Damala Sri Varaheeswarar Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Damala Sri Varaheeswarar Temple Damal, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu Phone: 044 24453709 Mobile: 09444103171

Diety

Sri Varaheeswarar

Introduction

The Varaheeswarar Temple, located in Damal Village in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu, is a significant ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: Damal Village is situated on the Bangalore Highway after the entrance to Kanchipuram. The temple is located in this village, and it is an important pilgrimage site for devotees.

History and Legends:

The Varaheeswarar Temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old and has a rich history associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
According to legend, after Lord Vishnu’s Varaha Avatara (incarnation as a boar), he did not return to Vaikundam (his divine abode). The Devas sought Lord Shiva’s help, and in the form of a hunter, Lord Shiva pacified Varaha. This event took place in Damal, and as evidence, the Shiva Lingam in the temple has Chanku (conch) and Chakra (discus) symbols, signifying Lord Vishnu’s presence as Varaha.

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Varaheeswarar, where “Varaha” means boar, and “Ishwarar” refers to Shiva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who took the form of Varaheeswarar.
The consort of Lord Varaheeswarar is known as Sornambigai.
Sarabeswarar, another form of Lord Shiva, is also present in the temple.

Temple Architecture:

The temple’s architecture showcases elements from the Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The arch of the temple is constructed from stone and features sculptures of Ganga and Yamuna Devi.
The temple has a separate sanctum for Lord Ganapathy (Ganesha) and Lord Subramanyar (Kartikeya).

Unique Features:

One of the remarkable features of the temple is the alignment of the sun’s rays on the Shiva Lingam during the Rathasapthami day, which occurs in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March).
The temple also features Bhairava sculptures with their faithful dogs on the pillars of the inner and outer verandahs.

Festivals and Rituals:

The temple hosts various festivals and rituals, including Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and other special occasions to worship Lord Varaheeswarar.
On Rathasapthami day, sunlight directly falls on the Shiva Linga within the temple, creating a unique and auspicious phenomenon.

Historical Significance:

The temple carries historical significance, with architectural elements dating back to the Pallava period. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone multiple renovations and restorations to maintain its heritage.

The Varaheeswarar Temple is a place of great religious and historical importance, and it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, perform rituals, and witness unique phenomena associated with this ancient shrine.