Maddur Ugra Narasimha

A temple where Narasimha is seen in the angry posture at the time of the killing of Hiranyakashipu

Lord Varadaraja North of Ugra Narasimha temple is similar to the one in Kanchipuram

Located 15kms West of Doddamallur Aprameya Perumal Temple (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/07/doddamallur-aprameya-navaneetha-krishna.html) on the Bangalore Mysore Highway is the centuries old Ugra Narasimha temple in Maddur, where the Lord is seen in angry posture with Hiranyakashipu on his lap.Garuda and Prahalada, both in standing posture, are seen flanking the Lord.

When Arjuna requested Krishna for a darshan of Narasimha Avatara, he was told that the avathara could not be replayed but directed Brahmma to create and install the idol of Narasimha in a posture depicting the destruction of the asura.

Kadamba Rishi created a theertham, had bath and undertook penance invoking the blessings of the Lord. Hence this place was historically referred to as Kadamba Kshetram.

 The Hoysalas renovated the temple that one sees in the current form and structure.

Once upon a time, medicines were made available here for all health issues. Hence this place was referred to as ‘madhu’ that over time became Maddur. Even today those with skin issues and with mental fear are believed to be relieved from these issues after invoking the blessings of the Lord and once the sacred water is splashed on their face. 

On Avani Shravanam, the Lord is decorated with Vennai Alankaram. 15 day Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Chitrai. There are two Thayar Sannidhis at the temple – Sowmya Nayaki and Narasimha Nayaki. A special feature at the temple is the posture of Yashoda holding her child Krishna by her chest. Hanuman is seen in a respectful posture before Lord Rama at a separate sannidhi.

To the North of the temple is the Hoysala Period Varadaraja Perumal temple. The story goes that King Vishnu Varadan’s mother could not make it to Kanchi to have darshan of Varadar as she could not see. The King brought the architects from Kanchipuram and built an idol similar to the one in Kanchi. After a 48 day pooja invoking the blessings of the Lord, the King brought his mother to the temple. And to his mother’s delight, she had darshan of Varadaraja Perumal. 

Hence this Lord came to be known as Kanchi Kan Varadarajar. Similar to Kanchipuram one has to climb 27 steps to reach the Moolavar Sannidhi. Varadar Jayanthi is celebrated in a grand way on Hastham. On the day Ugra Narasimha is decorated with Vennai Alankaram, an abhishekam takes place here for Varadarajar.

The temple is open between 8am – 12noon and 5pm-8pm. Contact Balaji Bhattar @ 90362 92265