Sundaravarada Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Also Known As:

Sri Sundaravaradaraja Perumal Sannithi

Nestled in the sacred surroundings of Kanchipuram, Sundaravarada Perumal Temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage site that draws worshippers from near and far. This temple is celebrated for its spiritual energy, captivating architecture, and the unwavering faith it inspires in all who visit. Generations of devotees have made their journey here, seeking divine grace and spiritual fulfilment. The temple grounds often come alive during festivals, with vibrant decorations, traditional music, and devotional activities that reflect the region’s rich culture. Even on quiet days, the gentle sounds of temple bells and the sight of flickering lamps create a deeply calming environment. For many, a visit to Sundaravarada Perumal Temple is not just a religious journey but also a soulful retreat that renews the heart and mind. This cherished shrine stands alongside many Popular temples in Tamil Nadu, celebrated for their devotion and heritage.

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple History and Significance

Uthiramerur was ruled by the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Sambuvarayas, Vijayanagara Rayas, and Nayaks. The Pallava king Nandivarman II established the village around 750 CE. He donated the village to Vedic Brahmins from the Srivaishnava community. The temple was built by Nandivarman II, modeled after the Vaikuntantha Perumal temple in Kanchipuram.

The Cholas captured the region during the later part of the 9th century. Inscriptions from the period of Parantaka Chola I, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, and Kulothunga Chola I indicate various gifts to the temples. The process of democratically electing local representatives through a system called Kudavolai during the Chola regime is documented in the inscriptions.

The region went under the sway of Pandyas during the 13th century and subsequently to the Telugu Chola ruler Vijaya Gandagopala. The village switched hands to Pallava chieftains, Telugu Cholas, Samburavarayars, and finally Kumara Kampana. The Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya made contributions to the Sundaravarada temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Opening Time
Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Pooja Timing
Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Interesting Facts
Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Nearby Temples
Other Vishnu Temples
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Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Timing

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Suprabhata Seva	6:00 AM
Uchikala Pooja	12:00 PM
Sayaraksha Pooja	6:00 PM
Ardha Jama Pooja	8:30 PM

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Location Details

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Sri Sundaravaradaraja Perumal Sannithi Str, 603406

9443068382

How to Reach Sundaravarada Perumal Temple

By Road:

Kanchipuram is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Kanchipuram Railway Station and Chennai Central Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kanchipuram via connecting cities.

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Other Vishnu Temples

Legends Beliefs

As per Hindu legend, Sundaravarada Perumal temple is closely associated with Mahabharata. Bhima, the Pandava prince, worshipped Vishnu at this place. There are three Varadas around the main sanctum in the ground floor, namely Achyuta Varada, Anirudhha Varada, and Kalyana Varada, who are believed to have given relief to Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. The consort presiding deity, Anandavalli, is believed to have appeared for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity in the temple is Sundaravarada Perumal, a form of Vishnu. His consort is Anandavalli, a form of Lakshmi. The temple also houses images of Achyutha Varada, Anirudda Varadha, and Kalyana Varada. The first tier houses the image of Vaikuntavarada in a seated posture with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The top floor has the sanctum of Ananda Padmanabha in a reclining posture. There are also shrines for Arjuna, Krishna, and Yoga Narasimha.
Offerings

Devotees offer various rituals and prayers to the deities. The temple follows the traditions of the Vadakalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikasana aagama. The priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Offerings include flowers, fruits, and special prayers during festivals.
Architecture

Sundaravarada Perumal temple covers an area of about 2 acres and has a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The temple is enclosed in a rectangular enclosure with huge granite walls. Unlike other South Indian temples, Sundaravarada temple has a two-storied sanctum and three shrines in cardinal directions around the sanctum. The sanctum at the lower level houses the image of Chaturbhujanga Vishnu with four arms. The first tier houses the image of Vaikuntavarada in a seated posture. The top floor has the sanctum of Ananda Padmanabha in a reclining posture. The temple tank, called Vairamegha tataka, is located to the west of the temple.
Festivals

Many yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April - May), Pavitrotsava during Adi (July - August), and Sri Jayanti in Avani (August - September) are the most prominent. There are weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.
Religious Practices

The temple follows the traditions of the Vadakalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikasana aagama. The priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Four daily rituals are held at various times of the day. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

FAQ's

Where is the Sundaravarada Perumal Temple located?

The Sundaravarada Perumal Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Kanchipuram district.

Which God is Sri Sundaravaradaraja Perumal?

Sri Sundaravaradaraja Perumal is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Sundaravarada Perumal Temple?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

How to reach Sundaravarada Perumal Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Kanchipuram Railway Station and Chennai Central Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Kanchipuram. Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kanchipuram via connecting cities.