Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Kallidaikurichi – Legends
Vishnu appeared in Varaha form:
As per the legend, there was a king who was a
devotee of Lord Krishna; he was ruling this region. He
performed Ashwamedha Yagna; all deities such as Brahma, Shiva,
Indira, etc. came over there to accept the Yagna offerings. However, Vishnu
alone did not appear. All the seers who were helping the king to perform the Yagna
prayed to Lord Vishnu. Based on their prayer, he appeared there in the form
of Varaha along with Lakshmi.
Kubera installed Varaha Idol in this place:
Later, Kubera was travelling in this region.
He kept on visiting many Shiva temples; as he wanted to visit a Vishnu temple,
he installed Varaha idol in this site. In due course, the temple disappeared.
After many years, a devotee got a dream and accordingly discovered the idols.
The current temple was built with those idols. Later on, various Kings
including the Nayak rulers are believed to have contributed to the improvements
to this ancient temple.
Etymology:
‘Kal (rock) + idai (midst) + kurichi (village)’
means, a village in the midst of hills.