In Tamil Nadu, India, there’s a sacred place that has lasted for ages – the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple. It’s in Srimushnam and shows the faith of many generations. The temple’s grand towers and detailed walls invite visitors to learn about its history and feel its spiritual vibe.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar form, Varaha, and his wife Lakshmi in the form of Ambujavalli Thayar. It is a major destination for Vaishnavites, and its unique design and architecture make it a top spot for those interested in religious tourism.
As soon as you enter the temple, you feel like you are in a special place. The scent of incense and prayers fills the air. Detailed sculptures and carvings tell stories of Lord Vishnu and his followers’ devotion.
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The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a symbol of Hindu faith and strength. Its long history shows the devotion of many who have found solace here. Visiting this temple is a chance to see its beauty and feel its spiritual power.
Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu shrine in Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu. It’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. This temple is a key site for Vishnu devotees, drawing pilgrims from across India.
Location and Significance
The temple sits on the Hemavathy river’s banks at 11°24′7″N 79°24′19″E. It was built in 1334 A.D. by Veera Ballala III of the Hoysala kingdom. Over time, it was expanded and renovated by various rulers, including the Nayak kings in the 16th century.
This temple is special because it’s one of Vishnu’s eight self-manifested sites in Tamil Nadu. It’s famous for helping people build homes. Devotees can worship a brick here to speed up their construction plans.
Deity Worshipped: Bhu Varaha Swamy (Varaha) and Ambujavalli Thayar (Lakshmi)
The temple worships Bhu Varaha Swamy, Lord Vishnu’s boar form, and his consort Ambujavalli Thayar, a form of Goddess Lakshmi. The 15-foot-tall idol of Lord Varahanath Swamy is a sight to behold. He is known for defeating the demon Hiranyaksha, with a pig’s face and a human body.
Temple Feature | Description |
Rajagopurams | Seven-tiered tower on the western side and a five-tiered tower on the eastern side |
Dwaja Stambham (flag post) | Stands at a height of 80 feet |
Guarding Deities | Two panchaloha deities at the entrance of the sanctum |
Major Festivals | Masi Brahmotsavam and Chithirai Brahmotsavam |
Other Festivals | Navratri, Ekadasi, Diwali, Garuda Seva, Thaipoosam, and Panguni Uthram |
Temple Timings: – 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily.
History and Architecture
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine, over 2,500 years old. It shows the beauty of South Indian architecture. Built by the Vijayanagara kings and later expanded by Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak in the 16th century, it highlights the region’s rich culture.
Temple Constructed
The construction of the temple started under the Vijayanagara kings. They ruled from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, expanded it from 1560 to 1614 CE. The temple was also renovated in 1535 CE by Pedda Tirumalacharya.
South Indian Temple Architecture Style
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a perfect example of the Dravidian style of south Indian architecture. It’s built with red rock and has a rectangular shape. The temple has inscriptions in Telugu, showing grants from rulers like Sri Ranga Raya Deva of Vijayanagara.
Temple Gopurams, Precincts, and Shrines
The temple complex has two gopurams (gateway towers) and granite walls. It also has a temple tank called kalyani. The central shrine houses a 3.5-foot tall shaligrama stone idol of Varaha, with goddess Bhoodevi on his lap, holding a lotus flower. There are also shrines for Ambujavalli Thayar, Andal, Ramanuja, and other deities.
Visitors can see the temple’s architectural wonders during the daily temple timings. These timings follow the Vaikhanasa Agama. Restoration efforts have strengthened the compound walls and added a new gopuram. This ensures the temple remains a source of inspiration for devotees for many years.
Legends and Myths
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple was built in the 12th century during the Chola dynasty. It is filled with fascinating legends and stories from mythology. These tales have been shared for generations, drawing many to this sacred site.
Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu became Varaha, a divine boar, to save the earth goddess Bhudevi. This powerful form of Vishnu is the main deity at the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple.
Rescue of Goddess Bhudevi from Demon Hiranyaksha
The demon king Hiranyaksha took Goddess Bhudevi to the cosmic ocean. Lord Vishnu, as Varaha, fought the demon and saved Bhudevi. Varaha’s sweat formed the temple tank, Nithya Pushkarani.
Temple Legend | Key Elements |
Varaha Avatar | Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as a divine boar |
Rescue of Bhudevi | Varaha’s battle with demon king Hiranyaksha to save the earth goddess |
Nithya Pushkarani | Temple tank formed from the sweat of Varaha during the battle |
These legends and stories make the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple very special. They draw people who want to feel the divine and learn from these ancient tales.
Festivals and Religious Practices at Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple follows the Pancharatra Agama style of worship. Priests perform six daily rituals with great devotion. These temple rituals include decoration, food offering, and waving of lamps.
Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals are also observed. This ensures continuous worship and celebration.
The temple celebrates various religious festivals throughout the year. The annual Brahmotsavams are the most significant. These grand festivals are celebrated twice a year.
Once in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) and again in Chittirai (April-May). The Masi Magam Brahmmotsavam is a 10-day festival. The Chithirai Utsavam also spans 10 days.
Other notable festivals include Navarathri. The goddess is adorned with silk sarees and flower garlands. Lord Sri Yoga Narasimha is also celebrated with a procession.
Each month, the temple celebrates various festivals. These include Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Pooram, Deepavali, and more. These festivals bring joy and unity to the community.
The chariot festival at Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. The chariot flag is provided by the local Muslim community. The offerings are shared between the temple and nearby mosques.
Visiting Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple
The temple is open from early morning until late at night. Morning hours are from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Evening hours are from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Visitors must follow a dress code. Men wear shirts and pants, and women wear sarees or half sarees. Kallahalli is easily accessible by road to reach the temple. It’s about 180 kilometers from Bangalore, two hours from Mysore, and a 30-minute drive from Hassan.
Reach Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is in Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu. It’s a top spot for pilgrims all year. The temple honors Lord Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Ambujavalli Thayar (Lakshmi). It’s open from early morning to late evening.
Visitors can see six daily rituals and join in the temple’s big festivals. The Chariot festival in Vaikasi is a highlight.
Getting to Srimushnam is easy by train, with Chidambaram station 30 km away. Airports like Pondicherry (60 km) and Chennai (200 km) are close too. There are places to stay in Srimushnam and nearby towns like Chidambaram and Pondicherry.
When you visit, wear modest clothes and follow the temple rules. The temple’s design, with two gopurams and a 16 columned hall, shows its rich history. It’s special because Muslims can worship till the Ardha Mandapam, showing unity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Where is the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple located?
The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is in Srimushnam, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu
Q: Who are the main deities worshipped at the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple?
Bhu Varaha Swamy, the boar form of Lord Vishnu, and his consort Ambujavalli Thayar, a form of Goddess Lakshmi, are the main deities.
Q: What is the historical significance of the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple?
Built by the Vijayanagara kings, it was expanded by Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak in the 16th century. It’s one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred Vishnu temples.
Q: What is the architectural style of the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple?
It follows the South Indian Dravidian style. It has two gopurams, granite walls, and a temple tank.
Q: What are the major festivals celebrated at the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple?
The Brahmotsavams are celebrated twice a year. The chariot festival shows Hindu-Muslim unity.
Q: How can one reach the Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple?
Chidambaram railway station is 30 km away. Pondicherry and Chennai airports are 60 km and 200 km away. Accommodation is available in Srimushnam and nearby towns.