📍 Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple – Kallahalli, Karnataka
🛕 Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is located in a tiny village named Kalhalli on the banks of river Hemavati, near Mysore, Karnataka.
This ancient temple has withstood several floods over the centuries. Though rectangular and simple from outside, the idol inside is breathtaking.
The temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu – Varahaswamy (wild boar form), who rescued Goddess Bhoodevi from the demon Hiranyaksha.
✨ Unique Features:
- 🪷 Idol is 18 feet tall, carved from Saligrama stone
- 🌸 Goddess Bhoodevi (3.5 ft) is seated on His left lap
- 🕉️ Idol is believed to have mystical powers
The temple is believed to be over 2500 years old and is known as a Punyakshetra – a sacred land where sage Gautama is said to have performed penance.
📖 Amazing legend: King Veera Ballala discovered the deity when he witnessed a rabbit chasing a dog, realizing the divine power in that spot. Upon excavation, the idol of Pralaya Varahaswamy was found. He then constructed the temple and worshipped the Lord daily.
The river Hemavati flows beside the temple. Though it appears calm, it has strong undercurrents. The central depth of the river is still unknown. During monsoons, the temple area often gets submerged.
🎉 The temple celebrates Varaha Jayanthi in April or May when water levels recede — a grand annual festival.
A beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman is sculpted beneath the main idol. A new gopuram is under construction and the surroundings are being enhanced for devotees.
