The Sanctum in this temple is built on a rock called Atthigiri. The main Deity of Sri Varadaraja Perumal in this temple is very large, and is believed to be second in size to none other than the Deity of Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala-Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh. 

Significant among other things in this temple are the sculptures of two lizards carved on the ceiling of the corridor enclosing the Sanctum. The lizards, one covered with a sheet of Gold and the other with a sheet of Silver, are believed to be the disciples of an ancient rishi who were cursed to become lizards by their guru. For a long time now, people who visit the temple stand in line to touch the two lizards, in a gesture that means both getting the blessings of Sri Varadaraja, and also helping liberate the disciples from the curse. According to the legend, the Sun and the Moon stand as witnesses to this event. The sculptures of the Sun and the Moon can be found beside those of the lizards. 

This name "Atthigiri" has been derived from the name of the deity in this temple - Atthigiri Varadar. "Atthigiri" means Elephant Mountain. It derives from a long story in Hindu mythology. Atthi is also a type of wood. The pond in this temple houses the shrine of Atthigiri Varadar - the deity carved out of Atthi wood. This deity is not kept for public view. It is preserved under the pond. The Atthigiri Varadar deity is brought out of the pond exactly once in 40 years for a period of 48 days. The last event was in 1979. Atthigiri Varadar will be kept for public viewing again in the year 2019. 

The sculptures and paintings in this temple are absolutely amazing. Significant among the sculptures is the "Nooru Kaal Mandapam" or 100 Pillar Hall. This entire masterpiece has been sculpted out of a single rock. The pillars of this hall depict the various Avatars of Lord Vishnu. This hall also features chains that were sculpted from the same rock. 

This temple is an important stopover point for almost all tourist buses that come into Kanchipuram. Although the temple never gets crowded (it is too big), the queue at the Sanctum gets backed up very often. 

Note that as a tradition, Vaishnavite temples always close at Noon, to be reopened in the evening. You can expect the Santum of this temple to be closed in the afternoon, too. 

While you are there, don't forget to taste the food sold at the Temple's Madappalli (Kitchen). There are stories about how Arignar Anna, strikingly one of the strongest atheist leaders known in Tamilnadu, loved the food from this temple's kitchen. Anna's house is located right next to the temple premises (See Megamap) and has been converted into a Memorial Center.