The temple's origins are ancient, with the primary structure dating back to the 10th century Chola period. However, the most striking features, like the massive outer walls and the 100-pillared hall, were additions by the Vijayanagara kings. The temple served as a major center for the Sri Vaishnava philosopher Ramanujacharya, who is said to have performed daily service here.

The 100-Pillared Hall and the Monolithic Chain

The temple is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara-Dravidian architecture. The Kalyana Mandapam (100-pillared hall) is world-renowned; each pillar is carved from a single stone, featuring intricate depictions of warriors on horses, Yalis, and deities. At the corners of this hall hang Stone Chains, each carved from a single piece of granite, with free-moving links that defy modern understanding of ancient masonry. The main sanctum is situated on a small hillock called 'Hastigiri', accessible by a flight of 24 steps representing the Gayatri Mantra.

Legend states that Lord Brahma performed a grand Yagna here to see Lord Vishnu. To stop the Yagna, Goddess Saraswati took the form of the fast-flowing Vegavathi river. Lord Vishnu then lay across the river as 'Yathothkari Perumal' to stop the flood. Later, the Lord manifested as Varadharaja (The King who grants boons) from the sacrificial fire on the Hastigiri hill (the elephant hill).

Worship follows the Vaikhanasa Agama. A unique ritual involves devotees climbing to a small chamber above the main sanctum to touch the Golden and Silver Lizards on the ceiling. Legend says two disciples of Gautama Rishi were turned into lizards and attained salvation by the touch of the Goddess; touching these metallic replicas is believed to wash away all past sins and 'Doshas'.

The 10-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is the grandest event, especially the Garuda Seva morning, which draws millions of devotees. However, the most unique event is the Aththi Varadhar Festival, which occurs only once every 40 years when the original fig-wood idol is brought out of the temple tank for 48 days of public darshan (last held in 2019).

The mystery of Aththi Varadhar is the heart of the temple's modern lore. The original idol, made of Aththi (Fig) wood, was hidden in the Ananthasaras tank to protect it from invaders in the 16th century. It stayed there for so long that it was 'forgotten' until it was rediscovered in 1709. Since then, the tradition of bringing Him out every 40 years has become a global phenomenon. In 2019, the surge of devotees was so massive that the entire city of Kanchipuram was transformed into a temporary pilgrimage city for nearly two months.