Tirukkachchi (Hastigiri)
Divya Desam 43 of 108 | Region: Tondai Nadu
Located in Vishnu Kanchi—one of the twin sacred zones of Kanchipuram—Tirukkachchi, also known as Hastigiri, is among the most celebrated Divya Desams of the Vaishnavite tradition. Nestled in the heart of Kanchipuram, it shares the spiritual space with several other revered temples such as Ashtabhuyakaram, Tiruttanka, Tiruvelukkai, and Tiruvegkaa.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Varadaraja Perumal, also called Devarajan, in a majestic standing posture
- Thayar (Goddess): Perundevi Thayar, enshrined in a separate sanctum
- Theertham: Vegavathi Theertham
- Vimanam: Punyakoti Vimanam
The original murti of Varadaraja Perumal, known as Attigiri Varadan, is carved from the sacred Attimaram (fig tree wood). This deity is preserved in the temple tank and is brought out once every 40 years for public worship over a 10-day period—a rare and divine spectacle.
Sacred Legends
This Divya Desam has been worshipped by celestial beings across all four yugas:
- Brahma in the Krita Yuga
- Gajendra in the Treta Yuga
- Bruhaspati in the Dvapara Yuga
- Adisesha in the Kali Yuga
The name Hastigiri is derived from the belief that Airavatam, the celestial elephant of Indra, assumed the form of a hill (giri) and bears the divine image of Lord Vishnu.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasurams 1541, 2050, 2060, 2066
- Bhootathazhwar: Pasurams 2276, 2277
- Peyazhwar: Pasuram 2307
(As referenced in the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham)
Festivals and Architecture
The Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, especially the Garuda Sevai and Rathotsavam, are grand annual events attracting thousands of pilgrims. The Adhyayana Utsavam during Margazhi is also celebrated with spiritual fervor.
Architecturally, the temple sprawls across 20 acres, showcasing a rich legacy of Chola and Vijayanagara architecture. A notable highlight is the stone chain carvings in the hundred-pillar mandapam, an exquisite example of craftsmanship.
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Experience the divine energy of Varadaraja Perumal and immerse yourself in the spiritual and architectural brilliance of this sacred kshetram with our expertly curated pilgrimage tours.
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