Bhoo Varaha Swamy Sri Mushnam Consecration

Kora Kezhangu is a special sweet presented to Bhoo Varaha Swamy every day

Yagna Varaha Swamy goes on a 15 day trip to Kille Village every year in Maasi

Chariot Festival will take place on Wed April 20 and Theppotsavam on Friday April 22

The Ancient Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple in Sri Mushnam is one of the 8 Swayam Vyuktha Sthalams in India, a list that includes Srirangam, Tirupathi and Nanguneri.

Renovation activities at HR & CE administered temples are facing a lot of challenges, though a lot of noise has been made in the last year or so about the quantity of consecrated temples.

The previous two consecrations following renovation activities had taken place in 2000 and 1975 at the Bhoo Varaha Swamy temple. In 2013, following a huge collection of funds from the devotees, there had been a hurried plan to perform the consecration in early 2014 even though the works had been only partially completed with the inner structure inside the Raja Gopuram falling off into pieces of wood. When this was brought to the notice of the CM through a story, steps were taken by the authorities and the consecration plans were postponed pending the completion of the entire renovation.

Two years later, the temple is in much better shape now. The Raja Gopuram is now sporting a grand colourful look. Teak Wood has been affixed to parts of the inner structure of the Gopuram to arrest the previously sliding stones.  The Lord can now happily enjoy the Kora Kezhangu sweet that is presented to him every day. This is made using a mix of Rice powder, Ghee and Kora Kezhangu.

However, long time local residents and those who have watched the renovation activities from close quarters over the last few years are still not satisfied and feel that there has only been a temporary solution and that the problems relating to fully strengthening the inner structures of the Raja Gopuram need more permanent solutions. 

A new addition is the Gold Kalasam for the Perumal, Thayar, Andal and Senai Muthaliyar Vimanas. The Moolavar deity of Ambujavalli Thayar looks strong and secure in a new Silver Kavacham.

Repairs to the traditional Vahanas have been done and all of them have been painted new. This is likely to add grandeur to the Utsava deity Lord Yagna Varaha when he comes out once again on a street procession during the Brahmotsavam this week after a gap of a few years (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2012/05/srimushnam-yagya-varaha-swamy-chariot.html).

The Madapalli (Sacred Kitchen) that had been in a poor state earlier has now been completely rebuilt and is looking bright and clean.

A noteworthy addition, as part of the renovation, has been the installation of a new electrical system with new LED lamps brightening the temple complex including the prakaras.

The mandapa at the temple tank has been painted new as has been the Lakshmi Narayana Sannidhi on the Eastern side of the tank. Theppotsavam will be held next Friday night ( April 22) after a long break.  Legend has it that Lord Varaha created the Pushkarani with the sweat emanating from his body after his battle with Hiranyaksha.  

Lord’s Unique Posture

On his death bed and as his final wish, Hiranyaksha requested the Lord to turn in his direction. Hence Bhoo Varaha’s face is seen turned towards South in the direction of the asura, while the body bearing a human shape is facing West in the direction of the devotees. The Lord here is in the form of a small idol signifying the Varaha Avatar.

Prarthana Sthalam

This is a Prarthana Sthalam for unmarried and childless couples. Women, who bathe in the sacred temple tank and recite the Varaha Kavacham are said to be blessed with children.  The unmarried on offering their prayers at the Saptha Kannigal Sannidhi find their spouse soon. Also, belief is that Lord Bhoo Varaha helps devotees in the finalisation of house properties and vehicles.

  

Annual 60 km Procession

In Maasi every year, utsava deity Yagna Varaha goes on a 60km 15 day trip to Kille village near Chidambaram to celebrate the Theerthavari Utsavam

(http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2009/11/srimushnam-bhoo-varahaswamy.html


A VERSION OF THIS STORY FEATURED IN THE HINDU FRIDAY REVIEW DATED APRIL 15.