Near Mysore is the Bhoo (Bhu) Varahaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to the third incarnation of the Lord Vishnu. The temple is in a tiny village named Kalhalli, near Mysore in Karnataka. This temple lies on the banks of the River Hemavati.
The third incarnation of Vishnu is the wild boar form, better known as Varahaswamy. The idol is 18 feet in height and is made of grey stone. The idol is in a sitting position with the goddess Bhoodevi seated on his left lap. Bhoodevi idol is 3.5 feet tall. An idol of the Lord Hanuman is also sculpted under the main idol. Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is extremely famous among the locals and it is believed that the deity has mysterious powers.
The upper hand of the deity is holding a conch and discuss while the Sudarshana Chakra is carved on the back of the idol. The lower left hand of the idol is embracing the Goddess Bhoodevi and lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra.
There is the River Hemavati which flows beside Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple. It has strong undercurrents hence, swimming is not possible in the river. The water reaches the temple wall during Monsoons. Once the water has receded in April or May, there is an annual festival and the Varaha Jayanthi is celebrated. Devotees from the nearby areas come to be a part of the festival.
Quick Facts about Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple, Mysore
- Temple Timings: 00 AM to 5.00 PM
- Address: Village Ganjigera, Varahanatha Kallahalli-571426 (map)
History of Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple, Mysore
It is said that Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is over 2500 years old. It is believed that the great sage Gautama performed penance at this temple and that is why the temple has significance among the locals.
There is a legend of the King Veera Ballala behind this temple. It is believed that while hunting, the King got lost in the forest and he rested under a tree. While resting, he noticed a strange thing happen, he saw a dog chasing a rabbit and after reaching a particular point, the rabbit started chasing the dog.
This made the King believe that the place had certain magical powers, and he dug up the place only to find the deity of Varahaswamy hidden under the layers of earth. Post this incident, the King built a temple and used to offer prayers every day.
The village Kalhalli is on the Bangalore -Mysore highway. The village is at a distance of 32 kms from Pandupura under the Mandya district. The nearest bus stop is at a distance of 2 kms from the village.