Kanchi Hastagiri Varadaraja Perumal (also known as Attigiri, Hastigiri, Perarulalan, or Devaraja Perumal) is one of the most sacred of the 108 Divya Desams and is affectionately known among Sri Vaishnavas simply as "Perumal Koil."
The name Hastagiri comes from two Sanskrit words:
Hasta – elephant
Giri – hill
The sanctum of Lord Varadaraja stands atop a small hill believed to be in the shape of an elephant. According to tradition, Indra (or his divine elephant Airavata) worshipped the Lord here and was relieved of a curse, giving the hill its name.
Some of the unique glories of Hastagiri are:
Lord Varadaraja ("the Bestower of Boons") manifested from the yajña performed by Brahmā.
The ancient wooden deity Athi Varadar, carved from the sacred athi (fig) tree, is brought out for public darśan only once every 40 years.
The temple is closely associated with Ramanuja, who rendered devoted service here.
The temple is renowned for its magnificent 100-pillared hall, the golden and silver lizard shrine, and the beautiful Punyakoti Vimanam above the sanctum.
For a Sri Vaishnava, three shrines are especially revered:
Koil – Ranganathaswamy Temple
Tirumalai – Venkateswara Temple
Perumal Koil – Varadaraja Perumal Temple (Hastagiri)
A traditional prayer to the Lord is:
वरदराजं भजे नित्यं हस्तिशैलनिवासिनम् ।
करुणामृतसिन्धुं तं भक्ताभीष्टप्रदायकम् ॥
"I ever worship Lord Varadaraja, who resides on Hastigiri, the ocean of compassion, who grants the cherished wishes of His devotees."
Since you have been writing on the Pancha Varadaraja temples, Hastagiri Varadaraja naturally stands as the foremost among them, combining profound theological significance with the living tradition of the Sri Vaishnava sampradāya.
What Stories and Legends Shape the History of Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple?
Every ancient temple has a story. But Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram feels like it carries many stories at once—some whispered through stone pillars, some sung by saints, and some still believed deeply by devotees today. This temple is not just old. It is alive with legends.
Located in the sacred city of Kanchipuram, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the Divya Desam temple, praised by the Alwars in their Tamil hymns. For Vaishnavites, this place is not optional. It is essential.
The Legend of Brahma’s Yagna
One of the most famous stories begins with Lord Brahma himself. It is said that Brahma performed a grand yagna here to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. From the sacred fire emerged Lord Vishnu in the form of Varadaraja Perumal, the giver of boons.
“Vara” means boon. “Raja” means king. The name itself tells the story—this is the king who grants wishes.p
Even today, devotees believe that prayers offered here reach the Lord faster. Maybe that belief comes from this legend. Or maybe it comes from centuries of faith.
The Mysterious Athi Varadar
Another story that fascinates pilgrims is about Athi Varadar, the wooden idol made from the sacred Athi (fig) tree. Legends say this idol was originally worshipped, but later submerged in the temple tank to protect it during invasions.
Once every 40 years, Athi Varadar is brought out for darshan. Millions gather. No grand advertising, no force—just belief pulling people in. That silence, that crowd, that moment… it stays with you.
Alwars, Hymns, and Divya Desam Glory
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is celebrated by great Alwars like Thirumangai Alwar and Peyalwar. Their hymns describe the Lord not just as divine, but compassionate, accessible, almost human.
Because of these sacred verses, the temple earned its place as one of the Divya Desam temple, making it a major stop for Divya Desam pilgrims across India
Ever so many visits to this beautiful temple like a Sunday morning retreat spot I would be woken up around 3.30 or 4 on a Sunday morning and asked shall we go to kanchi today. Those were the best words I heard for a wake up call. All of us enjoyed those visits. Even children they used to sing on the way up. Beautiful mornings.
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