Bhoovarahaswami, facing west
Bhoovarahaswami, facing west
Ambujavalli Thaayar, facing east
Andal, Ramanujar, Nammazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Sabdamadar, Senaimudaliar, Vedantadesikar, Manavalamamunigal, Venugopala, Vishwaksenar, Kuzhandhai Amman
Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam has several stone inscriptions, the earliest of which is found in the Shiva temple nearby and dates back to the Chola period (1068 CE) which mentions the donation of an entire village by Veera Rajendra Chola to Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam temple. In another inscription is the mention of the donation of another village by Kulothunga Chola I (1100 CE).
The inscriptions inside the temple all belong to the Vijayanagar Period (15 Century CE). In 1471 King Virupakshan donated a village to Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam wherein the temple is referred to as ‘Aadhivaraha Nayinar Kovil’.
Mentions of two kings Sreerengan I (1572 – 1585 CE) and Venkata II (1586-1614 CE) are in Telugu. One of the Thanjavur Nayak Kings Achyuthappa Naicker (1560 – 1614 CE) has performed services and contributed to this temple.
When the Lord in his Varaha Avatar went under the sea to rescue mother earth he is said to have come out and rested here for a short while and the water drop that fell off his body is believed to have created the Pushkarini (Theertham, Holy Water) here at Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam.
The Goddess here at Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam is said to have been borne as the daughter of Kathyayana Maharishi in Valayamadevi near Neyveli. After she wed the lord she is believed to have to have requested him to appear in a heavenly form which will stun the world. The lord is said to have appeared from the Yaga Fire of Brahma in the wondrous from of Yagnja Varahar. He exists here today as Boovarahar.
A King called Benukonda who was afflicted with spinal cord disease is said to have prayed to Lord Varahar and built this temple as a gratitude for the cure. There are several other stories of people getting cured, childless people rewarded and more associated with this temple.
In the ancient days an Islamic ruler is believed to have donated liberally to Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam. Even today when the processional deity is taken to the sea for ablution one of his garlands is placed on the grave of this king after a brief ritual there.
Bhoovarahaswami Sreemushnam is 19 kms south east of Viruthachalam. Behind this temple is the Nithileswara Temple.
Tea shops suitable for a light snack are around the temple.