Srivaraham - Lekshmi Varaha Murthaye Nama

The Lekshmi-Varaha Murthi Temple at Srivaraham in Trivandrum city is one of the ancient temples in Kerala which dates back to more than 4000 years (even older than the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple) and is the only Lekshmi-Varahamurthy temple in India. It is believed that Lord Parasurama consecrated and worshipped Lord Varahamurthy at Srivaraham and he also got a sacred vision of Lord Varahamurthy. The precedence can be felt there by the structures and the devotees will suddenly feel a divine sanctity when inside the temple compound although it lies in the heart of the turmoil of Trivandrum city. Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple is only at a walking distance from here.
 

The idol of Sri Varaha Murthi is in sitting posture and on his lap is sitting Lekshmi Devi who is his consort and is facing west. Generally, according to mythologies Varaha murthy is associated with Bhumi devi (Bhumi devi was saved from the depths of the ocean by the wild-boar (Varaha) incarnation of Lord Vishnu after killing demon Hiranyaksha) and hence is a rareity of this temple to worship Varahamuthy with Lekshmi devi, hence the place is called 'Sree' Varaham where Sree refers to another name of Goddess Lekshmi. It is believed that the Varaha Murthi of this temple is Yagna Varaha and 'Udyogakaraka' (deity helps devotees to attain good employment). Lekshmi Devi, the godess of all wealth, saves devotees from all worldly troubles which arise due to lack of money.

It is believed that before performing the great Aswamedha yaga, Sri Krishna's son Anirudha went to Shwetha dweep (an island) and prayed to Lord Varahamurthy and was able to get a sacred vision as well as blessings of Lord Varahamurthy.

This temple has the largest temple pond and is approximately 8 acres. The pond is also called as Varaha Theertham. According to Mahabharatha, it is one of the 108 theerthas made by Arjuna during the time of his Vanavasa. It is also one of the most important theerthas mentioned in Syanandoora Purana Samuchaya - an epic describing the glory of Padmanabha Swami Temple. A mandapam is located at the centre of the pond. Kunnandan Mahaganapathy temple (facing Sree Varaha Moorthy) is situated at the west side of the pond. Varahtheertham was the bathing place for the Brahmins who participated in Murajapam ritual conducted once in six years at Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In ancient days the Karamanayaaru was conneced with Padmatheertham of Padmanabha Swamy Temple and it is connected with Varahatheertham through a canal for maintaining the water quality. The pond was cleaned in 2012 after several years with the help of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Travancore Devaswom Board and local people. The pond is big enough to conduct even the Vallamkali (boat race).

The annual festival (10 days aarattu festival) of this temple is in Meenam/Painkuny (March-April) and falls along with Painkuni Utsavam at Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple. It is custormary that both the Sripadmanabha swami and the Srivarahamurthy together perform arattu called as 'Koodi Aarattu' at Sanghumugham beach. Varaha jayanthi also falls soon after arattu in the month of March-April (Moolam star on the month of Medam) and celebrated in a grand manner in this temple. Ekadasi especially swargavathil ekadasi and Thursdays are considered important to worship the deity.

Maha Ganapathy facing west (inside nalambalam), Srikrishna facing west (south-east corner of the temple), Naga Devatha (snake gods beneath 3 banyan trees around the temple), Yakshi (demon goddess) and Rakshass are the upadevathas of this temple. Thursdays are important here and considered more auspicious to visit the Lord Varahamurthy. Sreevaraham Temple is a major temple under Travancore Devaswom Board.

"Varaha Roopam Devam Loka Nadham Maheswaram
Medhiniyudharakam Vande Raksha Raksha Daya Nidhe"