Shri Varahamoorthi Temple

Overview

Sreevaraham Lakshmi Varaha Temple, locally known as Sreevaraham Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located at Sreevaraham, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is very near to the well famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This Hindu temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

About The Temple

The sanctum sanctorum is facing west. Lord Varahamurthi on the Badra Peeta graces the devotees with His discus, conch in the upper hands and the left lower embracing Mother Mahalakshmi and assuring all boons to devotees by His right lower hand. The festival deity is made of Panchaloka – an alloy of five metals. The festival deity is carried on the head of the priest each morning and night around the prakara, a puja procedure called Seeveli worship. Devotees will be in huge numbers in the prakara for this worship. This is an important worship followed by devotees here. The idol of Sri Anjaneya is covered with silver. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance.

The temple is of typical Kerala style architecture and the sanctum is round in shape and its roof is covered with copper plates.The 'nalambalam' which is the outer structure is square shaped. There is golden flag post in the temple.

The temple pond needs special mention as it is the largest temple pond in Kerala and has an area of 8 acres. The large number of priests arriving for the Murajapam ritual at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple takes bath in this pond. During Onam festival, a boat race is conducted in this pond.

About The Deity

The principal deity of this temple is Varahamurthy, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main deity is Lord Vishnu in his incarnation form as Varahamurthy in sitting posture along with Lakshmi Devi. The sub-deities are Ganapathy, Sree Krishna, Nagarajah, Yakshiamma, etc.

Legend and Stories

Lord Vishnu has taken many incarnations to destroy demons, protect the righteous and upholding the values of Dharma. The world was destroyed once as a natural rule in Pralaya – a devastating fury of nature. With the approval of his father Lord Brahamma, his son Swayambu engaged himself in creation of the world again. As the world was under the sea, no creature could live then. He begged Brahmma to bring the earth back to position. Brahmma had to surrender at Lord Vishnu’s feet as he did not have the might or the power to restore earth to its position.

Lord Vishnu took the Varaha Avatar – with swine face and human body – brought out the earth with His long teeth – two each in upper and lower side of the mouth called Korai Parkal – in Tamil. Lord had to meet demon Hiranyaksha on the way who harassed Mother Earth in many ways drowned him in the deep sea. As Lord was furious after killing the demon, Mother Mahalakshmi appeared at the place to soften Lord. Assuming the name Sri Varaha Murthi, He has chosen to stay in Sri Varaham, a place in Thiruvananhapuram.

Festivals

8 day Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March April and Laksharchana on Varaha Jayanthi day are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prasad and Offering

Offerings that are common in other Vishnu temples are done here also which includes 'Archana, Ganapathy Homam, Ashtothararchana, Thrimadhuram, Paalpayasam, Unniyappam, Thulabaram and so on.

Significance

People pray here for relief from adverse aspects of serpent planets, for job opportunities and for best achievements in education.

Thanks Giving

Devotees perform abisheks to Lord with sandal and flowers, arrange laksharchana, Kalasa Tirumanjanam, Garuda Vahan Seva and offer things to Lord equal to their weight – Tulabaram.

How To Reach Sri Varaha Murthi Temple, Sri Varaham

Airport

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.

Road

The temple is just 1 km far from the famous Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swami temple in Trivandram.

Temple Address

Shri Varahamoorthi Temple,
Sri Varaham, Muttathara,
Thiruvananthapuram Disrict,
Kerala, Pincode - 695023.