Srimushnam

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Srimushnam | type = city | latd = 11.4 | longd = 79.42
locator_position = right | state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Cuddalore
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altitude = 39
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 12,000| population_density =
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Srimushnam is a panchayat town in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. SriMushnam is a very sacred place to Hindus as well as Buddhists and it is one of the 8 Svayam Vyakta Ksetras of Vaishnavas.

Geography

Srimushnam is located at coord|11.4|N|79.42|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Srimushnam.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Srimushnam] ] . It has an average elevation of 39 metres (127 feet). It is located about 24 miles west of Chidambaram, 16 miles southeast of this stalam is Kattu Mannar Kovil.

About the Deity

Srimushnam's presiding deity is 'Lord Bhuvaraha', because of this SriMushnam is also called 'Varaha Kshetram'. The consort of lord Bhuvaraha is Ambujavalli Thayar. The icon of the temple is not sculptured by any human but is a formation of the stone saligarama (black smooth round stone) and is also called 'Yagna Varahan'. The utsavamurthy does not resemble a wild boar in acceptance to the desire of His celestial consort. This is the only place where all the deities are Varaha Murtis.

Three Forms of Vishnu

It is said that lord vishnu resides in this particular place in three forms. One in the form 'Ashwatha tree', second as 'Nithya Pushkarani' and as 'Bhoovaraha Swamy'. The temple tank, called Nithya Pushkarani', is known for its medicinal values which is a panacea. The 'Ashwatha tree', stands like a colossus near the sacred tank. It is believed that it has a beneficial effect of blessing sterile women with progeny. Meditation and chanting of 'Gayathri Mantra' under the tree after bathing in the holy tank vouchsafes a place in the heavens.

History

The temple existed aeons ago and has withstood the onslaught of nature. But, only in the 16th century, it gained prominence, according to the inscriptions. The Vijayanagar kings took special interest in the renovation of the temple and constructed mandabams and shrines. They also systematized the daily poojas and designed important vahanas like the 'thiru ther (temple car).

Festivals

The Tamil New Year heralds the oncoming festivals in Srimushnam temple. During the month of April-May 'Chitrai Utsavam' is celebrated. The utsava murthy, 'Yagna Varahan', along with His consorts Sri Devi and Bhoomidevi, go around all the four mada streets around the temple. This culminates in the celebration of 'float festival' - theppotsavam - in the 'Ashwatha Pushkaram'. The Lord with His two Lakshmis have a boat ride in the temple tank, that is illuminated for the purpose, accompanied by a retinue.

During the Brahmotsavam, the car festival attracts people from the neighbourhood. During Masi Maham (full moon during February-March), the Lord and His consort visit the neighbouring hamlets and towns to give darshan to the devotees.

The 'Navarathri' festival is conducted with gaiety and exuberance. The Goddess, Hemambujavalli, is decorated with silk sarees and flower garlands. She is carried in a palanquin festooned with fragrant flowers on the last Friday of the Tamil months Aadi and Thai.The 'Navarathri' festival is conducted with gaiety and exuberance. The Goddess, Hemambujavalli, is decorated with silk sarees and flower garlands. She is carried in a palanquin festooned with fragrant flowers on the last Friday of the Tamil months Aadi and Thai.

Religious Prosperity

It is accepted by all that the Lord transcends all religions here. The Muslim brethren welcome the presiding deity with grandeur. He criss-crosses Thaikkal and accepts the offerings of Muslims. It is indeed unique that the Lord stops in front of the mosque and accepts garlands and candy from the chief kazi. After lighting the camphor in the mosque, the kazi recites verses from the Holy Koran.

The Lord makes his nocturnal visits in a flower-bedecked palanquin accompanied by bursting of crackers and splendid display of fireworks. There is an interesting story behind this. The Nawab, inflicted by an incurable disease, was almost sinking when a devotee of Sri Bhuvarahan happened to visit the Nawab. Sensing the seriousness of his condition, the man, a Madhwa Brahmin, offered him tulasi and holy water which he had got as prasadam from the Srimushnam temple. The Nawab accepted it reverently and he was cured of his malady miraculously. As a token of gratitude and thanks giving, he offered several acres of cultivable land and orchards to the temple trust. This property is under the survey of Madhwa Brahmins till date. In this village, no Hindu God, except Sri Bhuvarahan, is allowed to enter.

Prasadam

Being Varaha, the Lord Bhuvarahan likes to eat 'gOrai kizhangu'. Therefore, a sweet dish ('laddu') made out of gOrai kizhangu is presented as prasad.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Srimushnam had a population of 12,000. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Srimushnam has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 70%, and female literacy is 51%. In Srimushnam, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References

External links

* [http://chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/placesofworship/09temple20.asp SriMushnam1]
* [http://chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/placesofworship/07temple15.asp SriMushnam2]
* [http://srimushnam.blogspot.com/ SriMushnam3]