Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Srimushnam – Religious
Significance
Lord Vishnu resides here in three forms:
It is said that Lord Vishnu resides in this particular place in three forms.
First, in the form of Ashwatha tree; second, in the form of Nithya Pushkarani;
and third in the form of Bhoo Varaha Swamy. The temple tank, called Nithya
Pushkarani, is known for its medicinal values, which is a panacea. The Ashwatha
tree, stands like a colossus near the sacred tank. It is believed that it has a
beneficial effect of blessing sterile women with progeny. Meditation and
chanting of 'Gayathri Mantra' under the tree after bathing in the holy tank
vouchsafes a place in the heavens.
Similar
to Tirupathi:
While in Tirupathi Divya Desam, Devotees should first
visit Varaha before darshan of Presiding Deity, Srinivasa Perumal, here at
Srimushnam, Devotees should first visit the Srinivasa Perumal Shrine at the
Western entrance before a darshan of Bhoo Varahaswami.
Swayam
Vyaktha Kshetram:
Srimushnam is one of the eight Swayambu Vyaktha Kshetrams
of Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven
other temples in the line are Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Vanamamalai Perumal Temple, Nanguneri, Saligrama, Naimisaranya, Pushkar and Badrinath
Temple.
Daily
Thirumanjanam:
Divine ablution (Thirumanjanam) is performed daily for the
presiding deity, unlike other Vishnu temples where it is performed only
occasionally.
Prarthana
Sthalam:
This is a Prarthana Sthalam for childless couples.
Ladies, who have bath in the Nithya Pushkarani, go around the Arasa tree 12 times,
offer milk and fruits to small kids and recite the Varaha Kavacham are said to
be blessed with Children. This is also a Prarthana Sthalam for the unmarried.
Lord is also said to help devotees in the purchase of house and car. The local
belief is that the worship done to Saptha Kannigaikal in the temple leads to
right match.
Abhimana
Sthalam:
The temple is counted as Abhimana Sthalams, the
temples that are closer to the heart of Vishnu.
All
Deities are form of Varaha:
Srimushnam presiding deity is Lord Bhu Varaha, which
gives the town its alternative name, 'Varaha Kshetram'. The temple icon is
formed naturally from a Saligrama (black smooth round stone).
The Utsavamurthy does not resemble a wild boar in accordance with the
desires of his celestial consort and is called 'Yagna Varaham'. This is the
only place where all deities are Varaha Murtis.
Event
marking Muslim-Hindu Unity:
In Maasi, the Utsava deity goes on a 20 day procession
to Killai and other nearby villages near Chidambaram. An interesting feature of
this festival is that the Muslims in the area offer Prasadams to the Lord Yagya
Varaha and they take back the flower of the Lord and offer it to Allah. The
Muslim devotees are said to thank Allah for having brought Varaha Swamy to
their place. Srimushnam Bhoo Varaha Swamy is the only temple that brings
together such unity between Muslims and Hindus and this event continues to take
place to this day.