Lizard worship in 1000 years old temple - Varadarajar Temple, Kanchipuram

Varadarajar temple, located in a sprawling 20 acres area, is one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu). It is located in Chinna Kanchipuram locality in Kanchipuram city. It is the most important Vishnu temple in the city of 1000 temples.

Lord Vishnu, named Varadarajar in this temple, is believed to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma in Krita yuga, Gajendra in Treta yuga, Brihaspati (Guru) in Dwapara yuga, and Aadisesha in Kali yuga. Varadarajar in this temple is also called in various names such as Devaraja Perumal, Athigiri Arulala Perumal, Karivaradar and Giri Varadar. It is believed that Indira's white elephant Iravata, is in the form of a hill, supports the icon of Varadaraja.

The massive temple was patronized by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. There is a big Raja gopuram (temple tower) at the main entrance. The beautiful 100 pillared hall (Nuttrukkal mandapa) near the entrance is full of extraordinary miniature sculptures. Behind the mandapa, the holy tank is located. The original figure of Lord Varadarajar, made out of fig wood, is kept in the tank's bed and taken out only once every 40 years. He is named Atthi Varadar.

The first circumambulatory path (prakara) is on the holy mound ''Hasthigiri'. The main shrine is about 40 feet in height, and there is a flight of 43 steps to reach the shrine. The sanctum enshrines Lord Varadarajar in a standing posture. He is found with four arms. It is believed to be the second largest icon, after Tirupati Balaji. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess Perundevi. Garuda is found facing the main shrine. Next to Perundevi's  shrine, there is a shrine for Lord Krishna.

One of the temple's highlights is a small shrine for lizards. Two lizard carvings are carved in the ceiling, along with the figures of the Sun and Moon. One lizard is covered with a gold plate, and another with a silver plate. Devotees touch these lizard figures; as per the belief, it will relieve them of their diseases and problems. As per the legend, the two sons of sage Srungibera (Hayman and Sukran) were the disciples of the sage Gautama. One day, the lizard was found in the water meant for performing pooja. The enraged sage cursed his disciples to turn into lizards. They got rid of their curse after visiting the Varadarajar temple.

The temple is architecturally beautiful, and many sculptures and paintings are found. There is a small shrine for Valampuri Vinayakar in the prakara. There are shrines for Dharmendra, Andal, Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Ranganatha, Danvantri and Karumanikka Perumal. Near the tank is a shrine for Chakrathalwar with Narasimha on the rear.

Sages like Peyalwar, Budhatalwar, and Tirumangai Alwar have sung hymns on this deity. The great Hindu reformer saint Ramanujar was believed to have lived in this temple for some time. This is the birthplace of Vedanta Desikar. Garuda Seva, a grand utsav (festival) done in Vaikasi month, is said to be the most unique festival here.

There is another legend related to this temple. Lord Brahma desired to get darshan of Lord Vishnu in Chatur Bhujam (with four hands), and hence did penance. First, Vishnu appeared as holy water, now called "Pushkar". Next, he appeared in the form of a forest, which is now called "Naimisaranyam". Still, Brahma was not satisfied. He heard an Asarari voice (an unknown voice from heaven), which advised him to perform Ashwamedha yagna for hundred times. However, Brahma felt so depressed that he didn't have the patience to perform 100 Ashwamedha yagnas. Finally, as per Vishnu's advice, he did one yagna equivalent to 100 Ashwamedha yagnas. It is said that doing one Ashwamedha yagna in Kanchipuram is equal to 100 times doing the same anywhere else. Brahma started the yagna, and from the holy fire, Sri Varadarajar came out and gave darshan.

"Ka" - means Brahma and "Anjitham" - means who was worshipped. Since Brahma worshipped Vishnu as Varadharajar, this place is called "Kanchi".

Happy travelling.

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