Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple

Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, also known as the Devaraja Swami Temple, is one of the premier Divya Desams in Thondai Nadu, situated atop Hastagiri (Elephant Hill) in the sacred city of Kanchipuram — the ancient capital of the Pallava dynasty. The presiding deity, Sri Varadharaja Perumal, stands in a magnificent posture granting boons to all who seek refuge. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Azhwar saints, with Thirumazhisai Azhwar — the great saint born in Thondai Nadu — having a particularly deep connection to this shrine. The famous legend of Thirumazhisai Azhwar's devotion here, where the Lord Himself rolled up His serpent bed and followed the saint when the Pallava king banished him, is immortalized in Tamil devotional lore. Bhoothathazhwar and Peyazhwar, two of the Mudhal Azhwars born in Thondai Nadu, also praised this temple. The Pallava dynasty architecture is magnificent, with the 100-pillar mandapam and towering gopurams showcasing the finest Dravidian craftsmanship. The temple also houses the famous Athigiri Varadhar — a sandalwood deity brought out from the temple tank once every 40 years.