Saturday, July 23, 2016

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram - Legends

Sundaravarada Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram - Legends
As per Hindu legend, Sundara Varada Perumal temple is closely associated with MahabharataBhima, Pandava prince in Mahabharata 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 ArjunaNakula and Sahadeva, the other three Pandava princes. The consort presiding deity, Anandavalli is believed to have appeared for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. The images of the three Varadas are located around the sanctum in cardinal directions. A fleet of steps led to each of them.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu, in different forms, gave darshan to Pancha Pandavas, who are believed to come here (Virata Parvam) during the time of their exile. Hence this place is also referred to as Pancha Varada Kshetram. While there are no inscriptions confirming the visit of the Pandavas, several of the villages in and around Uthiramerur were named after the Pandavas and this serves as an indication that they visited this place.
It is said that Sundara Varadhar was worshipped by Yudhishthira, Vaikunda Varadhar by Bheema, Achutha Varadhar by Arjuna, Aniruddha Varadhar by Nakula and Kalyana Varadhar by Sahadeva. All the above 5 Gods are the principal deities here, though Sundara Varadhar remain the main deity. It is also said that Pandavas lost their power and wisdom and after worshipping here, they gained all their power back.