Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple / Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Srimushnam Cuddalore: Lord Varaha Kshetram Temple | Sthala Puranam of Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy the Boar Incarnation (Varaha Avatar) | Dakshina Varaha Kshetram & One of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Vaishnavism | Pariharam Sthalam for Pitru Dosha, Guru (Jupiter), Rahu, Ketu and Bhu Dosha Related to Land & Property – Complete History, Temple Architecture, Temple Timings, Festivals, Contact Details, How to Reach and Complete Travel Guide (Updated)
– where lord varaha lifts the atman from samsara, just as He lifted bhudevi from the depths of the ocean
Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple in Srimushnam, Cuddalore district,, is one of the most ancient and spiritually powerful Lord Vishnu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy, the boar incarnation (Varaha Avatar) of Lord Vishnu, who rescued Goddess Bhudevi (Mother Earth) from the ocean. His divine consort, Goddess Ambujavalli Thayar, blesses devotees from her own shrine within the complex. Because of its sacred importance, the temple is fondly called Dakshina Varaha Kshetram (the southern abode of Lord Varaha) and is counted among the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Vaishnavism. 
Bhu Varaha Swamy temple was built in the grand Dravidian style, the temple is enclosed by a tall granite wall that holds all its shrines and the holy Nithya Pushkarani (sacred tank). A seven tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) welcomes every pilgrim. The presiding deity is a Salagrama stone form that is believed to have appeared on its own, which makes Srimushnam one of the eight Swayambhu Kshetrams (self manifested holy sites) of Lord Vishnu. Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy stands here in a majestic pose, with His hands on His hips and His face gently lifted toward the south, radiating protection and grace (anugraha).
For centuries, devotees have come to Srimushnam Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy for prosperity, good health, children and relief from ancestral doshas (pitru dosha). Whether you are planning a Varaha temple visit, a Vaishnava pilgrimage near Chidambaram, or a Cuddalore temple tour, this sacred kshetram (holy place) offers a deep sense of peace and devotion. The town is also known as Srimuttam.
Sthala Puranam: The Sacred Legend of Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy
The Skanda Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata and Padma Purana all describe how Lord Vishnu took the form of Lord Varaha in the Krita Yuga (the first of the four ages) to save Goddess Bhudevi. The demon Hiranyaksha had carried her off and hidden her in the depths of the ocean in Patala Loka, the netherworld. Bhudevi prayed earnestly to Lord Vishnu for rescue.
Moved by her prayers, the Lord appeared as a mighty boar, dived into the waters, destroyed Hiranyaksha and lifted the Earth on His tusk, placing her back in her rightful position. Tamil tradition adds that He chose Srimushnam as His dwelling and blessed devotees here as Lord Bhuvaraha Perumal. He stands facing west with His hands on His hips, filled with the pride of victory, while His face turns upward toward the south.
Another beautiful tradition says that the sweat of the dying Hiranyaksha fell to the ground and formed the temple tank. The demon begged the Lord to turn toward him in his last moments, and Lord Varaha graciously did so. This is why the face of the deity is turned to the south. It shows that divine grace (anugraha) reaches even those who fall.
Devotees also say that Lord Brahma and many rishis (sages) worshipped Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy here. The temple is linked with Sage Markandeya as well.
History and Inscriptions of Srimushnam Temple
The temple is believed to be very ancient, and some traditions place it between one and two thousand years back. The written records begin later. Contributions from the medieval Cholas of the 10th century. The Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak expanded the temple in the 16th and 17th centuries, and his feudatories and viceroys added mandapas, gopurams and cloisters.
An inscription of Kulothunga Chola, dated around 1100 CE, records the gift of a village to the temple and calls the Lord Varaha Azhwar. A Vijayanagara inscription of King Virupaksha II from 1471 CE, found on the temple walls, records another gift of a village and names the shrine Adivaraha Nayanar Koil. An inscription of King Venkatapati from 1581 CE records land gifts for a feeding house (annadanam) near the Nithya Pushkarani.
Royal patrons later gave jewels, lands and villages to keep the daily poojas and festivals going. These patrons included the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar and Svarup Singh of the Marathas from Gingee.
Spiritual Significance of Srimushnam as a Swayambhu Kshetram
The Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple is one of the eight Swayambhu Kshetrams of Lord Vishnu, where the Lord is believed to have manifested on His own (swayambhu means self manifested). The other seven are Srirangam, Tirupati, Vanamamalai, Salagramam, Pushkaram, Naimisharanya and Badrinath. The main deity is made of Salagrama stone and is bathed daily in a sacred abhishekam (ritual bathing).
Scriptures and mantra shastras say that those who surrender (sharanagati) at the feet of Lord Varaha receive eloquence, high position, lasting wealth, children, good health and long life. For a devotee this is also a lesson from the Upanishads: the Lord lifts the atman (the inner self) from the ocean of samsara (the cycle of birth and death), just as He lifted the Earth. Vedic recitations like Mantrapushpa and Vedaparayana (chanting of the Vedas) are still offered here.
A unique detail about the name: Srimushnam is said to come from mustha, the Sanskrit word for the Korai root (Cyperus rotundus), a favourite food of the boar. This root is still given as prasadam (blessed offering) at the temple.
Architecture and Temple Features
The temple faces west and has a seven tiered rajagopuram. In front stand a tall Garuda pillar of about eighty feet, made of a single stone, and a mandapa with four pillars. Beyond the gateway are the balipeedam, the dwajasthambam (flag mast) and Lord Garuda, all under a hall of a hundred pillars. A smaller five tiered gateway on the north side opens only on Vaikunta Ekadasi and is called Paramapada Vasal (the gate to Vaikuntam, the abode of Lord Vishnu).
The sanctum is built of stone and crowned by the Bhavana Vimana. The mandapas are a fine example of Vijayanagara craftsmanship. The Pushpa Sukta Mandapa, where sacred mantras are chanted, is shaped like a chariot (ratha) and carved with warriors on horses and elephants. Its ceilings show lotuses and parrots, and its yazhi pillars are beautifully sculpted, with Nayak kings and queens standing beside them. In the sanctum, Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy stands with Goddess Sri Devi and Goddess Bhudevi. The utsava murtis (processional deities) Lord Yajna Varaha and Lord Bhoga Narayana Swamy stand in the Artha Mandapa.
Shrines Within the Temple Complex
Apart from the main sanctum, the temple has shrines for Goddess Ambujavalli Thayar, Lord Srinivasa Perumal, Goddess Andal, Lord Venugopala Swamy, Lord Vishvaksena, Lord Rama with Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman, Lord Lakshmi Narayana and Lord Ashvatha Narayana Swamy. There are also shrines for the great acharyas Vedanta Desikar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Nammazhwar, Manavala Mamunigal and Thirukkachi Nambi. Goddess Kuzhanthai Amman is prayed to for the gift of a child. A lovely small shrine of Lord Srinivasa Perumal sits on the upper floor of the rajagopuram, reached by narrow steps.
Pariharam Sthalam – Prayers and Benefits of Worshipping Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy
Srimushnam is widely regarded as a powerful Parihara Sthalam (a sacred place where devotees seek remedies for life’s troubles). Pilgrims come here with a deep faith that Lord Bhuvaraha Swamy, who lifted Goddess Bhudevi from the depths of the ocean, will also lift them from their own difficulties. Just as the Lord rescued the Earth, devotees believe He rescues the atman (the inner self) from the burdens of karma (the results of past actions).
Many devotees visit to seek pariharam (a spiritual remedy) for pitru dosha (afflictions linked to ancestors). Others come for relief from the adverse effects of Guru (Jupiter), Rahu and Ketu in their horoscopes. Because Lord Varaha is closely linked with Bhumi (land), it is also a popular belief that praying here helps with Bhu dosha, meaning troubles connected to land, property and home. Special offerings such as Varaha Homam (a sacred fire ritual) and Bhoomi Pooja are performed for this purpose. Devotees who surrender (sharanagati) at the feet of the Lord are said to be blessed with eloquence, a high position, lasting wealth, good health and long life.
Those hoping for a child pray at the shrine of Goddess Kuzhanthai Amman, and many return with offerings of gratitude when their prayers are answered. The Korai root (Cyperus rotundus), given as prasadam (blessed offering), is carried home by devotees with great reverence.
There is also a unique and charming custom here. People bring their newly bought vehicles to the temple for a special pooja, seeking the Lord’s protection (raksha) on every journey. Vehicles that have met with an accident are brought after repair and before being used again, so that the Lord’s grace may keep the family safe on the road ahead.
Daily Poojas, Festivals and Celebrations
Six daily rituals are performed here as per the Pancharatra Agama. Special poojas such as Varaha Homam and Bhoomi Pooja are popular with devotees. The most important festival is the Chariot Festival (Ther) in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, and a nine day Brahmotsavam is held twice a year in Masi.
During Brahmotsavam the utsava deity is taken in procession to the sea at Killai near Chidambaram, about 30 miles away. Other celebrations include Sri Jayanthi, Navarathri, Vijayadasami, Deepavali, Makara Sankranti, Ramanavami, Vaikunta Ekadasi and a special Friday festival at the Thayar shrine.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple Srimushnam – Lord Varaha Kshetram Temple, Cuddalore
Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple Srimushnam Address:
Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple, Srimushnam, Cuddalore district,
Tamil Nadu 608703
Phone Number: 04144 245 090
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
How To Reach Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple Srimushnam – Lord Varaha Kshetram Temple, Cuddalore
Srimushnam is about 35 km from Chidambaram, 24 km from Virudhachalam and 72 km from the district headquarters at Cuddalore. By road, there are plenty of bus services. The nearest railway station is Ulundurpet, about 20 km away. From the Chennai side, you can turn toward Vadalur at Sethiathoppu, reach Chozhatharam and continue about 12 km on the Virudhachalam road.
By Road: Road transport in Cuddalore district is excellent. Cuddalore is connected by the national highways NH 45 and NH 45A (now renumbered under the newer national highway system), along with State Highways 32 and 36. The town lies about 200 km from Chennai, the state capital. From Chennai, you can travel through Sethiyathoppu to Srimushnam, or through Ulundurpet to Srimushnam. If you take the Sethiyathoppu route, turn toward Vadalur, reach Chozhatharam and continue about 12 km on the Virudhachalam road. Regular bus services run to Srimushnam from Chidambaram, Virudhachalam and Cuddalore, so reaching this sacred kshetram is easy for every pilgrim.
By Train: Two main railway routes serve the Cuddalore region. The first runs from Chennai through Villupuram and Cuddalore to Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), passing through Cuddalore town. The second major route runs from Chennai through Villupuram and Virudhachalam to Tiruchirappalli. Virudhachalam lies about 50 km from Cuddalore town, and the two towns are also linked by a connecting rail line.
Pilgrims coming from Chennai have two easy options. You can get down at Virudhachalam after Villupuram and reach Srimushnam by road, which is only about 24 km away. Or you can get down at Tirupapuliyur (Cuddalore) and continue by road. Ulundurpet, about 20 km from the temple, is also a convenient railway station for many devotees.
By Flight: The nearest international airport is Chennai International Airport, about 200 km from Srimushnam. Puducherry (Pondicherry) also has a small airport, about 25 km from Cuddalore, though it has limited flight services. A new airport has been proposed at Neyveli in the same district, roughly 45 km from Cuddalore town, the district headquarters, and work on it is said to be in progress. From Chennai, most devotees travel onward by road, either through Sethiyathoppu to Srimushnam or through Ulundurpet to Srimushnam.
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