Sri Bhuvaragaswami Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Srimushnam, a town of the Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located about 39 km (24 miles) west of Chidambaram and 19 km (12 miles) south east of Vridhachalam and is sacred to Hindus as well as Buddhists also is one of the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras of Vaishnavas.

About the Temple

Varaha Avatar enjoys special significance, of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that worshipping the Lord in this form shall lead to salvation, as the Lord appears so majestically with His two hands on the hips. Vimana (roof tower) of the main deity is called Bhavana Vimana. Near the northern tower, there is a temple for Kulandai Amman with facilities for the accommodation of Mother Ambujavalli’s friends. The temple faces the west. One can see the Raja Gopuram, which is about 120 feet high with 7 Nilays (parts), even from a long distance. A gigantic 40 feet Garuda Sthambham is found in front of the Raja Gopuram.

We can see Andal Sannadhi, as we go on, Udayavar, and Venugopalan Sannadhi and a small Sannadhi for Kuzhandai Amman. People, who earn for childbirth, will be blessed with a child, if they visit this Amman Sannadhi. Further on, we can see the Sannadhis of Vishwaksenar, Vedanta Desika, Thirumangai Alwar Manavaala Maa Munigal and Thirkkaccha Nambigal. We can see a separate Sannadhi of Nammalwar, on the South direction of the Kodi Maram. One can see the separate Sannadhi of Sri Ambujavalli Thaayar in Irundha (sitting) Thirukkolam on the southwest direction.

About the Deity

The main god is Lord Bhuvaraha also called Sri Yagnavaragan and his consort as Goddess Sri Ambujavalli.

Legend and Stories

Lord Vishnu was chasing the demon Hiranysura in Varaha Avatara (a divine swine with a menacing horn) killing him and recovering the earth stolen by hima and re-installed the earth on the heads of the Adisesha (divine snake) as before. He created the Nityapushkarani spring from his sweat and the Bothi tree, also called Aswath tree and Tulsi from His two eyes. He chose Srimushnam for gracing the devotees in the name of Sri Bhuvaraga.

Festivals

Celebrated in a grand manner is 10 day Masi Magam (February-March) Brahmmotsavam beginning on the Bharani star day when the Lord visits the sea. Perumal travels through a mosque in Thaikal village, where a Nawab was placed to rest, before His arrival at the sea side. The Lord visits the palace of the Nawab after acknowledging the pooja offered at the Mosque area which is a very strange and secular tradition followed. In Srimushnam itself, a 10 day Chithirai (April-May) brahmmotsavam is celebrated in which car and boat (Teppam) programmes are conducted. Perumal comes in procession both in day and night for nine days. On the tenth day Theerthavari is celebrated in Pushkarini. Lord Sri Yoga Narasimha is taken on procession in the prakars – corridors- of the temple, each month on the two Ekadasi days, new moon, full moon days and the first day of the Tamil months. The day of his incarnation as Sri Narasimha, Lord Shri Bhuvaraga graces on Revathi star day in the Chithirai month. Vaikasi Visakam in May-June with procession deity on Garuda, Aadi Pooram in July-August for Sri Andal, 10 day Sri Jayanthi, Navarathi in Purattasi-September-October, Deepavali in October-November, Karthikai Chokkapanai in November-December, 10 nights and 10 days - Rapathu-Pagal Pathu- in Margazhi-November-December, Andal festival, Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Garuda Sevai, Makara Sankranti and Mattupongal in January with Sri Yagnavaraha and Andal wedding festival, Thaipoosam in January-February with Parivettai, Theertha Utsav and Panguni Uthiram (March-April) wedding festival for Perumal and Mother are the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

Thanks giving

Having realized their prayers, devotees perform abishek to the Lord with white vastras, Tulsi garlands and light ghee lamps. Earlier offered as nivedhana to the Lord, they distribute the Prasad to the devotees and also arrange feeding.

Significance

Those surrendering at the feet of Lord Varaha Perumal are blessed with eloquence, high position, stable wealth, children, health, and longevity, according to Mantra Sastras and scriptures. Those facing adverse aspects of Jupiter, Rahu and Ketu are advised to pray the Lord in this temple. New vehicles and vehicles involved in accidents are brought here after repairs and before using them.

Nearby Place to Visit

Patanjaleeswarar

Thillai Kali

Swarnapureeswarar

Pralayakaleswarar

Kolanji Appar

Theerthapureeswarar

Accessibility

Road

Getting down in Sri Mushnam, situated in the western part of Chidambaram is hassle free and is well connected from all major towns with lots of transportation facilities available. This sthalam (place) is situated about 20 Kms from Virudachalam and about 40 Kms from Chidambaram. Hence, there are lots of buses and lodging facilities.

Railways

Chidambaram, Virudhachalam

Airport

Trichy

Temple Address

Sri Bhuvaragaswami Temple,
Sri Mushnam,
Cuddalore dist,
Pin code– 608 703.