Varahi Shrine (Map 5)

As you approach the main temple, you will see a small brick shrine to the left dedicated to Varahi Amman, one of the seven Hindu mother goddesses. She represents the shakti (power) of Lord Vishnu in his boar-headed (Varahi) incarnation and Rajaraja and other Chola kings sought her blessings before they set off to war. It is likely that there were statues and shrines dedicated to the other six mother goddesses, but only the Varahi has survived to present time.