Located about 30kms from Tirunelveli on Tirunelveli- Papanasam Highway on the Southern Banks of Tamaraibarani river in the Varaha Kshetram is the 850 year old Aadhi Varaha Perumal temple in Kallidaikurichi where Aadhi Varaha is seen in a sitting posture with a folded left leg and the right leg leaning on the ground and with Bhoo devi on his lap.
Kubera installs Varaha moorthy
Lord Aadhi Varaha Perumal is believed to have appeared from a bucket that rolled over from the Tamaraibarani where Kubera was undertaking penance. It is believed that Lord Aadhi Varaha appeared before him and provided darshan answering his prayers.
Pleased with this darshan, it is believed that Kubera installed the moorthy at this place. Later on, various Kings including the Nayak rulers are believed to have contributed to the improvements to this ancient temple.
Varna Kalaba Sayana Perumal
There is a Sayana Perumal seen with Sri and Bhoo Devi on the first Tier right above the sanctum of Aadhi Varaha Perumal on the Vimana.
Sacred water is brought every morning from the Tamaraibarani for the Thirumanjana that is performed every day for the moolavar moorthy.
There are separate sannidhis for Thaayar, Lakshmi Narayana and Dasavathara Lords.
Dikshitar’s praise of Kallidaikurichi Varaha Perumal
One of the Tri Murthies of Carnatic Music, Muthuswamy Dikshitar has composed Lakshmi Varaha Bajaham Krithis (Abhogi Raga) about this Lord where he refers to this Lord as ‘Tamaraibarani Theera Kubera Prathistitham’.
Recently, Kallidai Vasan, a long time resident of this place, has composed 50songs on Aadhi Varaha Perumal of Kallidaikurichi that is presented at this temple regularly. These songs titled ‘Vasamalargal’ was launched on the 2nd Saturday of Puratasi in 2006.
Festivals
Brahmotsavam in Chitrai
Vasanthotsavam in Vaikasi
Oonjal Utsavam in Aadi
Pavitrotsavam in Avani
20day Utsavam in Margazhi
There are a minimum of 40 Garuda Seva at this temple annual, one of the highest in the country.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Aadhi Varaha Perumal East Facing Sitting Posture
Utsavar : Lakshmi Pathi
Temple Time: 7am-1030am and 5pm-730pm
Contact : Suresh ( Sundararaja Bhattar) @ 94431 59402 or 04634 250302
How to reach there ?
From Tirunelveli new bus stand, Papanasam bound buses every 10minutes. One can reach Kallidaikurichi in 45 minutes
Two Passenger service every day from Tirunelveli ( one at 930am and another at 630pm) and from Shengottai/Tenkasi ( 630am and another at 330pm).
Courtesy: Sri S. Prabhu
