Varadharaja Perumal Temple was originally built by Cholas in the year 1053! Subsequently various rulers overtime have added many structures to this temple. During the reign of Kulottunga Chola and his son Vikrama Chola (in the 11th century) the temple was expanded to a great extent. Later the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire added more halls, embellished the existing ones, and developed the entire 23-acre complex.
The architecture of this temple is a marvel characterized by several mandapams including a 100 pillar hall adorned with stone chains. The tower on the eastern side of the temple has 9 tiers and it is 180 feet tall while the one on the western side is 160 feet.
The 100 pillar mandapam (hall) has become a center of attraction to people who are interested in archeology. It houses exquisite carvings and delicate work of art. This mandapam is believed to be constructed by the Vijayanagara rulers. Most of the columns in this hall is made of single stones! Scenes from Ramayanam, Mahabharatham and Bhagavat Gita are engraved on the pillars!
One can see a chain hanging from the roof in this hall which is sculptured from a single stone!
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