Varahaperumal Temple

Overview

Varahaperumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located at Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamilnadu, India. Lord Perumal is a Salagrama Murthy in the temple. Located just behind the Chakrapani temple in Thiru Kudanthai is the ancient Aathi Varaha Perumal Koil, a temple that dates back to the Varaha Avatar. As this temple dates back to a period before the other three well known temples of this temple town –Sarangapani, Ramaswamy and Chakrapani, the Lord here is referred to as Aathi Varaha Perumal.

Prarthana Sthalam for the unmarried - Bhoodevi Thaayar is said to provide relief from land related problems. Sarangapani Aaravamudhan and Chakrapani Perumal visit this temple on the 7th day of Chitrai every year.

There are shrines for Sri Vishwaksenar and Acharya Nikamanda Maha Desika. Nagar is installed under the Tulsi plant in the prakara. Those facing adverse aspects of serpent planets Rahu and Ketu worship Lord here lighting Deepams. Varaha Theertham is outside the temple. Just a little away from the temple are the Divyadesa temples of Lord Sarangapani and Lord Chakrapani.

About The Temple

Even long before the time of Maha Pralaya-devastating tsunami floods, it is said that Lord Aadhi Varaha was in this place. Maha Magam festival began to be celebrated in Kumbakonam after this event. He is the first Perumal of this region. On the Maha Magam festival, Kumbakonam Perumals Sarangapani, Chakrapani, Varadarajar, Rajagopalar and this Perumal-Aadhi Varahamurthi come to Cauvery for Theerthavari.

Lord Aadhi Varaha Murthy in the sanctum sanctorum appears with Mother Bhoomadevi on his left lap. Mother is facing Perumal in worshipping posture. Those facing litigations in land property related matters, pray to Perumal for solution. During the Arthajama Puja-last puja at night in temples- a nivedhana made of a powder from a root growing under the grass and mixed with rice flour and sugar is offered to Lord. These flour balls are offered as Prasad to devotees the next morning. As Lord rescued Mother Earth from deep Padala Loka, a nivedhana made of a root growing under the earth is offered to the Lord.

The procession deity, also Aadhi Varahar with his left foot on Adisesha is standing before Lord in a sitting posture. The Varaha Salagrama with symbols of discus and conch is also before Lord. Milk abishek is performed to Salagrama every day.

About The Deity

The Moolavar presiding deity is found in his manifestation as Varahaperumal. His consort is known as Boomidevi.

Legend and Stories

Once a demon took the earth to the underground, Devas prayed to Vishnu to save the world. Vishnu fought with the demon and brought out the world from underground.

Having not allowed the Rishis for a direct darshan of the Lord at his abode in Sri Vaikuntam, the security guards (Dwarapalakas) - Jayan and Vijayan - were cursed to serve tenures as asuras. Hence, they were born as Hiranya-Hiranyakashipu, Kumbakarna-Ravana and Dhandavatran - Sishupala. During the first of their `Stints in this Asura form, Hiranyaksha takes Goddess Earth to the Neither World. Lord Narayana took the Varaha Avatar to defeat the Asura and bring Bhoo Devi back to the earth.

Having brought the earth back and as per the prayers of the rishis, Lord Varaha provided darshan here with Goddess Bhoo Devi on his lap.

Festivals

Masi Magam in February-March is the famous festival of the temple.

Significance

People pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks and for child boon. Devotees perform Thirumanjanam and offer vastras to Lord Perumal.

How To Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Trichy Airport.

Rail

The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station.

Road

The temple is about 3 km from the Kumbakonam bus stand. Autos and cabs are available. An auto from Kumbakonam bus stand.

Temple Address

Sri Adhivaraha Perumal Temple,
P Shunmugam Rd, Valayapettai Agraharam,
Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District,
Tamil Nadu, Pincode - 612001.