The Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, located in Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, and his consort Lakshmi as Ambujavalli Thayar. Built in the South Indian style, this temple is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram in the Vaishnavite tradition. Prominent Hindu philosopher Madhvacharya resided here frequently, solidifying the temple’s significance in the Vaishnava Tattvavada (Dvaita) philosophy.
Constructed by the Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple’s grandeur is defined by a seven-tiered rajagopuram, or gateway tower, and enclosed shrines with temple tanks. This temple holds a special place in Madhva tradition, with visits from saints like Vyasatirtha and Raghavendra Tirtha. Madhvacharya himself performed Chaturmasya deeksha here, creating Dhanda Teertha to satisfy a thirsty devotee.
The temple celebrates six daily rituals and three yearly festivals, with the Chariot Festival, held in Vaikasi (April–May), being the most prominent. This festival symbolizes Hindu-Muslim unity as Muslims provide the festival flag and share offerings, praying to Allah in nearby mosques. The Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu manages the temple, one of the few in India where Muslims can worship up to the Ardha Mandapam.
Associated with the legend of Varaha rescuing earth goddess Bhudevi from the demon Hiranyaksha, the temple’s deity faces southward in honor of the demon's last wish. The temple tank, Nithya Pushkarani, is believed to have formed from Varaha’s sweat. Contributions from the Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Nayak kings, especially Achuthappa Nayak, have enriched the temple with grand mandapas, inscriptions, and shrines over centuries, making it an enduring symbol of faith and history.