3 BC Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam

Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu in his Varaha avatar, the boar incarnation. The temple is located in the town of Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most important Vaishnavite temples in the country and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy places of Vishnu revered by the 12 Alwars.

History of Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam:

The history of the Varahaperumal Temple is long and complex. It is believed that the temple was built in the 7th century AD by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I. However, there is evidence to suggest that the temple may have been built even earlier, in the 3rd century BC.

The temple has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. The most recent major renovation was completed in the 19th century. The temple complex is now home to a number of beautiful sculptures and architectural features, including a 100-foot-tall gopuram (gateway tower).

Here are some of the important events in the history of the Varahaperumal Temple:

• 7th century AD: The temple is built by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I.
• 3rd century BC: Evidence suggests that the temple may have been built even earlier.
• 19th century: The temple is renovated.
• 20th century: The Varaha Utsavam festival is revived.

Legend of Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam:

The legend of Varaha Perumal Temple is a story of love and devotion. It is said that once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Lakshmi. She was the daughter of the king of Kumbakonam. Lakshmi was a devout follower of Vishnu. She would often pray to him for his blessings.

One day, a demon named Hiranyaksha kidnapped Lakshmi. He took her to a faraway land and imprisoned her in a cave. Vishnu heard Lakshmi’s cries for help. He took the form of Varaha, the boar incarnation, and went to rescue her.

Varaha fought a fierce battle with Hiranyaksha. He eventually killed the demon and rescued Lakshmi. Lakshmi was overjoyed to be reunited with her beloved Vishnu. She thanked him for saving her and vowed to always be his devotee.

Significance of Varahaperumal Temple, Kumbakonam

The Varahaperumal Temple in Kumbakonam holds significance for several reasons:

1. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Boar Avatar: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his third avatar, Varaha, the boar. This avatar is associated with the legend where Vishnu rescued the Earth (Bhoodevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha, who had dragged it to the bottom of the cosmic ocean. The temple’s main deity, Adhi Varaha Perumal, depicts Vishnu in this majestic form.

2. Association with Bhoodevi: The temple is also significant for its association with Bhoodevi, the Earth goddess. She is worshipped here as Ambujavalli and is believed to grant blessings related to land, property, and fertility. Devotees facing challenges in these areas often visit the temple seeking her divine intervention.

3. Mahamaham Festival: Varahaperumal Temple is one of the five Pancharanga Kshetrams, which are associated with the Mahamaham festival, a grand event held every 12 years celebrating the confluence of the Cauvery and Arasalar rivers. During the festival, the temple witnesses a surge in devotees seeking blessings and participating in special rituals.

4. Architectural Beauty: The temple boasts beautiful Dravidian architecture, with intricate carvings, towering gopurams, and spacious halls. The main gopuram, built during the Vijayanagara period, is a remarkable example of architectural artistry. The temple also houses several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, adding to its spiritual ambiance.

5. Historical Importance: Varahaperumal Temple is believed to be centuries old, with some historians attributing its origins to the Chola dynasty. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, reflecting the changing architectural styles and the devotion of successive rulers.

Varahaperumal Temple Timing & Pooja:

Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Poojas

The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama. The daily poojas are as follows:

• Usha pooja: This is performed in the morning at 6:00 AM.
• Ezhuththa pooja: This is performed at 7:00 AM.
• Abhishekam: This is performed at 8:00 AM.
• Madhyanantha pooja: This is performed at 12:00 PM.
• Sayarchana pooja: This is performed at 4:00 PM.
• Aarathi: This is performed at 7:00 PM.

Varahaperumal Temple Festivals:

Panguni Brahmotsavam is the most important festival of Varahaperumal Temple. It is a 13-day festival that is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (April-May). During the festival, the deity is taken out in a procession around the town. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and fireworks.

Kaisika Dwadasi is celebrated on the 12th day of the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). On this day, the deity is bathed in milk and honey. The festival is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Teertha Vari is celebrated on the day of Maasi Magam in the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March). On this day, the deity is taken to the Cauvery River for a bath. The festival is believed to cleanse the sins of the devotees.

Nammalvar Moksham is celebrated during the Tamil month of Margali (December-February). On this day, the devotees commemorate the death of Nammalvar, a 10th-century Vaishnava saint.

Places to visit Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam:

Sarangapani Temple: This is another prominent temple in Kumbakonam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Divya Desams and is known for its beautiful architecture.

Mahamaham Tank: One of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu, Mahamaham Tank is located in Kumbakonam. It is considered auspicious, and a festival called Mahamaham takes place here every 12 years.

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

Nageswaran Temple: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Nageswaran Temple is renowned for its architecture and ancient inscriptions.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple: Located near Sarangapani Temple, this Shiva temple is known for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty.

Airavatesvara Temple: Situated in Darasuram, a nearby town to Kumbakonam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an excellent example of Chola architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Swamimalai Murugan Temple: Located around 8 km from Kumbakonam, this temple is one of the six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan.

Uppiliappan Temple (Thoopul): About 8 km from Kumbakonam, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s a peaceful place with beautiful surroundings.

Chakrapani Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is known for its deity holding a Sudarshana Chakra (discus) and is believed to have powerful divine energy.

Darasuram: Apart from the Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram is a small town with a rural charm. You can explore the local life and culture.

FAQ:

What is Varaha Perumal Temple?

Varaha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the five Vishnu temples in Kumbakonam that are associated with the Mahamaham festival, which occurs once in 12 years.

What is the history of Varaha Perumal Temple?

The exact date of construction of Varaha Perumal Temple is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 7th or 8th century CE. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava dynasty, but it has been renovated and expanded over the centuries by various rulers, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara kings.

What are the main features of Varaha Perumal Temple?

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The main shrine houses a murti of Varaha, who is depicted as a boar with a human torso. The murti is made of granite and is about 10 feet tall. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Lakshmi, as well as other deities such as Ganesha, Murugan, and Siva.

What are the festivals celebrated at Varaha Perumal Temple?

The most important festival celebrated at Varaha Perumal Temple is the Mahamaham festival, which occurs once in 12 years. The festival is a celebration of the confluence of the Cauvery and Arasalaru rivers. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include the Brahmotsavam, Vaikunda Ekadasi, and Deepavali.

What are the timings and entry fee for Varaha Perumal Temple?

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There is no entry fee for the temple.

How to reach Varaha Perumal Temple?

Varaha Perumal Temple is located in the heart of Kumbakonam. It is about 3 kilometers from the Kumbakonam bus stand and 2 kilometers from the Kumbakonam railway station.

What are the other tourist attractions near Varaha Perumal Temple?

There are many other tourist attractions near Varaha Perumal Temple. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Sarangapani Temple
• Chakrapani Temple
• Ramaswamy Temple
• Rajagopalaswamy Temple
• Adi Kumbheshwarar Temple
• Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
• Ekambareswarar Temple

How to reach Varahaperumal Temple Kumbakonam:

By Air: The nearest airport to Kumbakonam is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (IATA: TRZ), which is approximately 91 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach Kumbakonam.

By Train: Kumbakonam has its own railway station, Kumbakonam Railway Station (station code: KMU), which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. You can check the train schedules and book tickets based on your location.

By Road: Kumbakonam is well-connected by road, and you can reach Varahaperumal Temple by bus or car. Here are some general directions:

• If you are coming from Chennai, you can take NH32 and NH36 to reach Kumbakonam.
• If you are coming from other parts of Tamil Nadu or neighboring states, you can use state highways or national highways based on your location.

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