One of the oldest and most well-known Vaishnavite temples in Pondicherry is Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Located in Puducherry, South Indian Union Territory, it is devoted to the Hindu deity Vishnu. It is situated in the city on Mahatma Gandhi Road. The French troops demolished the temple that contained the images of the Vedapureeswarar Temple in 1748. Most temples were destroyed during the French attack, but this one was spared. The British colonial Empire gave the regions to the French in the seventeenth century. It was also protected from the Muslim troops that were encroaching. Dug out and housed in the temple in 1902 were Vaithikupam, Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Navaneethakrishnan, Santhanakrishnan, and Venugopalan.
Varadharajar Temple or Vedapureswarar Temple are other names for the Varadarajan Perumal temple in Pondicherry. The temple’s Chola architecture is highly renowned. Temple of Varadarajan Perumal The Varadarajan Perumal temple features a five-tiered raja gopuram, the temple’s gateway tower, and was built in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple was first thought to have been constructed in the eleventh century by the Cholas, who subsequently expanded from the Pandyas.
The Archaeological Survey of India is in charge of overseeing and maintaining it as a protected monument. The temple’s gateway tower stands 34 meters (110 feet) tall, and a 1.5-meter (5-foot) granite statue of Varadaraja Perumal in a standing position is adorned with four arms. The concept of Srinivasan, sometimes known as the positive image, is the same as the presiding deity.
The festival image, the mirror hall in the temple next to the sanctum, and various shrines dedicated to the Vaishnava Gurus Manavalamamunigal and Nikamanda Mahadesikan are also located in Perundevi. The Varadarajan Perumal temple contains twelve bodies of water, the temple tanks, and eighty-three springs that are all thought to be medicinal. Devotees bathe in these springs to heal common ailments.
The Varadarajan Perumal Temple boasts an amazing architectural design. The temple does not distinguish between the Vadakalai and Thenkalai sects of Vaishnavite tradition; instead, it adheres to Pancharathra agama.
The temple is the site of several rituals, including weekly, monthly, and fortnightly ones. Sayarakshai, Uchikalam, Kalasanthi, and Sayarakshai are the names of the Rituals, which are carried out four times a day. Every ritual for Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi consists of three steps: Alangaram (decoration), Deepa Aradanai (lamp-waving), and Neivethanam (food offering). The Varadaraja Perumal temple organizes an exceptionally well-organized ten-day annual Brahmotsavam festival, which is one of the temple’s main festivals.
How to get to the Varadaraja Perumal Temple:
One must go to Pondicherry to see the Varadaraja Perumal temple. Since the airport in Chennai is the closest to Pondicherry, they can also travel by air. After arriving in Pondicherry, one can travel by Roadways once more because it takes 24 hours from Mumbai. Go 2.5 kilometers from the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Pondicherry to the bus station. The closest railway station in Pondicherry for those who wish to travel by train is the Pondicherry railway station.
Enjoyable Activities Close to Varadarajan Perumal Temple:
The Varadarajan Perumal temple in Pondicherry celebrates a multitude of rituals. Additionally, Pondicherry celebrates several important religious holidays, including Brahmmotsavam, Pavitra, Ramar, Puram, and Gajendra Moksha. There is much joy at this festival. At the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one can also explore the neighboring temples. Try the food at the revolution restaurants in your area, which have many of the best menu adventures.
The ideal time to go
Travel to the Varadaraja Perumal temple is possible throughout the year. It is suggested that the best months to visit Pondicherry are from July to September and from October to February. The cool weather will lessen the fatigue of your travel.
Points of Interest
Within the temple is Pushkarani, a holy spring with eighty-three spring holes. Within the temple are twelve wells. According to the scientists, this green water is thought to contain acidic compounds. It is said that taking a holy bath in this water can treat numerous medical conditions, including headaches and fever. The temple is filled with idols of numerous gods and goddesses, including Lord Hanuman, Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, Sri Venugopala, and Sri SanthanaGopala. Numerous tales surrounding the construction of the temples by the Cholas and Pandavas are revealed through inscriptions on their walls. If you enjoy historic monuments and temple exploration, this is the ideal location.
Varadarajan Perumal Temple Timings
Four times a day, at 8:00 a.m. for Kalasanthi, 12:00 p.m. for Uchikalam, 5:00 p.m. for Sayarakshai, and 8:00 p.m. for Sayarakshai, are the temple rituals performed.
To learn more about the temples in tamilnadu, go to liturgical temples official website. This website contains well-researched content that comes from reliable sources.