Sri Varaheeswarar Temple, Damal Village, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Varaheeswarar

Amman: Sri Gowriamman

A beautiful Pallava period temple with lot of historical significance of that period which is over 1000 years. The original sanctum was built by Pallavas. Antarala and arthamandapa are added during Chozha period. The Prakara, Mahamandapa and mukha mandapa are added during Vijayanagara period.

There are many tales behind the Village name Damal which was earlier know as Damsr. The word Damar might have been derived from the name of a Pallava Chieftain Daman ( Daman Thondrikon ) ruled Damar Nadu or from a Vijayanagara Nayak ruler Damarala Venkattappa Nayaka. In fact Damar is also referred  in sangam literature Purananuru, a poet by name Damappa Kannanar, who hails from this Village.

As per Pallava King Simhavaraman-III ( 556CE ) copper plate this place was mentioned as Damar or Thamar, Damar kottam, Damar Nadu, Damanallur and Damar. Damal was also called as Damalachery during Maratha period. Damar Nadu was a sub-division under Thondai mandalam.  Lord Shiva was called as Tirupannriswaram Udayar ( பன்றி – Boar in English and Varaha in Sanskrit ), is now called as Varaheeswarar, in Sanskrit. Damal is the home town of D.K. Pattammal, D.K.Jayaraman and Seshadri Swamigal

As per the  legend Vishnu after killing Hiranyakshan, in the  Varaha avatara and brought back the Earth,  couldn’t control his anger and behaved ferociously. So Devas seeked Lord Shiva’s help. Lord Shiva as a hunter fights with Varaha, hugged and plucked the tusks, which was coated with Demon’s blood. Lord Vishnu’s Demon behaviors disappeared and he worshiped Lord Shiva.It is said that this entire episode happend at this place. Due to embracing Varha,  the Conch and Chakra impressions are found on the Shiva Linga.

The temple is facing west with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. Balipedam and Nandhi are in front of a Vijayanagara period mandapam. Sri Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramaniyar sannadhis are on both sides of Nandi. Sarabeswarar is also present in the temple. Many of the columns at the front of the Varaheeswarar Temple are carved with various depictions of Bhairava, a form of Shiva who is always accompanied by his faithful dog. On other columns one sees other gods, like Hanuman and Ganesha.

Gowri Ambal is in a separate Sannidhi and Elephant is present before Ambal Sannadhi (Normally Lion will be there). Moolavar Lingam having snake roopam on it and also Sudarshana Chakram and Sangu on it. Sun and Moon Eclipse can be seen over main door of Moolavar Sannadhi. Ashta (Eight) Bhairavars are available on pillars at outer Praharam. Two faced Bhairavar is located in a separate Sannadhi. The wonder of the temple is that on Rathasapthami day, in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), the sun’s ray’s fall directly on the Shiva Lingam

Contact: Daily morning the temple is opened by 6:30 am. 

Location: Sri Varaheeswarar Temple, Damal Village, Kanchipuram