Tiruvidaventhai - Sri Lakshmi Varahaswamy Temple

The hoary legend of this ancient Varaha kshetrd takes us to the time of Mahabali's exemplary rule and his extra-ordinary devotion to Mahavishnu. Though belonging to asurakula, he was a formidable emperor with a difference. His record of righteous rule had no seconds, yet he was constrained to fight against Devas, when his intervention was piteously prayed for by three of his asura fellow kings - Mali, Sumali and Maliyavan. Soon after the war, although it was a spectacular victory, he was struck with remorse-war against gods was an anathema of deeper dye, and unforgivable sin undefinably. To atone the sin, he wandered and wandered till he reached this holy Vataha Pushkarini extant at that time. Bathing in it, he propitiated Mahavishnu to mitigating his excruciating mental anguish. And lo! Mahavishnu in Kurmarupa gave darsan and fulfilled his desires.

Thereupon he soulfully prayed for his eternal presence in this kshetra in the self-same form. He uttered AMEN! as he emerged from Varaha thirtha, he was endearingly called Varaha murthy and he was so in form. There are many fantastic legends eulogizing the glory of this kshetra and each illustrates the Lord's infinite vatsalya for his devotees.

The Temple

It is a big temple occupying a vast area near sea shore, but has certain odd features, like mahadwara sans tower. The icon of Mulavirat in standing posture gives darsan with Akilavalli Tayar, his consort. There are many grand images in well built niches like Ganapathy, Vishnu, Andal, Komalavalli Tayar, Acharyas, Alwars etc. It has two sacred thirthas - Varaha thuUha and Kalyana pushkarini for pilgrims' benefit. This kshetra has lavishly endowed by celebrated rulers from time to time.

This hoary Divya Desam has the special distinction of celebrating Kalyana mahotsav to the deity everyday on a modest scale sans break, nor halt, with all due ceremonies, regardless of expenditure and tedium. Hence the appropriate name Nithya Kalayana Perumal for Utsava murthi. Intending sevarthis attend with kith and kin and avail this auspicious event with unbounded joy. So festivity greets the eyes, and ears get assailed with the notes of mangalavadya everyday and around the year. It is indeed a miss-not sight and unforgettable Subhasamaya to be awaited with baited breath. The archamurti draped in rustling wedding robes and multi coloured garlands over the dazzling jewels gives darsan and rains boons on the visitors. And found to be extremely solicitous in fulfilling the desires of this asritavarga. He is in sitting posture, facing east. The garbha griha is adorned with Kalyana Vimana. The word 'Kalyan' overflows the souls on entering and worshipping of that All-merciful Kalyana Perumal. He blessed Markandeya Maharshi with his darsan and boons of his choice. Tirumangai Alwar offered mangalasasan eulogising the Prasanna, mangalaprada attributes of the Lord. Nithyanaimithika worship is offered with elaborate rituals and Brahmotsav celebrated in Vaisaka masa draws huge crowds and it is a gala festival.

It lies 2 km off Kovalam on the Madras - Mahabalipuram bus route of Tantil Nadu, enjoying transport facilities from both ends.

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