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SRI VARADARAJA TEMPLE
Of the temples built for Vaishnavate gods, the Varadaraja temple comes
first. It is built on a hillock. It has several architectural excellences
and was built by Vijayanagara Kings. Of the many picturesque celebrations of this holy temple, the
Garudotsavam celebrated in Vaisakha Masam is the best and receives priority.
The rituals performed and decoration made are awe-some and thousands of persons from far and near visit on
this gala festival day. The temple contains a hundred Pillared Hall adorned with excellent sculptural
representations.
Among the marvels that deserve appreciation here is the double pillars beautified with figures of
riders on horse back, and stone chains cut in a single granite stone. It has another attraction.
The carving of a lizard on the ceiling of a big hall draws Hindu pilgrims most to venerate it by touching, under the
belief that evil will affect not them, even if that obnoxious creature falls on them by accident.
The Vijayanagara Kings who built all these temples left a rich heritage serving both to devotees
and art lovers.
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