Shree Vaarahi Temple is located in Kunthur Village near Doddahonne in Sringeri Taluk, Karnataka. The temple is surrounded by hills, lush greenery, and the peaceful environment of the Malnad region.
The present structure of the temple was constructed about 40 years ago. However, Varahi worship in this region has a much older spiritual background. Devotees believe that the divine presence of Varahi Amma and Panjurli Daiva has been protecting the people of this region for nearly 150 years. The current renovation aims to restore this spiritually powerful shrine to its rightful glory.
The presiding deity is Shree Varahi Ammanavaru, the boar-faced form of the Divine Mother and one of the Sapta Matrikas. She is the Shakti of Lord Varaha and is worshipped as a fierce yet compassionate protector. Alongside her, Varaha (Panjurli) Daiva is also worshipped. Devotees believe that both deities bless families with protection, prosperity, courage, health, and relief from obstacles.
According to the Shakta tradition and the Devi Purana, Goddess Vaarahi emerged as one of the Sapta Matrikas from the Varaha (boar) energy of Lord Vishnu. She took an avatar during the great celestial war when demons like Raktabeeja, Shumbha, and Nishumbha were destroying the worlds. Normal divine powers were unable to defeat these forces, and so the Divine Mother manifested seven warrior goddesses to support the battle. Among them, Varahi appeared as the powerful commander.
Her purpose was to destroy the demon armies, prevent Raktabeeja from multiplying by consuming his blood, and safeguard the battlefield for Goddess Durga. She is therefore known as the Dandanayaki (Commander) of Goddess Lalitha’s army. Spiritually, Varahi represents the force that removes hidden negativity, unseen enemies, fear, black magic, karmic obstacles, and deep-rooted problems. Devotees believe she grants strong protection and quick relief when prayed to with devotion.
The earlier temple had a simple Malnad design with a modest sanctum and tiled structure. The ongoing renovation aims to rebuild the temple in traditional stone architecture with detailed carvings. The work is guided by master sculptor Shri Mahesh N. of Mathrushree Shilpakala Kendra, Attur, Karkala. The new blueprint includes improved structures for the sanctum, mandapa, and Panjurli Daivasthana, ensuring both cultural authenticity and spiritual strength.
Around 150 years ago, villagers approached Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Shri Manjayya Heggade seeking help for various regional challenges. Through divine intervention, sacred energies were brought into the region to protect the people. Later, the revered Shri Swayamprakasha Ramananda Saraswati Swamiji of Hariharapura Math performed an intense 48-day yantra puja, infusing divine energy into the idol of Shree Varahi Ammanavaru. From then on, Amma and Panjurli Daiva have been believed to protect the land and fulfil the prayers of devotees.
According to local tradition, Varahi Ammanavaru and Panjurli Daiva manifested here to protect the region from unseen forces and difficulties. Devotees who prayed at this shrine have experienced relief in matters related to land issues, marriage delays, progeny blessings, health improvements, education, jobs, business struggles, and personal problems. The land is believed to carry ancient spiritual power, strengthened by the yantra puja performed by Ramananda Saraswati Swamiji. Sincere prayers offered here are believed to be answered quickly.
The temple celebrates Varahi Jayanti as the main annual festival. Amavasya days are considered highly powerful, with special poojas and homas for protection. During Navaratri, daily Devi poojas are performed. Tuesdays and Fridays are the most auspicious days for Shakti worship. Special rituals like Varahi Homam, Raksha Pooja, and Chandi Homam are performed occasionally for devotees’ welfare.
