The Boon-Giving King
Varadarāja (Sanskrit: vara = boon/blessing + da = giver + rāja = king; 'the King who grants boons') is the presiding deity of Kāñcīpuram (Kāñcī), one of the premier Divya Deśams. Varadarāja sits in royal composure on the Atthi-vīḍu (fig tree throne), extending the right hand in abhaya mudra — protecting and granting the devotee's heart's desire.
Pre-eminence of Kāñcī Varadarāja
Kāñcīpuram is sacred to many Śrī Vaiṣṇava Ācāryas:
- Kūrattāzhvān composed Varadarāja Stava in His praise
- Vedānta Deśika composed the magnificent Varadarāja Pañcāśat (50 verses of praise)
- Piḷḷai Lokācārya sought refuge at Kāñcīpuram and was protected by Varadarāja's grace
Saulabhya Embodied
Varadarāja is particularly associated with saulabhya (accessibility) and vātsalya (parental love). He is 'deva perumāḷ' — 'the Lord of the devas' — and stories of His intervention in devotees' lives at Kāñcīpuram are among the most beloved in the tradition.