Theertham

Nityapushkarini is the main tirtha (sacred water shed) of this place. If the Ganga acquires sanctity from its source in the toe of Lord Vishnu, this is specially sanctified as it has emerged from his entire body and words are inadequate to describe the spiritual merits of this Pushkarini. As mentioned already on the full moon day in the month of Chittirai all the sacred waters of the world come and take a bath mingle here The puranas tell us about the virtues of a bath in this tank under he shade of the Holy Asvatha Vriksha.

Lakshminarayana tirtha is to the east of the pushkarini; and Varaha tirtha stands on south east side of the city. Brahma Thirtha is on the north; and Pavana Thirtha too lies in that direction. The entire water used for Tirumanjana of the Lord collects here through an underground connection.

Agnitirtha is located in the north eastern direction. Sanka tirtha and Bhoo tirtha are found in the south. Sri Mrutyunjaya tirtha is reputed to have been specially sanctified by the drop of ambrosia that was split when Garuda carried the Amruta kalasa (pot of nector). Bhargava tirtha on the south and Danda tirtha are other holy tirtha of the place. The latter is considered by Madvas as of special importance. Tradition has it that during the visit of Madhva acharya it was created by the Acharya by inserting his dhandas in the ground and a spring of water appeared to allay the thirst of an expectant mother suffering from extreme thirst.

Sukla the Vellar River

It is believed that the grand daughter of Hiran yaksha's (daughteer of Gillika) was granted the form of this sacred river as a reward for her devotion to the Lord. Krishna (Mani-muttar river) too is the daughter of Gillika who obtained this holy form through her intense bhakthi. Valaiyamadevi Pavana thirtha the place where Ambhujavalli Thayar incarnated, is also reckoned as a thirtha belonging to Srimushnam.

The Itihasas and Puranas tell us that there is no Kshetra comparable to Srimushna. Sri Bhuvaraha Perumal is worshipped all the time by Brahma, Indra and other devas, danavas, yakshas, rakshasas, gandharvas, kannaras; hosts of rights, vidyadaras, yogins-all dwell there and ceaselessly offer obeisance to Sri Bhuvarahamurti. it is said to be a hundred times more holy that Kasi reputed for taraka mantroadesa. Those who study the Srimushna mahatmika, worship the presiding Lord of this Kshetra and bathe in the holy waters of the place cross the ocean of samsara and reach Vishnu loka. If one happens to die in this holy spot, he attains moksha. A visit even once to this place during one's life time suffices to ensure for one spiritual salvation.

This kshetra is symbol of Hindu-muslem amity and concord. The strife and communal discord, which we hear about in other places in our country, do not exist here. Lord Bhuvaraha had, and is still having, Muslem devotees, worshippers and admirers. A muslem ruler by name Hazarat Rahmatualla Walliulla Suthari who who ruling this part of the country, and had his capital in a village called Thaikal near Killai, years ago, had endowed large tracts of land and constructed a mandapam in Killai. From out of the income of the lands, a great festival is celebrated every year to Lord Bhuvaraha, in the month of Masi, while the lord is taken to the Eastern sea for Thiruthavari. The deity is taken through the muslem village with music and bands, and offerings åre made in front of the Durga, where the ruler is burried. A garland from the Deity is placed on the Samadhi and champour is burnt, while the Kazi of the mosqu recites from the Koran. Again offerings are made to the Deity and prasadams taken and placed in the house of the decendents of the Nawab. In the night the Deity is taken agian in a flowerpalanquin, with music and fire works, upto the Durga and people of both communities Hindus a Muslems participate in the grand festival.