About Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple
Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is a revered Vishnu temple in Kallahalli village near K.R. Pete in Mandya district, Karnataka. The temple stands close to the Hemavathi River, giving the sacred site a peaceful riverside setting. According to local tradition, the temple is associated with a history of around 2,500 years and has a strong connection with Sage Gautama Maharshi.
The Deity of Bhoo Varahaswamy
The temple is dedicated to Bhoo Varahaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. In Hindu tradition, Varaha is the boar incarnation of Vishnu and is associated with the protection and restoration of the Earth. The main shrine houses a large monolithic idol of Varahaswamy carved from stone, which is one of the most striking features of the temple.
According to local belief, Sage Gautama Maharshi performed penance and worshipped Lord Varaha at this sacred place. Therefore, the temple is not only important for devotees of Lord Vishnu but also for visitors interested in the legends and spiritual traditions connected with ancient temple sites in Karnataka.
A Peaceful Pilgrimage Destination
Beyond its religious importance, Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple offers travellers an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Karnataka. The Hemavathi River adds to the calm surroundings, while the temple's traditional setting creates a sense of connection with the region's spiritual heritage.
For devotees, families and heritage travellers, Kallahalli can be a meaningful stop during a temple journey through Mandya district. Moreover, the relatively peaceful surroundings make it possible to spend time at the temple without the feel of a busy city destination.
Why Visit Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple?
A visit to Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is especially appealing to travellers who enjoy combining spirituality, history and local culture. The ancient traditions associated with the temple, the distinctive Varaha deity and the riverside surroundings make the journey different from a typical temple visit.
For travellers planning a wider Karnataka temple journey, Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple can also be included in a carefully planned route with One Short Trip. By combining nearby temples, heritage sites and other places of interest, visitors can turn a visit to Kallahalli into a more complete travel experience.
About the Idol of Bhoo Varahaswamy
One of the most remarkable features of Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is its large monolithic idol of Lord Varaha. The sculpture is carved from stone and represents Lord Vishnu in his Varaha form, with the head of a boar and the body of a human. The impressive size and detailed workmanship of the idol give the main shrine a powerful and distinctive appearance.
According to temple tradition, the idol is associated with sacred stone and has been worshipped at this ancient shrine for generations. Its distinctive features, traditional iconography and imposing form make it an important part of the spiritual experience at Kallahalli.
The Form and Posture of Lord Varaha
Lord Varahaswamy is shown seated in a distinctive posture, with one leg folded and the other touching the ground. The tusks appear lighter than the surrounding stone, while the eyes are traditionally described as having a striking reddish appearance. Together, these details add to the powerful presence of the deity.
The four hands of Bhoo Varahaswamy also carry important symbols and gestures. The upper right hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra, while the upper left hand holds the conch. Meanwhile, the lower right hand displays the Abhaya Mudra, traditionally associated with protection and reassurance. The lower left hand is shown embracing Bhoodevi.
Bhoo Varahaswamy and Bhoodevi
Goddess Bhoodevi is depicted seated on the folded left thigh of Lord Varahaswamy. She represents the Earth and is closely associated with Varaha in Hindu tradition. The sacred image of Bhoodevi adds another important element to the iconography of the main deity.
The large Kirita, or crown, further enhances the grandeur of the sculpture. As a result, the idol combines religious symbolism with distinctive traditional craftsmanship. For devotees and visitors interested in Hindu temple architecture and iconography, observing these details can make the visit to Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple more meaningful.
Story of Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple
One of the most fascinating traditions associated with Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple concerns the discovery of the sacred idol. According to local legend, the area around present-day Kallahalli was once covered by dense forest. Hoysala King Veera Ballala III is said to have been hunting in the region when he lost his way and stopped to rest beneath a tree.
While the king was resting, he reportedly witnessed an unusual sight. His hunting dogs were chasing a group of hares towards a nearby hillock. However, the scene suddenly changed. Instead of escaping, the hares turned around and chased the dogs away. The unexpected behaviour surprised the king, who believed that the place might have a special spiritual significance.
As a result, the king is said to have ordered his soldiers to investigate the hillock. During the excavation, they reportedly discovered part of a large idol. The workers continued digging until they uncovered the form of Lord Varahaswamy. According to the traditional account, the king then arranged for the deity to be installed and worshipped at the site.
The Deva Devi Agrahara
Local accounts also connect the history of the temple with Deva Devi, who is traditionally identified as the queen of Veera Ballala III. According to these accounts, an Agrahara was established in her name near the temple. In medieval South India, Agraharas were settlements associated with learning, religious activity and community life.
The traditional accounts associated with Kallahalli describe the Agrahara as a place connected with education and various skills. Such settlements played an important role in preserving knowledge and religious traditions. However, specific details about the activities of the Kallahalli Agrahara should be understood in the context of local tradition unless supported by historical records.
The Temple and Parakala Mutt
Another part of the temple's traditional history relates to the Parakala Mutt. Local accounts associate the temple with the mutt during the period of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Traditional sources also mention a connection between the temple and several surrounding villages, which supported its religious activities and worship.
Over the years, the temple and its surroundings have experienced the effects of Karnataka's seasonal weather, including heavy rain and flooding near the Hemavathi River. Nevertheless, the shrine continues to draw devotees and travellers interested in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Today, the combination of temple tradition, local legend and the peaceful riverside setting makes Kallahalli a memorable pilgrimage destination.
Temple History & Rituals
A Temple Rediscovered
For many years, Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple remained a relatively quiet place of worship. According to a local account, an industrialist named Chandrashekar from Dubai began searching for a large idol of Lord Varahaswamy after reportedly seeing the deity in his dreams on several occasions.
The account says that he visited several temples while looking for the idol he had seen in his dreams. Eventually, he was directed to Kallahalli. At the time, the temple was reportedly in need of restoration, and the large deity was covered with a white cloth.
According to the same local tradition, Chandrashekar recognised the idol when the temple authorities showed it to him. He then contributed towards the renovation of the temple, while other devotees also supported the restoration work. Today, this story remains part of the temple's modern local history.
The Temple Structure
The temple has a relatively simple architectural character, with stone forming much of the older structure. The main complex includes the sanctum and a small hall, while visitors can enter through the available doorways. Its modest design reflects the peaceful and traditional character of this rural pilgrimage site.
A stone slab with an inscription near the temple adds to the historical interest of the site. In addition, renovation and construction work over the years have introduced newer elements around the older structure. As a result, visitors may notice a combination of traditional stonework and later additions within the temple complex.
Brick Pooja
One of the distinctive devotional practices associated with Kallahalli Bhoo Varahaswamy Temple is Brick Pooja. Devotees offer prayers to bricks with the belief that the ritual will support their wish to build a new home or overcome difficulties connected with constructing a house.
Following the ritual, some families traditionally use the blessed bricks during construction. For devotees who follow this practice, the ritual represents a spiritual connection between their prayers and the home they hope to build.
Mud and Sand Pooja
Another local devotional practice involves mud or sand associated with the temple premises. Devotees may take part in the pooja and carry the sacred material with them. According to local belief, this practice is associated with seeking blessings and overcoming delays or obstacles in important matters. Visitors who wish to follow these traditions should check with the temple authorities about the current procedure and availability.
Special Pooja, Abhishekha & Timings
Special pooja is performed to the deity by anointing turmeric, sandalwood, and kumkum. Also during special occasions anointing is done using 500 litres of milk, 500 litres of sugar cane juice (no sugar is used), around 300 litres of tender coconut water. Honey is used minimally. Curd and ghee is used "symbolically" (as it may cause damage to the idol).
There is a separate hall where prasada/annadana is served every day from 9am to 8pm.
Entry Fees: ₹0
Timings: Monday to Sunday 9:30am to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 7:30pm
Best time to Visit: All round the year
Special Seva at Bhoo Varahaswamy temple:
- Mruthika pooja – ₹100/-
- Bhoo suktha parayana – ₹500/-
- Goseva – ₹2000/-
- Revathi abhishekha seva (sankalpa seva) – ₹1000/-
- Ksheerabhisheka – ₹10,000/-
- Annadhana on abhishekha day – ₹30,000/-
- Annadana on Sunday for entire day – ₹10,000/-
Temple Contact & Location
Website: bhoovarahatemple.com
Email: bhovaraha@gmail.com
Phone: 9448011535 / 9449009711
Address: Sri Bhoovarahanatha Swamy Temple, Varahanatha kallahalli, Ganjigere post, Bookanakere Hobali, K R Pet Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka – 571426
Accommodation: The temple has no accommodation facilities for devotees. There are good hotels available near KRS or you can reach Mysore.
Places near Bhoo Varahaswamy temple:
- Daria Daulat Bagh / Tipu Sultan Summer Palace
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
- Gumbaz
- Jumma Masjid / Masjid-e-Ala
- Karighatta
- Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Kshanambika devi temple
- Kunti Betta
Distance:
- From Bangalore – 181 kilometres
- From Mysore – 46 kilometres
- From Krishnaraja Sagara Dam (KRS) – 25 kilometres
How to Reach
KSRTC (Bus)
KSRTC and Private Buses are available from Bangalore to Mysore (fare: ₹160/-), from there reach KRS; from KRS or from Ballenahalli shared autos and buses are available to reach the temple.
Train
Express train available to Mysore from Bangalore (fare: ₹70/-). From railway station take an auto to city bus stop, then bus to KRS; from KRS or Ballenahalli shared autos/buses reach the temple. NOTE – please contact Indian Railways (IRCTC) for updated train timings & pricing.
Air
Nearest International Airport (Kempegowda Bangalore) is 162 Kms from Bhoo Varahaswamy temple. Nearest Domestic Airport (Mandakalli Mysore) is 60 Kms away.
Bike/Car
Bangalore to Mysore route – Majestic (Kempe Gowda bus station) – Nayandahalli – Bidadi – Kengeri – Ramanagara – Channapattana – Madduru – Mandya – Srirangapattana – Chinakuruli – Bhoo Varahaswamy temple.
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