Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple, Kallahalli — Attraction in Karnataka

Located near Mysore is the Bhoo (Bhu) Varahaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to the third incarnation of the Lord Vishnu. The temple is located 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 discus 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 more than 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 located 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.

Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple, Kallahalli is a revered ancient temple located on the banks of the River Cauvery, near Mysuru, Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar. This temple is historically significant and is believed to date back to several centuries, though the exact period of its construction remains uncertain. The idol of Lord Varaha here is unique, as it is about 18 feet tall and carved out of a single stone, depicting the Lord holding Goddess Earth (Bhoo Devi) on one of his tusks.

Significance in Recent Times: In recent years, the temple has gained popularity due to the widespread belief that worshiping Lord Varaha here can resolve issues related to property and land. Devotees believe that offering prayers and performing rituals at this temple can help in overcoming obstacles in property disputes, land acquisition, and related challenges. Many have shared anecdotes of their problems being miraculously resolved after seeking the Lord's blessings.

Miracles: The temple is surrounded by several stories of miracles, especially concerning property disputes being amicably resolved. Devotees claim that their issues, which had persisted for years, were suddenly cleared after their visit to the temple. These stories have only added to the temple’s spiritual aura, drawing more devotees seeking divine intervention in their matters of property and wealth.

Serene Beauty: The temple is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cauvery River, adding to its serene and spiritual ambiance. The backwaters of the Cauvery provide a tranquil environment, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. The natural beauty of the area enhances the spiritual experience, offering peace and calm to the devotees.

Overall, Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple is not just a place of worship but a destination where faith, history, and nature converge. Whether you are seeking divine intervention in your property matters or simply wish to experience the serene beauty of the Cauvery, this temple provides a fulfilling spiritual experience.

Review as on my visit in NOV2019.

1. Temple is said to be 2500 years old and god is said to be powerful. Idol is very big and good looking.
2. Temple won't be crowded on weekdays and best time to visit is before 10 OR 11am on any weekday.
3. Temple priest and other staffs are rude in behaviour. They don't allow you to stand in front of god for 5 minutes even if temple is slightly crowded.
4. Usual practice is to offer Tulsi garland to god. But when we handover the Tulsi to priest with devotion, he'll simply collect n throw inside garbha gudi.
5. Prasad will be served (ಗಂಜಿ) through out the day. Lunch prasad will also available. Both are served in a hall opposite to temple. Temple premises n way towards hall are rough mud roads n will be difficult for elderly people to walk.
6. Parking is free anywhere in open field. No entry fees. However, roadside local shop vendors force you to stop in front of their shop and ask you to buy flowers or something from them.
7. No facilities to wash your hands in temple premises and you have to do in road side vendors shop, as they keep bucket of water for devotees.
8. I took Bangalore-Kunigal road- Melukote-Chinakuruli route, which is totally free from traffic, roads are good/wider and around 25km extra distance compared to Mysore road. This requires u to pass 2 toll gate on kunigal highway. Roads nearing temple (~10km) is little narrow n not in good condition. Totally it's ~3.5 hours drive from Bangalore via this route.
9. Temple location is a typical village style scenic place and there's a lake next to temple wherein small boating available but it's unofficial.
10. There are many reviews which talks about fresh vegetables availablity near temple. But it's not there as on NOV2019. Locals told that insufficient rains impacted vegetables growing. Prasad service hall accepts vegetables as donation n very few vegetables can be bought infront of hall to donate (vegetables quality n collection are not good though).

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