The Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple in Srimushnam, near Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is a profound monument to both ancient Hindu theology and unique interfaith harmony. As one of the eight Swayam Vyakta Kshetras (self-manifested shrines) of Lord Vishnu, it stands as a premier pilgrimage site, blending the architectural brilliance of medieval Chola Dynasty and the Nayak dynasty with the spiritual traditions of both the Sri Vaishnava and Madhva communities.
The other Swayam Vyakta Kshetras are Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Vanamamalai Perumal Temple in South India and Naimisaranyam or Devaraja Perumal Temple, Salagramam Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple, Pushkaram Sri Vaikuntanatha Perumal Temple and Badrinath Sri Badri Narayana Perumal Temple in North India.
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| Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Srimushnam, TN.image:S.sriram en.wikipedia.org |
Historical Evolution
The temple’s roots reach back to the Chola dynasty, with inscriptions from the 11th century during the reigns of Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I. However, the structure seen today is largely the result of the Vijayanagara Empire and its successor, the Thanjavur Nayaks. Under Achutappa Nayak (1560–1614 CE), the temple underwent massive expansion. His life-sized image, along with those of his brothers, is still visible within the temple halls, marking the era when the temple became a centerpiece of royal patronage.
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| Urchava moorthy, Sri Mushnam temple, cuddaloreonline.in |
The primary deity of Sri Poovaraga Swamy in Srimushnam temple is a Saligrama Moorthy.Thiru manjanam / Abhishekam - holy bath with aromatic ingredients is done almost daily to the Lord.
Architectural Splendor
Constructed in the classic South Indian style, the temple is enclosed by massive granite walls. The western entrance is marked by a majestic seven-tiered Rajagopuram, while a five-tiered tower on the eastern side opens exclusively during Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
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| Intricate woman sculpture, Srimushnam facebook.com |
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| Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Srimushnam image:S.sriram en.wikipedia.org |
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| Srimushnam Perumal temple, TN image: s.sriram upload.wikimedia.org |
The architectural crown jewel is the Purusha Sukta Mandapa. This sixteen-pillared hall is a masterpiece of Nayak-era artistry, featuring columns sculpted with intricate figures of musicians, dancers, and miniature deities. The ceiling boasts exquisite lotus medallions and scrollwork. At the center of the sanctum is the presiding deity, Bhu Varaha Swamy. Carved from a 2-foot Saligrama stone, the icon is unique: the boar head faces South toward the asura, while the human body faces West toward the devotees. This posture symbolizes the deity’s dual role as a protector of the Earth and a savior to mankind.
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| Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Srimushnam pillared mandapa cuddaloreonline.in |
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| ornate pillar Bhuva Raghava temple,vgopalan.myportfolio.com |
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| ornate pillar Bhuva Raghava temple,facebook.com |
Religious and Social Importance
The temple’s religious significance is multi-layered. It is classified as an Abhimana Kshethram and is a vital center for the Madhva (Dvaita) sect. The philosopher Madhvacharya resided here, and many other saints, including Raghavendra Tirtha, have stayed within its precincts. Unlike many other Vishnu temples where sacred ablution (Thirumanjanam) is occasional, here it is performed daily for the presiding deity.
Perhaps most significant is the temple's role as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. This tradition stems from a legend involving a local Nawab who was cured of an ailment after praying to the deity. Today, during the Masi Magam festival, the temple procession stops at a local Sufi Dargah to exchange offerings. Furthermore, local Muslims provide the flag for the temple’s chariot, and they are permitted to worship as far as the Ardha Mandapam—a rare and enduring testament to communal harmony in the region.
https://www.cuddaloreonline.in/guide/srimushnam-sri-bhoovaraghaswamy-temple
https://vgopalan.blogspot.com/2018/10/bhu-varaha-swamy-temple-srimushnam.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhu_Varaha_Swamy_temple#/media/File:Srimushnam_(4).jpg
K. N. Jayaraman
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