The ancient Bhoovaraha Swamy temple in Srimushnam, under the control of HR & CE Department, has been under renovation and work is nearing completion but there are a lot of loose ends, to say the least. Samprokshanam, in fact has been fixed for February, it is learnt. The temple, which is one of the eight swayambu kshetrams – a list
that includes Srirangam, Tirupati and Vanamaamalai - in its current form and structure is believed to have been constructed by four Nayak kings – Achuthappa,
Ananthappa, Govindappa and Kondappa Nayak.
Sources say that the HR & CE Department had sanctioned a large amount for the complete renovation including repair works, painting and giving the mandapams a new look, but devotees are concerned that the quality of work, especially that related to the Rajagopurarm leaves much to be desired. For instance, the top tier of the rajagopuram has developed cracks and debris has been falling on the tier beneath. Left unattended, it would be completely damaged in the course of time. Devotees
are reminded of the Kalahasti temple here.
On the whole, it seems to be a painting exercise that has been carried out rather than renovation in earnest at the historical temple. Each top tier of the gopuram
requires attention but as seen from the photograph, the rajagopuram has already been painted and given a new look camouflaging the bad state in which it actually
is.Besides, some of the idols/sculptures that have developed cracks have also been painted and given a new look ignoring the cracks.
Immediate steps
With two months left for the consecration,
the temple can be saved if steps are
taken immediately. An expert committee
should be formed without delay to take
stock of the situation and recommend
corrective action. Devotees feel the Chief
Minister should intervene, postpone the
samprokshanam and take a fresh look at
the renovation efforts. Only then can the
structure, especially the Rajagopuram,
can be safeguarded.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu created
the pushkarani with the sweat emanating
from his body after his battle with Hiranyakshan.
As his last wish on the death
bed, Hiranyakshan requested the Lord to
turn towards his direction. Hence
Bhoovaraha’s face is seen turned towards
the South, in the direction of the asura,
while the body bearing a human shape is
facing West, in the direction of the devotees.
The Lord here is in the form of a
small idol signifying the Varaha Avatar.
Sri Boovarahaswamy temple, Srimushnam,
incidentally, is a Prarthana
Sthalam for childless couples. Women,
who take bath in the sacred temple tank
and recite the Varaha Kavacham are said
to be blessed with progeny. This is also a
prarthana sthalam for unmarried people
who on offering their prayers to Saptha
Kannigal are said to find their match immediately.
The principal deity is also believed
to help devotees with the purchase
of house and car.
that includes Srirangam, Tirupati and Vanamaamalai - in its current form and structure is believed to have been constructed by four Nayak kings – Achuthappa,
Ananthappa, Govindappa and Kondappa Nayak.
Sources say that the HR & CE Department had sanctioned a large amount for the complete renovation including repair works, painting and giving the mandapams a new look, but devotees are concerned that the quality of work, especially that related to the Rajagopurarm leaves much to be desired. For instance, the top tier of the rajagopuram has developed cracks and debris has been falling on the tier beneath. Left unattended, it would be completely damaged in the course of time. Devotees
are reminded of the Kalahasti temple here.
On the whole, it seems to be a painting exercise that has been carried out rather than renovation in earnest at the historical temple. Each top tier of the gopuram
requires attention but as seen from the photograph, the rajagopuram has already been painted and given a new look camouflaging the bad state in which it actually
is.Besides, some of the idols/sculptures that have developed cracks have also been painted and given a new look ignoring the cracks.
Immediate steps
With two months left for the consecration,
the temple can be saved if steps are
taken immediately. An expert committee
should be formed without delay to take
stock of the situation and recommend
corrective action. Devotees feel the Chief
Minister should intervene, postpone the
samprokshanam and take a fresh look at
the renovation efforts. Only then can the
structure, especially the Rajagopuram,
can be safeguarded.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu created
the pushkarani with the sweat emanating
from his body after his battle with Hiranyakshan.
As his last wish on the death
bed, Hiranyakshan requested the Lord to
turn towards his direction. Hence
Bhoovaraha’s face is seen turned towards
the South, in the direction of the asura,
while the body bearing a human shape is
facing West, in the direction of the devotees.
The Lord here is in the form of a
small idol signifying the Varaha Avatar.
Sri Boovarahaswamy temple, Srimushnam,
incidentally, is a Prarthana
Sthalam for childless couples. Women,
who take bath in the sacred temple tank
and recite the Varaha Kavacham are said
to be blessed with progeny. This is also a
prarthana sthalam for unmarried people
who on offering their prayers to Saptha
Kannigal are said to find their match immediately.
The principal deity is also believed
to help devotees with the purchase
of house and car.
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