Kallidaikurichi Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Kallidaikurichi,

Tirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu– 627 416 Phone: +91- 4634 – 250 302, 94431 59402

Moolavar

Adhi Varaha Perumal, Lakshmipathy

Amman

Bhoomadevi

Introduction

Aadi Varaha temple is a small temple located at the heart of Kallidaikurichi village. The east facing temple does not have tower, but has the flag staff, bali peetha and Garuda facing the main shrine. The temple has two prakaras. The structure belongs to 15th century CE. The east facing sanctum sanctorum has the idol of Varaha in the sitting posture holding Lakshmi on his left lap. The Utsava idols of Lakshmipati along with his two consorts are also found in the sanctum. It is generally Bhoomi Devi who is found along with Varaha. It is unique in this temple.

Puranic Significance

Kubera, the God of Wealth came down to earth to seek relief from a curse he incurred. After worshipping various Shiva temples, he desired to worship Lord Vishnu. He made an idol of the Lord, installed it on the banks of River Tambiraparani and worshipped. In course of time, the place disappeared. Lord appeared in the dream of a devotee and disclosed His presence in the place. The devotee found the idols. The temple was built later.

Lord Adhi Varahaswami in the sanctum sanctorum graces the devotees in a sitting form on the lotus designed stage-Padma Peeta- with Mother Bhooma Devi on His lap looking at Him. As Lord always is with Mother, He is praised as Nityakalyana Perumal – Perumal ever in his wedding style, hence the place is also called Kalyanapuri. For a good match, those awaiting marriage, perform Tirumanjanam to the procession deity for desired results. As a tradition, Thayar and Sri Andal have their shrines separately in prakara on both sides in Perumal temples. Here, Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi are in separate shrines in the prakara. Great celebrated musician and composer Sri Muthuswami Dishithar had authored many Keerthanas-Songs on Adhi Varaha Perumal. The temple has many Garuda Sevas as many devotees organize this event as their prayer commitment. There is a shrine in the vimana-tower above sanctum sanctorum for Reclining Perumal with Mother Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Lord Brahmma on Lord’s naval and Maharshis Brugu and Markandeya. After the morning Tirumanjanam to Lord Adhi Varha, one Puja is dedicated to this Perumal when alone devotees can have this darshan. Main Garudazhwar is on the western wall. On Aadi month-July-August- on the Swati Star day, special Tirumanjanam and pujas are offered to him and dressed with flowers.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for success in dispute concerning land and prosperity. Devotees perform special Tirumanjanam for Lord offering sweet pudding-Sarkarai Pongal- and arrange Garuda Seva – Lord appearing on His eagle vehicle Garuda.

Special Features

Lord Varahamurthi blesses the devotees with his consort Mother Bhoomadevi on His lap. Tirumanjanam is performed to Lord with water drawn from Tambiraparani River only. The priest fetching the water from Tambiraparani is accompanied by auspicious music. There are shrines in the prakara-corridor for Lord Lakshmi Narayana with Mother Mahalakshmi on His lap, Vishwaksenar and Vaishnavite saints Azhwars. The Dasavathara – 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu- are in idol forms behind the Perumal shrine. Lord Dharma Sastha graces with elephant and horse vahans

Festivals

Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Swing festival in connection with Aadi Pooram in July-August, Navarathri in September-October and Vaikunda Ekadasi in December- January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.