Introduction to Varahi Amman Temple
The Varahi Amman Temple is in Tiruchirapalli district, Tamil Nadu.
Who is Varahi Amman?
Varahi Amman is one of the Sapta (7) Matrikas, a group of seven Mother Goddesses. Sri Varahi Daasar Boopathi Swami, a great devotee of all the Matrikas, established the Varahi Amman Temple.
The Goddess is a powerful deity who bestows strength and positivity on her devotees. She protects one from evil eyes, negative energies, Drishti, Doshas, accidents, etc. This Hindu goddess is worshipped mainly in South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. She is associated with Varaha, Vishnu's boar incarnation.
Varahi Amman is a fierce goddess with a sow’s face and a woman’s body. She rides a buffalo or a boar. She helps one overcome obstacles in life.
In some traditions, Varahi Amman is linked to fertility. Women seeking to conceive or have a successful pregnancy worship her. She is a healer of diseases.
Devotees offer flowers, fruits, etc., to her. They also recite her Mantras and Slokas. Her worship takes place along with that of other Mother Goddesses, like Durga or Kali.
Varahi is associated with the Earth element and is referred to as the goddess of the earth. She can supposedly control and manipulate the forces of nature, like earthquakes and other natural phenomena.
Varahi has associations with the Chakras or energy centers in the human body. By meditating on her, you can activate and balance the Mooladhara or Root Chakra, which is associated with stability, grounding, and material success.
When to Worship Varahi Amman?
One can worship Varahi Amman on any day. However, certain days and festivals are auspicious for her worship. On these days, her devotees perform special rituals and Poojas to invoke her blessings and protection.
Fridays are auspicious for the worship of Varahi Amman. So is Navratri, a nine-day festival that celebrates 9 forms of the Mother Goddess, including Varahi Amman. This festival occurs in September or October. Purnima, or full moon day, is also ideal.
Varahi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Varahi Amman, which is on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Chaitra month (March-April), and Vijayadashami/Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day of the Navratri, are also very auspicious.
The Legend of Varahi Amman Temple
According to certain accounts, Varahi Amman Temple was built during the Chola dynasty. The Chola Kings were ardent followers of the Goddess. She is known for her immense mental and physical strength. Before they left to wage wars or military campaigns, the Cholas would worship her to gain her blessings. During the construction of the Varahi Amman Temple, the Goddess supposedly appeared before her devotees and told them that they should never build a roof over the shrine.
Even now, the Varahi Amman Temple, Trichy, has no roof over the shrine. People suffer due to karmic cycles. Varahi Amman did not want them to suffer, so she wanted the shrine to be roofless in her temple until all her devotees could get a proper shelter.
The Architecture of Varahi Amman Temple
The Chola kings who built the Varahi Amman Temple were great conquerors, builders, and administrators. They were renowned patrons of art and commissioned magnificent temples, one of which is the Varahi Amman Temple. In the temple, there is a shrine with an idol of Vekkali Amman at the center. The shrine is in the shape of a chariot and is made of gold and silver that the devotees of the Goddess donated. Inside the shrine, one can see the idol standing on one leg with the other one firmly planted on a demon. Her posture signifies her strength and power. The Varahi Amman Temple is in the North direction, which supposedly gives victories.
Festivals at the Varahi Amman Temple
The Chithirai festival is an important festival that occurs on the 1st day of each month. A priest performs the Pooja at the temple. Women also perform Pooja.
There is another festival during Aadi month when elderly ladies perform a ritual for girls at the temple. They pray for their welfare and also give them bangles and Prasadam. Navaratri celebrations are also grand and devotees offer the Goddess different varieties of rice to the Goddess.
Benefits of Worshipping at the Varahi Amman Temple
Varahi Amman is an extremely powerful Goddess, but she is also kind and compassionate. She protects devotees from negative energies and evil spirits. Worshipping Varahi can eliminate Doshas. She is a healer who can cure various ailments. She bestows wealth and prosperity as well as knowledge and wisdom. One can also gain spiritual wisdom. Varahi Amman embodies courage and strength. She gives her devotees the courage and determination to overcome obstacles.
Worshipping Varahi Amman protects people from mishaps or accidents. People also worship her to win over their enemies and attain peace and salvation.
How to Reach
By Air
The temple is 12 kilometers from the Tiruchirapalli domestic airport, which is the nearest airport.
By Rail
The Temple lies 7 kilometers from the Tiruchirapalli railway station. Many trains are available from various cities of South India to this station.
By Road
One can take private taxis or buses to reach the temple from the railway station or airport.
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