Kanchi Lizard Temple: Golden, Silver, Timings, and Today

Legend associated with Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Brahma came to Kanchi to carry out the Asvamedha yaga at Satyavritakshetra or Hastigiri. After the Yaga, Brahma received darshan from Lord Vishnu as he emerged from the fire carrying Sanka and Chakra. Brahma began to perform Utsavas (festivals) after installing the deity (of bronze) with a mula bera constructed of Atti Wood. This utsava is referred to as a brahmotsava since Brahma himself performed it. Eventually, the elephant that was Indra’s vehicle evolved into a hill known as Hastigirı, which is devoted to the Varadaraja shrine (Hasti meaning elephant, Giri meaning hill).
Because the idol was built of Atti, or wood, another version says that it is Attigiri. Eventually, the stone sculpture that is currently being worshipped at the Garbhagriha took the place of this wooden idol. As a result, we learn from the Sthalapurana that Brahma performed the Yaga fire and then placed Lord Varadaraja, also known as Arulala Perumal, in the temple.

Kanchi Gold and Silver Lizard Temple History

Two of Gowtham Maharishi’s disciples are said to have filled pots with water to regularly worship the deity. A lizard fell into a water-filled pot one day, and the disciples brought it to Maharishi without realizing it, which angered him. He cursed them to turn into lizards. Then Maharishi told them to travel to Kanchi and spend a long time there, like lizards.

Another story claims that the goddess Saraswati cursed Lord Indra to assume the form of an elephant. He arrived in this form and appealed to Lord Varadhraja Swamy, who granted him freedom from the curse. Simultaneously, two lizards found salvation, although their mortal remains are still present in this temple.

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple has both gold and silver lizards, where a sliver moon face with tiny lizard carvings and a golden sun face with a large golden lizard are located on the roof. It is thought that touching these lizard cravings, along with the sun and moon on the roof after receiving darshan from Varadaraja Swamy, can heal all doshas and chronic illnesses.

It is believed that lizard curses can have a bad effect on a person’s life. There are two gold-silver-plated lizards in the ceiling of the It is said that by touching the lizards from head to tail, the doshas that they have caused will go away.

Kanchi Lizard Temple Timings

6 a.m to 12 p.m
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Temple timings might change on festival days
The temple remains closed for Darshan from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m

Preferable Darshan Dress Code

Gents: dhoti (white) and shirt or kurta and pyjama.
Ladies: saree or salwar kameez (with Pallu Compulsory).
All pilgrims are requested not to wear clothes such as T-shirts, jeans, etc.