulottunga I (1070-1118 CE), the temple complex was enlarged, and several new shrines were added.

The Cholas also constructed the towering gopurams (gateway towers) that adorn the temple's entrance.


Later Additions and Renovations (14th-18th Centuries CE)


The temple continued to receive patronage from subsequent dynasties, including the Pandyas, Vijayanagar Rayas, and Nayaks.

Each dynasty added their own architectural touches and sculptures to the temple, further enriching its artistic and historical significance.


Mughal Invasion and Protection (17th Century CE)


In 1688 CE, as the threat of a Mughal invasion loomed, the main idol of Sundara Varadaraja Perumal was temporarily moved to a safer location in Udayarpalayam for protection.

The idol was later brought back to Kanchipuram after the danger had subsided.


Modern Times (19th-21st Centuries CE)


The Sri Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple continues to be an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination.

The temple is well-maintained and regularly hosts various religious festivals and cultural events.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Maintain cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  2. Be respectful: Maintain a respectful demeanour while in the temple complex. Avoid loud talking, disturbing others, or any activity deemed disrespectful.
  3. Follow the queue: If there is a queue or line for darshan (viewing the deities), follow it patiently.
  4. Switch off electronics: Mobile phones and cameras are often restricted inside the sanctum sanctorum (inner sanctum) where the deities are located. It's best to switch off electronics or keep them on silent mode.
  5. Offer prayers: While offering prayers or mantras, do so silently and with devotion.
  6. Leave footwear outside: It is customary to remove footwear before entering the temple halls. Designated shoe racks or lockers are usually available.


  1. Consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol: Abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol before or within the temple premises.
  2. Smoke or chew tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco are strictly prohibited inside the temple complex.
  3. Litter: Avoid littering inside the temple premises. Dispose of waste responsibly in designated bins.
  4. Take photos or videos (in certain areas): Photography and videography might be restricted in specific areas, especially the sanctum sanctorum. Be mindful of the signage and avoid capturing images where prohibited.
  5. Touch the deities: For preservation purposes, devotees are generally not allowed to touch the idols of the deities.
  6. Rush or push: Maintain a respectful distance from the deities and avoid pushing or rushing through the crowd.
  7. Argue or fight: Maintain a peaceful demeanour and avoid any form of arguments or alterations within the temple grounds.


Dress Code

  1. Men should wear shirts and trousers, dhotis, or pyjamas with an upper cloth. 
  2. Women should wear sarees, half sarees with blouses, or churidar with pyjamas and an upper cloth. 
  3. Shorts, miniskirts, midriff-baring tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are generally not permitted.


How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Road

From Chennai:

  1. Distance: Approximately 75 km.
  2. Route: Take the NH48 (Chennai-Bangalore Highway) via Sriperumbudur to Kanchipuram.
  3. Travel Time: About 2 hours by car or bus.
  4. Bus Services: Frequent bus services are available from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to Kanchipuram.


By Rail

From Chennai:

  1. Trains: Regular trains are available from Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore to Kanchipuram.
  2. Stations: Get down at Kanchipuram Railway Station.
  3. Travel Time: About 2-3 hours depending on the train.


By Air

Nearest Airport:

  1. Chennai International Airport (MAA): The nearest major airport, about 75 km from Kanchipuram.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near the Temple:


Palar River:


The Palar River is the most prominent river near Kanchipuram. It flows through several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Kanchipuram, and is a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes.


Cheyyar River:


Also known as the Ponnaiyar River, the Cheyyar River is another important river in the region. It flows through the Kanchipuram district and joins the Palar River further downstream.


Cities Near the Temple:


Chennai:

Distance: Approximately 75 km northeast of Kanchipuram.

Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and a major cultural, economic, and educational hub in South India. It is well-connected to Kanchipuram by road and rail.


Vellore:

Distance: Approximately 65 km west of Kanchipuram.

Vellore is known for its historic forts, temples, and educational institutions. The city is accessible from Kanchipuram by road and offers various amenities and attractions for visitors.


Tiruvannamalai:

Distance: Approximately 85 km southwest of Kanchipuram.

Tiruvannamalai is famous for the Arunachaleswarar Temple and its annual Karthigai Deepam festival. It is an important pilgrimage destination and is well-connected to Kanchipuram.


Chengalpattu:

Distance: Approximately 35 km east of Kanchipuram.

Chengalpattu is a nearby town that serves as a gateway to several tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. It is also an important railway junction.


Sriperumbudur:

Distance: Approximately 30 km northeast of Kanchipuram.

Sriperumbudur is known for the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial and its industrial developments. It is also a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Sri Ramanuja, a revered saint and philosopher.