Varadharaja Perumal

Varadharaja Perumal is a celebrated form of Vishnu enshrined in the Varadharaja Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The name means 'King who bestows boons' (varada = boon-giver, raja = king). This deity is one of the most prominent in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, revered as a bestower of wishes and remover of obstacles. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred sites sung by the Alvars in the Divya Prabandham. According to the Brahmanda Purana, the temple's origin is linked to a divine event where Vishnu emerged from a golden ant-hill to grant boons to a devotee. The iconography typically depicts Varadharaja Perumal in a standing posture, four-armed, holding shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace), and lotus, with a serene expression. He is also represented in reclining (sayana) and seated (veera) forms. The consort is Lakshmi, known here as Perundevi.

The mount is Garuda. The temple's central deity is made of stone, but a unique feature is the 'Sudarshana Chakra' and 'Shankha' carved on the walls. The Varadharaja Perumal Temple is also associated with the legend of the 'Pandava' king Dharmaraja, who is said to have worshipped here. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas are believed to have visited Kanchipuram during their exile. The temple's annual festival, the Varadharaja Perumal Brahmotsavam, attracts thousands. The deity is also worshipped in the Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival, which is considered highly auspicious. In Sri Vaishnava theology, Varadharaja Perumal is seen as a manifestation of Vishnu's grace, granting liberation (moksha) and material prosperity. The temple's history dates back to the Pallava period, with contributions from the Cholas, Vijayanagara, and later rulers.

The deity is also known as Devaraja, the king of gods, and is central to the Kanchipuram region's religious life. The Varadharaja Perumal Stotram, a hymn composed by the Alvars, extols his glory. The temple's architecture includes a 100-pillar hall and a sacred tank, Ananta Saras. The deity's role in Hindu cosmology is as the preserver and protector, embodying the quality of sattva (purity) and granting boons to devotees. Regional worship traditions include special pujas for marriage and childbirth. The temple is also a site for the 'Pavitrotsavam' and 'Vasantotsavam' festivals. The deity's iconography emphasizes his benevolent aspect, with a gentle smile and open hands, symbolizing his readiness to bestow blessings. The Varadharaja Perumal Temple is considered one of the three most important Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu, along with Srirangam and Tirupati.

Four-armed standing form. Holds shankha, chakra, gada, lotus. Crowned. Sometimes depicted with Lakshmi. Serene, benevolent expression.