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A grand old temple, deeply beautiful and full of divine energy. The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is among the largest in Kanchi, yet carries a sense of calm and reverence. The architecture is spectacular -- soaring gopurams, wide corridors, many shrines, and elaborate halls that tell stories in stone. The temple is dedicated chiefly to Lord Vishnu (Varadharaja), and also houses shrines for Lakshmi, Narasimha, Sri Sudarsana and other divine forms. One of its finest features is the 100-pillared mandapam (hall) built by the Vijayanagar kings -- no two pillars are alike, and each bears delicate carvings of mythological scenes, divine forms, yalis, celestial beings, and stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Inside the large temple complex you'll find multiple mandapams and halls; in total there are hundreds of pillars in different parts of the temple. The complex covers a vast area (about 23+ acres) and has three major precincts (prakarams). One of the most enchanting spots is the shrine of Chakratalvar (Sudarshana) near the temple tank. The image of Sudarshana here is grand and rare, often drawing devotees especially interested in that form. There is also a sacred tradition about the Atthi Varadar -- a wooden (fig-wood) deity stored in a secret chamber underwater, brought out once in every 40 years for worship. That said, parking is limited around the temple. Be prepared for tight streets and few spots, so arriving early or using local transport is advisable. All in all, this temple is not just a shrine but a living testimony to art, faith, and history. If your journey leads through Kanchipuram, this must be on your spiritual and architectural map.