Tirukachchi
- Sri Varadaraja Temple
Of the temples built for Vaishnavate gods in the city of Kanchipuram, the
Vanadaraja temple comes first. It is built on a hillock. It has several
architectural excellences. And was built by Vijayanagara kings. The garbha griha
is adorned with Punyakoti Vimana. The imposing icon of archamurti in standing
posture decorated with dazzling diamonds and colourful garlands is quite
pleasing and mesmerizing. The Goddess is called Perumdevi Thayar. The visitors
feel enthralled at a single sight and fold their palms in veneration. Of the
many picturesque celebrations of this holy temple, the Garudotsavam celebrated
in Vaisakha masa is the best and receives priority. The rituals performed and
decoration made are awesome and lakhs of persons from far and near ,visit on
this temple's gala festival day. The temple contains a hundred pillared hall
adorned with excellent sculptural representations.
Among
the marvels that deserve appreciation, here lies the double pillars beautified
with figures of riders on horse back, and stone chains cut in a single granite.
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
affects them not, even that obnoxious creature falls on them by accident. The
Vijayanagara kings, who built all these superb gem of a temple left a rich
heritage serving both to devotees and art-lovers. The holy temple tanks are
called Vegavathi river, Anantha Saras, Sesha
Saras, Varaha Saras, Brahma Sands, I'adma Saras and Agni Kusala Saras.
This
lies in Vishnukanchi, an integral part of Kancheepuiam of Tamil Nadu, accessible
by city bus, auto etc. from the bus stand or station.
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