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Friday, April 28, 2017

Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Kallidaikurichi – The Temple

Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Kallidaikurichi – The Temple
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. 


As Lord always is with Mother, He is praised as Nitya Kalyana Perumal – Perumal ever in his wedding style, hence the place is also called Kalyanapuri.  Wedding means Kalyanam in Tamil.  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 Muthuswamy 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. Two sub shrines are found in the either sides of the main shrine - for Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Both of them are found with four arms and in the sitting posture. It should be noted that unlike other Vishnu temples, Andal is not found; instead, Bhoo Devi is found.


The idols of Vishwaksenar, few Alwars, Vishnu with Lakshmi on his left lap and Dasha Avatars (ten incarnations of Vishnu) are also found in this temple. Above the sanctum sanctorum in the first tier of the vimana, there is a shrine for Sayana Perumal - Vishnu in the reclining posture with Brahma on his navel and his two consorts on his feet, All these idols are colorful stucco images. After the morning Tirumanjanam to Lord Adhi Varaha, 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. The Agraharam street facing the temple's entrance is a peaceful and beautiful location. Appalams, Vadams, Murukku and other such items are very popular in this village and they can be bought in this street. Sacred water is brought every morning from the Tamaraibarani for the Tirumanjanam that is performed every day for the moolavar deity.