Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple, Thirukkalvanur

Sthala Purāṇam

The presiding deity at Thirukkalvanur is Aadhi Varaha Perumal, the primordial Varaha (boar) avatar of Vishnu, with Thaayar Anjilai Valli Naachiyar (Bhudevi / Nilamangai), worshipped in a standing posture facing west. The shrine is uniquely situated inside the Kamakshi Amman temple complex in Big Kanchipuram, to the side of the goddess's sanctum. The form recalls the classic Varaha legend, in which Vishnu incarnated as a boar to lift Bhudevi, the Earth goddess, on His tusks and rescue her after the demon Hiranyaksha had dragged her into the cosmic ocean, linking the Lord here to His consort Bhudevi as the rescued Earth. The local sthala puranam explains the name 'Kalvan' (thief) and hence Thirukkalvanur: while Parvathi (as Kamakshi) and Sri Lakshmi were bathing in the Kama Koshtam, Emperuman watched them concealed behind a pillar; on being discovered, the goddess playfully 'punished' Him by making Him stand, sit and recline, and named Him Kalvan, the one who took darshan stealthily. Because the Lord 'stole' that hidden glimpse, He grants only limited, restricted darshan within the goddess's shrine. The Divya Desam is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, with Mangalasasanam by Thirumangai Alvar (one pasuram in Periya Thirumozhi), establishing it among the 108 Divya Desams.

Gallery

Tap an image to view it larger — use ‹ › to browse, ✕ to close. Images via Wikimedia Commons.

Plan your visit

📍 12.84084, 79.70320

Routes, distances, hotels and restaurants open in Google Maps with live data. Build a phased pilgrimage plan →