Kallahalli Bhoo Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Karnataka

Address

Kallahalli Bhoo Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Karnataka
Kallahalli, Ganjigere post,
Bookanakere Hobali, K R Pet Taluk
Mandya District,
Karnataka – 571426..

Moolavar

Bhoo Varahanatha Swamy

Amman

Lakshmi

Introduction

Location: Situated on the banks of the River Hemavathi in Varahanataha Kallahalli, Bookanakere Hobali, Krishnarajapete Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka.
Presiding Deities: Bhoo Varahanatha (an incarnation of Sri Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi.
Special Idols: The 18-foot-tall Bhoovarahanathaswamy Krishnashila idol and a 3.5-foot-tall Bhoodevi idol.
Unique Feature: Bhoo Varahanathaswamy is depicted in a sitting position with Goddess Bhoodevi on his left lap.
Significance: A popular temple near Mysore, known for its spiritual importance and historical value.

Puranic Significance:

Historical Background: This temple is an ancient Narasimha temple, highlighting the divine incarnation of Vishnu as Bhoo Varaha.
Divine Form: Bhoo Varahanatha (Varaha incarnation) represents the wild boar form of Vishnu, symbolizing the protection and restoration of the earth.
Connection to Vishnu: The idol is a rare representation of the third incarnation of Vishnu in the form of a wild boar (Varaha).

Special Features:

Main Idol: The 18-foot-tall idol of Bhoo Varahanathaswamy is made of grey stone, in a sitting position with Bhoodevi on his left lap.
Additional Sculptures:
- Hanuman Idol: Sculpted under the main idol.
- Conch and Discus: The deity’s upper hand holds a conch and discus, while the Sudarshana chakra is carved on the back.
- Abhaya Mudra: The lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, offering protection.
Goddess Bhoodevi: The 3.5-foot idol of Goddess Bhoodevi seated on the lap of Bhoo Varahanathaswamy.
Pooja Rituals: The special Abhishekam is performed using 25 different types of offerings, including milk, yogurt, honey, turmeric, sandalwood, etc.
- Devotee Participation: Thousands of devotees witness the anointing ceremony, a significant spiritual practice at the temple.

Festivals:

Annual Festival: Celebrated after the receding of the River Hemavati’s waters (in April or May), marking the occasion with special rituals.
Varaha Jayanthi: The temple observes this festival, dedicated to the divine Varaha incarnation of Vishnu.