Arulmigu Devaraja Swamy Temple, popularly known as Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, is an ancient
Vaishnava pilgrim center situated at
Kanchipuram - the temple city of
Tamil Nadu. It is one of the
108 Divya Desams sung by
Alwars. Dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, the temple enshrines
Lord Varadaraja Perumal as the presiding deity.
This Palatial temple of yore was built over centuries by various rulers - the Chola (1018 - 1278 AD), Chera (1312 - 1342) and Vijayanagar kings (1400 - 1600 AD). The temple has two gopurams, five spacious corridors and two temple tanks - Ananda Saras and Golden Lotus tank. The temple features beautiful painting works depicting the Lords of 108 Divya Desams.
Arulmigu Devaraja Swamy Temple has separate shrines for Shri Namm Alwar, Manavala Mamuni, Bashyakarar, Vedanta Desikar, Shri Peri Alwar, and Shri Thirumangai Alwar. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Periya Thiruvadi (Lord Garuda), Thanvandri, and Arulmigu Azhagiya Singar (Narasimha).
The annual Brahmotsavam celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June). Garuda Seva conducted on the third day of the Brahmotsavam is an important part of the festival. The temple also conducts float festival three times a year.
Kanchipuram Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
