Detailed information about the temples

Architecture: The temple is on a little hillock called Hasthagiri. The word 'Hasti in Sanskrit means an elephant and 'Giri' means hillock. Devotees have to ascend 24 steps up the hill in order to reach the main sanctum. This is an extremely large temple with abundant sculptures. Another striking feature in this temple is the Dhwajasthambham which is made from a single piece of stone. Devotees can also check out the great and astounding work of Krishna Deva Raya, the Vijayanagar King and the services rendered by Lakshmikumar Tatacharya which is continued even today by the Tatacharya family. The Shrine of Sri Perundevi Thayar boasts of paintings of the 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams. The exquisite beauty of the 100 pillared Mandapam attract the attention of pilgrims. The delicate figures of Manmatha and Rathi, the riders on horseback, beautiful temple jewellery are other remarkable features of this temple. The temple provides a glimpse of 16th century pillared pavilion with a brilliant workmanship.

Importance of the temple: This temple is known to be the birth place of Vedanta Desikar. The temple has an impressive edifice. The temple is renowned for its annual Garudothsavam which draws thousands of devotees. It is recorded that King Achyuta Raya of the Vijayanagar Dynasty was weighed against Gold also known as Tulabaram which was utilised for a grant of houses for the Vedic Pandits who rendered services to Lord Varadarajaswamy. In the temple tank, an idol of Varadaraja made of fig wood (Atthivaradhan) lies immersed. Once in 40 years the murthi is taken out and kept on display for the benefit of devotees for 10 days. Special Pujas are performed during these 10 days.

Famous for: The temple is one of the important pilgrimage site in 108 Divya Desams of Vaisnava religion. The temple chariot of Varadaraja Swami is regarded as one of the largest in South India. The main idol of Varadaraja Swami is very large and is believed to be second in size to none other than Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala - Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also famous for a unique custom of the two engraved 'Golden' Lizards which can be seen on the temple ceiling. Legend says that devotees reach up and touch them in a belief that it can cure diseases. The temple chariot of Lord Varadarajaswamy is regarded as one of the largest in South India.

Legend: Legend says that once Lord Brahma performed a very big Yagna and during the time of Poornahuthi all the Gods and devas were present there. At that time Lord Vishnu appeared out of the yagna Kund The Gods and Devas present there requested him to stay there for ever to bless his devotees. He readily acceded to their wish and made hastagiri his abode. He was hailed as the King of boon-givers, Varadaraja.

How to get there

Member Reviews

Nearby Temples