The Sri Varahaswamy Temple, also called Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Varaha, situated at hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati, located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state. The temple is situated on the northern premises of Venkateshvara Temple, Tirumala, on the north-west corner of Swami Pushkarini. This temple is believed to be older than the Venkateshvara shrine.
Legend
As per local Hindu legend narrated in Varaha Purana, after saving the earth (Goddess Bhudevi) from the asura Hiranyaksha, Lord Vishnu’s boar avatar Varaha (third avatar of Lord Vishnu) stayed on this hill on the northern bank of Swami Pushkarini. Hence Tirumala Hills is also referred to as Adi Varaha Kshetra. According to Brahma Purana, in the beginning of the present Yuga Kali Yuga, Varaha donated land to another form of Vishnu – Venkateshvara on his request. As a gratitude, Venkateshvara offered the right of first bell, puja and naivedyam (food offering) to Varaha before they were offered to him. This is being followed as a tradition even today. Also the pilgrims as a tradition first take a dip in Swami Pushkarini and have darshan of Varaha Swamy before having the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Tirumala will not be complete without having a darshan of Varaha Swamy.
According to Atri Samhita (Samurtarchanadhikara i.e., worship of an idol in certain shape)), Varaha Avatara is worshipped in three ways as Adi Varaha, Pralaya Varaha, and Yajna Varaha. The idol of Sri Varaha swamy in Tirumala is that of Aadhi Varaha, as it resembles the description of the Adi Varaha Murti in Vaikhanasa Agama Sastras.
History
The temple’s construction is attributed to the Chola dynasty during the 12th century, making it one of the oldest temples in the area. The temple was renovated by Pedda Tirumalacharya in the year 1535 CE. Over time, the temple has undergone various renovations and expansions, with its current architecture reflecting a combination of Chola and Vijayanagara styles. The temple is part of Tirumala Venkateshvara Temple and is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
The Inner Sanctum and Temple Complex
The main gopuram of the Varaha Swamy Temple is adorned with various sculptures depicting several deities and mythological scenes. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a magnificent idol of Lord Varaha, sculpted from black stone and adorned with precious jewels and ornaments. The pillared halls in the temple serve as venues for various ceremonies and rituals. Their spacious design accommodates devotees during festivals and special occasions The temple complex also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, as well as a sacred water tank known as the Swami Pushkarini. This tank is believed to have been created by Lord Varaha himself during his battle with the demon Hiranyaksha and is considered holy by devotees.
Rituals and Festivals
Daily rituals are held as per the Vaikhanasa Agama. The Vaikhanasas worship Vishnu exclusively. In Varaha Purana, Lord Vishnu says, “Ashwattha tree, brown cows, Tulasi and Vikhanas are dear to me and among them, Vikhanas is my dearest.” It is believed that the Vedic aspect of Lord Vishnu manifested as sage Vikhanas. The principles and the secrets of the Vedas were taught to Vikhanas by the Lord himself in the form of Viakhanasa Kalpa Sutra. In Kalpa Sutra greater importance is given to Vedic Yajnas. Whereas, in Vaikhanasa Agama less importance is given to elaborate Yajnas. Vaikhanasa Agama centre around construction of temples, types of Garbha Gruha, consecration of temples, installation of idol, daily worship, materials for daily worship, veda mantras used in worship, Naimittika karma (obligatory duties to be performed on special occasions), prayaschita vidhi (i.e., atonement, penance, expiation. It refers to one of the corrective measures in dharmaśāstra as an alternative to incarceration or other forms of danda i.e., punishment when someone is convicted of certain categories of crimes.), festivals.
Varaha Jayanti is celebrated in the Varaha Swamy temple, which commemorates the appearance of Lord Varaha on earth. This festival falls on the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (July-August). During this festival, elaborate rituals and processions are conducted, accompanied by devotional music and dance performances that create a joyous and festive atmosphere. Another significant festival celebrated at the Varahaswamy Temple is Brahmotsavam, nine-day celebration that showcases colourful processions, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. The festival culminates in a grand Rathotsavam (chariot procession) where the idol of Lord Varaha is paraded through the streets amidst chanting of hymns and prayers. Devotees also flock to the temple during Vaikuntha Ekadashi on Shuddha ekadashi in Dhanurmasam (December-January) an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, when special prayers and rituals are conducted to seek his blessings for prosperity and spiritual enlightenment. The next day of Vaikunta Ekadashi is Vaikunta Dwadashi. On this occasion Chakrasnanam will be held.
The Chakrasnanam event during annual brahmotsavams, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Rathasaptami, are held in the mukha mandapa of Varahaswamy Temple. The Chakrasnanam performed on the concluding day of the Brahmotsavam is nothing but the avabhrita snanam, observed at the end of a yajna. On this day, the utsava murthy goes round the temple in a gaily decorated pallaki. After Churnabhishekam, the Lord with his consorts again goes on a procession to Sri Varaha Swamy temple on the west bank of Swamy Pushkarini. There the utsavamurthy enjoys a refreshing abhishekam. Then the Chakrattalvar gets a bath in the sacred waters of Swamy Pushkarini which is known as Avabhritam or Chakrasnanam. Chakrathalwar or Sudharshana, the Divine weapon of Vishnu, means the one who shows the right path to realization. He has a shrine for himself in most of the temples associated with Bhagawan Vishnu and is believed to have the combined grace of Varaha and Narasimha. Varaha embodies wisdom, knowledge and spiritual enlightenment; hence Chakrathalwar bestows ultimate wisdom to everyone. Narasimha incarnated to protect and save his devotee Prahalada and similarly, Chakrathalwar grants protection, wealth, and freedom from fear, disease, and other evils. Also called Sudharshana Chakra, Chakrathalwar is depicted with eight, sixteen or thirty-two arms, each holding a mighty weapon of Vishnu.
One of the most revered rituals at the Varaha Swamy Temple is the Abhishekam, a sacred bathing ceremony where the idol of Lord Varaha is bathed with various auspicious substances such as milk, honey, ghee, and holy water. This ritual is believed to purify the idol and bestow divine blessings upon the devotees. Another important religious practice at the Varahaswamy Temple is Nitya Kalyanotsavam, a daily ritual where the idol of Lord Varaha is adorned with exquisite garments and jewellery, accompanied by devotional songs and hymns. This ritual symbolizes the celestial wedding of Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi, signifying harmony and prosperity in the universe.
Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto Two, Chapter Seven, “Scheduled Incarnations with Specific Functions” says
Brahmovaca –
yatrodyatah ksiti-taloddharanaya bibhrat
kraudim tanum sakala-yajna-mayim anantah
antar-maharnava upagatam adi-daityam
tam damstrayadrim iva vajra-dharo dadara
Meaning: Lord Brahma said- When the unlimitedly powerful Lord assumed the form of a boar as a pastime, just to lift the planet earth, which was drowned in the great ocean of the universe called the Garbhodaka, the first demon [Hiranyaksa] appeared, and the Lord pierced him with His tusk.
Varaha Dwadashi
The story of Varaha Dwadashi originated in Shri Vishnu Purana. This is one of the significant Vaishnava festivals which falls on shuklapaksha Dwadashi in the month of Magh (January-February). On this day, devotees engage in prayers, fasting, and charitable activities in order to seek his divine blessings. Observing this sacred day gives spiritual upliftment, strengthens devotion, and provides divine grace. Varaha Dwadashi emphasizes the divine act of Lord Varaha who rescued mother Earth from demonic forces. This activity demonstrates righteousness, protection, and divine intervention in the times of difficulties. This act marks victory over evil and restoration of balance in the universe. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving mother earth and doing righteousness in everyday life.
Tirumala kshetram is one of the eight Swayamvyakta Kshetras, or self-manifested shrines, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, making it an important religious landmark for followers of Vaishnavism. Varahaswamy temple located in Tirumala hills therefore assumes great significance to the devotees who follow Vaishnavism.
Reference:
- https://www.tirumala.org/Varaha_TempleLegend.aspx.
- https://www.ve
- dadhara.com/vaikhanasa-agama.
