Vijayadasami Utsavam Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal Srirangam

Namperumal’s hunting scene enacted at the Kaatazhagiya Singar temple on Vijayadasami
Made his way back through the Wholesale Flower Market of Srirangam



Last week, on the Vijayadasami (Oct 6,2011) morning, sharp at 630am, Namperumal, the Utsava processional deity of Lord Ranganathaswamy temple set his sights to the East as he left his abode for his annual one day ‘Vijaya’ (Conquest) trip to the temple of 'Narasimha of the Jungle' - Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal koil, a temple that pre dates the Ranganatha temple.

Passing through the ‘Vellai Gopuram’, Namperumal reached the Srirangam railway station where special wooden boards had been placed across the railway track to assist the Lord cross the Srirangam Station. On reaching the Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple, Namperumal stationed himself at the outer Mantapa where a pooja was performed. Later, devotees at the Singar temple had his darshan.

Enactment of hunting SceneIn the evening, cane bows and arrows of cane with brass heads were ceremoniously brought on the Elephant back via the Chitra Streets of Srirangam.

At 5pm, the Golden Horse Vahana that had been brought earlier in the day from the Ranganatha temple, was moved into the Outer Mantapa where Namperumal was being decorated for the evening event.

An hour later, at 6pm, Namperumal mounted on his Golden Horse Vahana and positioned himself at the four pillared Mantapa right in front of the Vanni tree for the much awaited event of the day.


After performing pooja at the Vanni tree, the hunting scene was enacted here in front of thousands of devotees who had gathered at the Singaperumal temple with Nampermal’s representatives striking the arrows in different directions signifying the killing of Vanniyasura, the forest demon and symbolically suggesting the protection of the Good.

After the enactment of this hunting scene and having spent the whole day with the ‘Narasimha of the Jungle’, Namperumal bid good bye to Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal for yet another year and started on his return trip at around 7pm.

Only visit to the Flower Market of Srirangam
Ahead of Namperumal’s return trip, Sathara Street, the wholesale Flower market of Srirangam, was wonderfully decorated with festive lights and flower alankara marking the entire stretch of the market. This is the only day in the year when Namperumal makes his way through the Flower market providing darshan to the flower vendors of Srirangam.

With the clock having ticked past 830pm and having provided darshan for almost an hour at the Southern entrance of the Ranganathaswamy temple, Namperumal made his way back to the Gayathri Mantapa where Thirumanjana was performed along with the Ubhaya Nachiyars bringing to an end his annual hunting expedition to the Singaperumal temple.

Singar Koil
Kaatazhagiya Singaperumal temple is located 100yards East of Srirangam Railway Station. Moolavar Chaturbhuja Narasimha is seen with his two upper hands holding a Conch and Chakra while his lower hand is in an Abhaya posture. Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated on the left thigh of Narasimha and holds buds in both her hands. Interestingly, both the feet of Goddess Lakshmi can be seen at this temple.

Centuries ago, this Kshetram was referred to as Velli Thirumutham. Only much later, after the construction of the Ranganatha temple did this place come to be called Thiruvarangam. The Singaperumal temple was built by Vallabhadeva Pandya and has an imposing Vimana. In the 15th Century AD, Chakra Raya colonised the precincts of the Shrine of Kaatazhagiya Singar and renovated the shrine. The Maha Mantapa at the Singar temple has Vijayanagar style pillars.

Singiri Kudi Narasimha Temple

Sage Vashista was liberated from his curse at this place
Prahalada had darshan here of Lakshmi Narasimha after having visited Devanathan at Thiru Vahindrapuram



Located 2kms West of Thavalai Kuppam off the Pondicherry-Cuddalore National Highway is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Singiri Kudi, Abhishekapakkam where Lord Narasimha is seen in an angry sitting posture facing the West towards the other two Narasimha temples at Poovarasankuppam and Parikkal.

This is the only Narasimha temple in Tamil Nadu where he is seen with 16hands.

Prahalada's darshan at Singiri Kudi
Subsequent to his visiting Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam for a darshan of Lord Devanathan, Prahalada is believed to have come North to Singiri Kudi to invoke the blessings of Ugra Narasimha.



Nimi Chakravarthy, who belonged to the Surya Dynasty, wanted to perform a Yagna invoking Indra and to gain further powers. Vashishta, the preceptor of the Surya Dynasty, was not too keen on this and backed out citing non availability on that day.

Nimi who had made up his mind to perform the Yagna reached out to Kousika Rishi to be present and lead this yagna. After its completion, Vashista returned only to find Nimi asleep.

Angered that Nimi had gone ahead and performed the Yagna despite him announcing his non availability and also with him not coming out to receive the Sage, Vashista pronounced a curse whereby the body and soul were separated.

On waking up, Nimi expressed unhappiness that his Guru had cursed him while he was asleep.

In an interesting twist, the King, who through his various yagnas had gained powers to curse anyone, cursed his own Guru separating his body and soul as well.

Nimi felt that having separated his soul from the physical body he need not revive his life and he expressed the wish that he should have darshan of the Lord through the devotees.

Vashista on the other hand sought the help of Brahmma to liberate him from the curse. As directed by Brahmma, he undertook penance at the Krishnaranya Kshetram of Singiri Kudi. Pleased with his prayers, Lakshmi and Narasimha provided darshan to him here and liberated him from the curse.

The three Narasimha temples of Parikkal (Near Villupuram off the Trichy National Highway), Poovaran Kuppam ( off the Panruti Highway) and Singiri Kudi are in a straight way from West to East. It is said that it is auspicious to visit all the three temples on the same day.

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Ugra Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Kanakavalli Thaayar
Priest : Jayakumar Bhattar @ 0413 2618759
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 430pm-9pm

Festivals
Chitrai Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
Chariot Festival on Narasimha Jayanthi
Puratasi Saturdays

How to reach
Take the Pondicherry-Cuddalore bus. Get down at Thavalai Kuppam ( 10kms from Pondy)
An auto from here to Singiri Kudi will cost Rs.30-40/-

Kathir Narasinga Perumal Devar Malai

Veerasana Kolam of Narasimha 

After having completed a complete renovation of the temple in under 4years, the temple now has plans to construct the Raja Gopuram as well as a Chariot

 

Located 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli and 35kms South East of Karur is the 550year old Kathir Narasinga Perumal temple in Devar Malai, a temple whose story dates back to Hiranya Samhara and who construction in its present form to the Nayak period. The Story After Hiranya Samhara, an angry Lord Narasimha came here to this forest area of Devar Malai, where he was intercepted by the Devas who had congregated here in large numbers. The Devas brought sacred water and performed Abhishekam on Narasimha in an effort to cool him down. Pleased with their gesture, Lord Narasimha sat down at this place and provided darshan. Having cooled down by the Devas, He is seen here in a Jaya Veera King like majestic Posture with his right feet placed on the ground and the left leg in a folded position. His left hand is in a Posture inviting the devotees while his right hand is an Abhaya Hastham Posture blessing them. This is referred to as the Veerasana Kolam of Lord Narasimha. The Sacred water here is believed to liberate those with Pitru Dosham. 

The Structure 

There is no Raja Gopuram at the entrance. Today, it is seen as a Mottai Gopuram. There is a separate Thaayar Sannidhi with a separate Deepasthambam where lamps are lit on special occasions.

Inscriptions 

There are centuries old inscriptions at the entrance of the Thaayar Sannidhi that tells the story of the temple. Nayaks, belonging to the Kurivarkothram in Bellary, came here to Palayam, 5kms West of this temple. They were the earliest of the Nayaks and their stay here marked their first entry into this region after capturing Puliyur through their killings of Vengals. Pandyas were very impressed with the Nayaks and presented them with lands. Nayaks, who were adept at grazing cows, would bring the cows every day to this forest area of Devar Malai. 

 Once, they witnessed a unique occurrence of a boy drinking the milk directly from the cow. Angered at this, the cow herd fought with the boy only to find the boy disappear. Stunned at this incident, he sat there near the banyan tree while the cows returned to Palayam. When Vathipala Muthappa Nayak came there, he tapped the cow herd and instantly found a divine light. Digging this place, they found sacred water pouring out and realised that Lord Narasimha himself was present here and that the Lord had come there to enact the drama of drinking the milk from the cow. The delighted Nayaks built this temple, and the grand granite structure that one sees today belongs to the Nayak period construction. While the temple itself is about 550years old, the moolavar deity is said to date back to over a 1000years. The Nayaks who then went on to rule large parts of Tamil Nadu had many of those places named as palayam ( Palayam Kottai, Raja Palayam etc) but the Palayam near Devar Malai is said to be the first of the ‘Palayams’, marking their entry into this region. Bairavar Sannidhi The Swarna Bairavar Sannidhi at the Northern side is special at this temple similar to the idol seen at Dhadi Kombu temple near Dindigul. Renovation- Raja Gopuram and Chariot Over the last 3-4years, the temple which had been in ruins has been completely renovated and wears a fresh new look. However, the temple is bereft of two important aspects- One is welcomed at the entrance by the ‘Mottai Gopuram’ and the Chariot is in a dilapidated condition. The temple has plans to build a Raja Gopuram as well as a new Chariot. Devotees interested in supporting this can call: Shri Kannan @ 99401 82717 Festivals Navarathri Kolu for Thaayar Vaikasi 10day Brahmotsavam Puratasi Saturday Lakshmi Narayana – Chakra Pongal Thaligai on Mondays There is a special Abhishekam on the Ashtami day at this temple Pradosham and Amavasya days are also special at this temple Quick Facts Moolavar: Kathir Narasinga Perumal East Facing Sitting Posture Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar ( Separate Sannidhi) Temple time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-7pm Contact: Balaji Bhattar @ 99436 10705 How to reach Devar Malai Devar Malai is 65kms West of Tiruchirapalli on the Thogamalai-Palayam route and 35kms South of Karur off the Karur-Dindgual Highway 5kms East of Palayam. Buses from Trichy every one hour on the Devar Malai route (buses going towards Palayam/Pallapatti) with the first bus at 4am. One should get down at Kuruni Kalathapatti and walk 1km North to reach the temple One can also reach Devar Malai by taking the Karur- Dindigul bus (old Dindigul road) and getting down at Palayam. From Palayam, one can take an auto to Devar Malai temple Car from Trichy and back: Rs. 950/- . Car from Karur and back: Rs.600/- Auto from Palayam bus stop to the temple: Rs. 100/- (about 5kms)

Karanja Narasimha Ahobilam

Lord provided darshan to Anjaneya in a special form with bow in hand, chakra and as Narasimha


Located 6kms from Lower Ahobilam en-route to Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam (Singavelkundram) is the Karanja Narasimha temple in Upper Ahobilam, west of the Garudathri Mountain and part of the Nava Narasimha temples in Ahobilam.

The Story

Wanting darshan of his favourite Lord, Anjaneya undertook penance under the Karanja tree at this place.

To test the sincerity of Anjaneya, Lord Narayana appeared before him in his Half-Lion –Half Man Narasimha form. Anjaneya was disappointed not to be blessed by Lord Rama himself.

When Narasimha tried to convince Anjaneya that he was the same as Rama and was only in a different form, Anjaneya dismissed this suggestion saying his Lord was handsome and was one with the bow in hand. And that what he was seeing in front of him was one with very long nails in a fiery posture.

Anjaneya threatened to continue his penance till he had darshan of Rama. Pleased with his devotion for Rama, Narasimha provided Anjaneya darshan in a special form with a bow in his left hand ( like Rama), with Adisesha on top and holding the chakra ( like Narayana) and the half lion-half man Narasimha Avatar, thus convincing Anjaneya that Narayana, Rama and Narasimha were one and the same.

Hence, at this temple one finds Karanja Narasimha with a bow in hand and with a chakra. Anjaneya is seen in a standing posture with folded hands with his face turned towards Karanja Narasimha.

600 Year Old Mandapam
There is a 600 year old 100 pillar mandapam where from the First Jeer of Ahobila Mutt is believed to have delivered lectures.

Priest : Ramesh Bhattar @94418 02368 or Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118
Temple Time : 9am-4pm

How to reach
From Lower Ahobilam, one can take a share auto (Rs.10per head) to reach this temple
Individual Auto from Lower Ahobilam will cost Rs.60-75/-

Ahobilam Singavelkundram

Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi refers to this place as Singavel Kundram and says it is almost impossible to visit because of the rocky terrain 

Located about 110kms North West of Cuddapah amidst the dense Nalla Malai Forest of the Achalachaaya Meru mountain range is the Singavelkundram Divya Desam in Ahobilam, one of the 16 prominent Swayam Vyaktha Kshetrams. Reference to Ahobilam is found in 10 chapters (over a 1000slokas) in the Brahmanda Purana. 

Divya Desam- Upper Ahobilam 

It is the Ahobila Narasimha cave temple in Upper Ahobilam (about 8kms from Lower Ahobilam) at the foot of Garudathri at about 3000feet above sea level that Thirumangai Azhvaar visited and sung praise referring to this location in his verses as Singavel Kundram. Ahobila Narasimha is seen in an Ugra Posture with Prahalada standing opposite to him. Narasimha came and stayed here as a hunter and being away from Goddess Lakshmi, married Senjuga Thaayar, who was born and brought up here. Hence, at the Upper Ahobila Narasimha temple, one finds a separate sannidhi for Senjuga Thaayar. The Utsava deity of Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is seen at the Lakshmi Narasimha Prahalada Varadan temple at Lower Ahobilam. Bhavanasini River flowed here so Narasimha could clean his hands after the Hiranya samharam. 

Narasimha Avataara Sthalam 

 While Ayodhya is the Avataara Kshetram of Rama and Mathura is the Avataara Kshetram of Krishna, Ahobilam is the place of incarnation and the Avataara Kshetram of Narasimha. This is the shortest of his Avatharams and unlike other avatharams, this one was taken for the sake of one person (Prahalada) answering his sincere prayers.

The name 

This place is popularly referred to as Ahobilam.Thirumangai Azhvaar in his Periya Thirumozhi refers to this  as Singavel Kundram. As there are nine Narasimhas here, this place is also referred to as Nava Narasimha Kshetram. As Garuda undertook penance at the mountain here, this is called Garudachalam. After seeing Narasimha tear apart Hiranyakashipu, the Devas are believed to have exclaimed ‘Aaha’ ‘Balam’ (supreme strength of the Lord). Hence this place came to be known as Aho-Balam. As this is a cave temple, the place also came to be referred as ‘Aho’ ‘Bilam’(cave). 

Nine Forms of Narasimha 

Narasimha is said to exist in one of the nine forms- Ugra, Veera, Jwala, Sarvamukham, Nrisimha, Bisanam, Bhadram, Mrityu and as Vishnu (Lakshmi Narasimha). At any of the Narasimha temples, one would see the Lord in one of these forms. It is only here at Singavel Kundram that one is able to see him in all the nine forms in a single location. (more on each of these nava Narasimhas in a seperate story) 

The Story 

Vishnu took the form of Narasimha (half man-half lion) in this mountainous terrain to kill Asura Hiranyakashipu. The pillar – Ugra Stambha- out of which Vishnu came out in his Narasimha Avataar is seen at the top of the Nalla Malai forest, about 7kms above the Upper Ahobila Divya Desam. It is one of the most exhilarating experiences to make the trip across rocks and water falls to reach the top of this mountain. While it is not an easy task, especially as there is no straight path or steps (unlike a Sholingur), a sincere devotee whose thoughts center around the Lord will be able to make it to the top of this mountain in about 2hours from Ahobila Narasimha temple. 

The difficulty of visiting Singavel Kundram can be seen from this verse of Thirumangai where he says that it is almost impossible to reach this temple as this is a rocky terrain with constant forest fires and the presence of bow wielding hunters. 

முனைத்த சீற்றம் வின்சுடப்போய் 

மூவுலகும் பிறவும் அனைத்தும் அஞ்ச ஆள் அரி ஆய்

இருந்த அம்மானது இடம் 

கனைத்த தீயும் கல்லும் அல்லா 

வில் உடைய வேடரும் ஆய் 

 தினைத்தனையும் செல்ல ஒண்ணாச்

 சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே - Thirumangai Periya Thirumozhi

Red Blood of Lord Narasimha  

2kms below the Ugra Stambha and 5kms above Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam is the Jwala Narasimha temple, the exact place where Narasimha tore open Hiranyakashipu. This temple is in a very scenic location, mountains on all sides, with the water fall just about 50yards away. To this day, one can see the red blood below the rock signifying the Hiranya Samharam. At the Jwala Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Lord Narasimha in the middle in a fiery sitting posture here with 8hands. With a couple of hands, he is seen tearing open Hiranyakashipu and with another two, he is seen holding the Conch and Chakra. The left leg is seen in a folded posture and the right leg hanging on the ground. Prahalada is seen at the feet of the Lord in a praying posture. On the right, one finds Narasimha engaged in the battle with Hiranya. 

Garuda's Penance 

With Lord Vishnu taking a sudden trip to this place to fight Hiranyakashipu, he decided to come on his own leaving behind Garuda at Vaikuntam. Hence, Garuda who normally plays the role of the Lord’s vehicle had to miss the Narasimha Avatar. Unhappy with this, Garuda undertook severe penance in this mountain. Answering his prayers, Lord appeared here as Jwala Narasimha and provided Darshan to Garuda. As per the wishes of Garuda, this Kshetram has been referred to as Garuda Kshetram and the mountain is called Garuda Chalam or Garudathri. In Kritha Yugam, Lord Shiva performed pooja here and praised Narasimha as the Supreme Being uttering the Mantra Raja Mrutha Stotram. In Tretha Yugam, in search of Sita, Rama visited this place and worshipped Ahobila Narasimha singing praise on the Lord in 5 verses - Narasimha Pancha Mrutha Stotram. In Dwapara Yugam, the Pandavas reached Ahobila kshetram and invoked the blessings of Narasimha. In Kali Yugam, Srinivasa of Tirupathi presented ‘Thaligai’ to Lord Narasimha of Ahobilam prior to tying the knot on Padmavathi Thaayar. Adi Sankara who was attacked by evil forces here at Ahobilam praised Narasimha through the Karavalamba Stotram for protecting him. He also installed a Siva Lingam at the Ahobila Narasimha temple. 

   

Visiting three temples

In an earlier story on Narasimha temples around Villupuram, one had seen as to how it was sacred to visit Singiri, Poovarasan Kuppam and Parikkal in a single day. (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/08/poovarasan-kuppam-narasimha-temple.html) Legend has it that Adhiseshan’s presence is spread across this entire region with his head resting in Tirupathi, his body here at Ahobilam and the tail at Srisailam. The belief is that it is sacred to visit these three temples in one go. 

  Inscriptions-festivals 220days a year 

There are several inscriptions inside both the Lower and Upper Ahobilam temples. 14th Century inscription records the construction of the steps at the Upper Ahobilam (Divya Desam) temple. A 15th century inscription reveals the gifting of the village (Kaluvacheru- Komaragiripuram) by Karama Reddi for the conduct of the daily rituals and worship at the Divya Desam. A mid 16th century inscription reveals the contributions made by Vijayanagar kings. Kakatiya kings also contributed to the improvement of the temple and the mandapas. 

Inscriptions relating to the 16th century provide insights into the building of mandapam, Garuda Stambha and festivals on 220 days in the year relating to the Lower Ahobilam temple. Another interesting inscription refers to ‘Thaligai’ to be presented to the Lord twice a day- once at noon and the other in the evening at the Lower Ahobilam temple. Krishna Deva Raya, who sought the blessings of Ahobila Narasimha before going for a battle, came back after having won the battle and installed the Vijaya Stambha in front of the temple here. Ramanuja and Vedanta Desigar are believed to have visited this temple. 

Azhvaar Praise Thirumangai Azhvaar begins the first of his 10verses on Singalvel Kundram by praising Narasimha's physical strength and his special appearance in a half man-half lion posture and tearing Asura Hiranya’s chest while the world looked awe struck at his power and ability to destroy the Asura. 

அம் கண் ஞாலம் அஞ்ச அங்கு ஓர் ஆள் அரி ஆய் 

அவுணன் பொங்க ஆகம் வள் உகிரால் 

போழ்ந்த புனிதன் இடம் 

பைங்கண் ஆனைக் கொம்பு கொண்டு பத்திமையால் 

அடிக்கீழ்ச் செங்கண் ஆளி இட்டு இறைஞ்சும் 

சிங்கவேழ் குன்றமே 

Ahobila Mutt 

In the late 14th Century, the Lord is said to have initiated Adivan Sadagoopan to launch the mutt here at Ahobilam to propagate the Vishista Dwaitha philosophy. This is home to the 600+ years old Ahobila Mutt. In the last two decades, the Nava Narasimha temples have seen renovation efforts thanks to the efforts of the Mutt. Out of the Nava Narasimha Utsava idols, the Utsava deity of Malola Narasimha temple is the abhisheka idol of the Ahobila Mutt Jeer. It was also the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt who was responsible for the construction of the Rajagopuram at Srirangam.  

Festivals

Currently, there are festivals on 180days of the year. 

Kalyana Utsavam, Swati Homam and Specific Prarthana Abhishekams are particularly sacred here.

Vaikasi - 10day Narasimha Jayanthi Aippasi 

10day Pavitrotsavam – 4days Lower Ahobilam, 6days Upper Ahobilam 

Thai- Maasi - 45day procession to 33villages around Ahobilam 

Panguni - 12day Brahmotsavam 

Chitrai - Week long utsavam for Pavana Narasimha 

Every month, on the Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Abhishekam for all the nine Narasimhas

Quick Facts 

Moolavar : Ahobila Narasimha, East Facing Sitting Posture with Prahalada standing opp the Lord

Thaayar : Amruthavalli, Shenjaga Lakshmi 

Utsavar : Narasimha (9 different idols) 

 Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (10 Paasurams in Periya Thirumozhi)

 Priest : K.Venugopal (Ramesh) –Chief Archakar @ 94418 02368 or 08519 252097 Ahobila Narasimha Divya Desam- M. Veeraraghava Archagar @ 96032 27118

Time : Upper Ahobilam – Ahobila Narasimha temple 7am-1pm and 2pm-7pm

Lower Ahobilam – Prahalada Varadan temple 630am-1pm and 3pm-8pm 

Other Narasimha temples - 10am-5pm(1pm-2pm rest) 

Where to stay 

Ahobila Mutt has a nice guest house at Lower Ahobilam in front of the Prahalada Varadan temple. For room booking, contact Badri Narayanan-Manager @ 94905 15284 

Vegetarian Food 

There is vegetarian food outside the Ahobilam guest house as well as a Udupi hotel. Temple Thaligai is another option 

How to reach 

By Train Chennai Egmore-Cuddapah (Kacheguda Exp -5pm dep) or Chennai Central-Cuddapah(Bombay mail 1045pm dep). Bus every 30minutes from Cuddapah to Allagadda (84kms- takes 2hours) on the Nandiyal-Kurnool-Hyderabad route. From Arlagadda, one can take another bus to Lower Ahobilam (24kms) - Buses every one hour and takes 30-45minutes. 

A taxi from Cuddapah station to Ahobilam will cost Rs.1500/- (one way) Bus Three direct buses every evening from Chennai Koyembedu bus stand to Allagadda (10hours) via Tirupati-Cuddapah (Kadapa) and return buses from Allagada at 630pm,8pm and 845pm back to Chennai.(Rs.260 per head)

  Lower Ahobilam to Upper Ahobilam A share auto will charge Rs.10per head from Lower to Upper Ahobilam (one can visit Karanja temple on the way).

Namakkal Narasimha

Three Temples of Namakkal

Anjaneya carried the Saligrama stone which turned here into a mountain
Ranganatha is seen in a ‘Karkodaya’ Sayana Posture


Located about 55kms from Salem off the Bangalore- Kanyakumari NH 7 is the Narasimha temple at the Saligrama Cave Hill in Namakkal. Opposite the Narasimha temple is the Anjaneya temple where he is seen in a standing posture facing Lord Narasimha. Behind the Narasimha temple on the Eastern side is the Ranganatha temple, where the Lord is seen in a Karkodaya Sayana posture.

The Story
Given the urgency of the situation, Lord Vishnu had to make a sudden trip to slay Asura Hiranya. He embarked on this mission, on his own, without Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda. Having missed the Narasimha Avatar, Goddess Lakshmi requested him for a darshan of the Lord as Narasimha. She was asked to chant the Thiru Mandhiram at Kamalalayam banks.

At the end of the Ramayana, Anjaneya went to place the Sanjeevani Mountain back at its original location. After doing so, he found the sacred Saligrama stone on the banks of Kantaka River. On his way back, he stopped by at the Kamalalaya Pushkarni to perform his morning prayers. Finding Goddess Lakshmi undertaking penance here, he placed the Saligrama on her hand and went ahead with his prayers.

A little later, after his prayers, Anjaneya came back to find the Saligrama missing from her hands. Goddess Lakshmi told him that she found it too heavy to hold and hence had placed it on the ground only for it to turn into a Saligrama mountain.

Being the one who carried the huge Sanjeevani Mountain, it would not be too much of a task for him to carry the Saligrama Mountain as well, she said.

Narasimha provides darshan to Anjaneya and Lakshmi

As per her direction, Anjaneya unleashed his tail to pick up the Saligrama Mountain only to find a sparkling light emanating from the mountain. It was Lord Vishnu providing darshan, in his Narasimha posture, to both Mahalakshmi and Anjaneya.

Since Anjaneya brought the Saligrama to this place and helped create this place, Lord Narasimha asked him to remain here facing the Saligrama hill and provide darshan to the devotees a tall standing posture without a Gopuram.

The Name - Naama Giri

As Goddess Lakshmi undertook penance here by chanting his ‘Naama’ (On Namo Narayana’) and the hill was created after she placed the Saligrama on the ground, Lord Narasimha named this hill as ‘Naama Giri’ and referred to her as Naama Giri Thaayar. Given her contribution to this place, he gave her the first priority at this temple. Devotees are to first visit Naama Giri Thaayar before they enter the Narasimha Sannidhi.

Inside the Sanctum
At the Narasimha Sannidhi, one finds Narasimha in the middle flanked by Shiva on his right and Brahmaa on his left. Also, inside the sanctum are Sanaka and Sanaathana, Brahmma’s sons. One finds Surya and Chandra fanning Lord Narasimha.

Sculptures

Next to Narasimha inside the Sanctum are sculptures of Vaikunta Narayanan, Hiranya Samharam, Vamana, Trivikrama andVaraha, all said to be 13th Century work of the Pallavas.

Ranganatha Temple

To the East of the hill and behind the Narasimha Temple is the Ranganatha temple, where Lord Ranganatha is seen in a special Karkodaga Sayana Posture with his head resting South and his feet directed towards the North.

King of Snakes ‘Karkodagan’ undertook penance here and requested the Lord to rest on him. Hence, the posture here of Lord Ranganatha is referred to as Karkodaga Sayanam. While he is seen sleeping on top of the Snake, a unique feature here is that the face of the Snake Karkodagan is that of a roaring lion.

There are three entrances to the Ranganatha temple. The entrance in the middle is the one that is opened every day, while the other two entrances are opened only on Vaikunta Ekadesi day. One has to climb 100 steps to reach the sannidhi.

Thaligai for Lord Narasimha

On the occasion of his Thiru Kalyanam, Devas wanted to feed Thirupathi Srinivasa, who referring to this place as ‘Mel’ Ahobilam, asked them to feed the Lord here. Hence, presenting Thaligai to Lord Narasimha here is very special and is equivalent to feeding Thirupathi Lord Srinivasa.

On Pradhosham, presenting Thaligai and Paanagam (sweet drink made with jagerry) will liberate one from all troubles.

Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam
Vaikasi Narasimha Jayanthi
Aadi Pooram- Thaayar Utsavam
Aavani Krishna Jayanthi
Pournami Pavitrotsavam

The four Saturdays of Puratasi are special at this temple

Quick Facts

Moolavar:
Narasimha West Facing Sitting Posture
Ranganatha Karkodaga Sayanam
Anjaneya East Facing Standing Posture

Thaayar : Naama Giri Thaayar East Facing

Temple Time: 730am-1pm, 430pm-830pm
Contact phone number: V. Raja Bhattar @ 94437 23073

How to reach Namakkal
Chennai-Salem Yercaud Express(Salem arrival 5am) or Chennai Egmore-Salem Express (Salem arrival 6am)
Direct Trains also from Coimbatore and Bangalore to Salem
From Salem, one can take a one hour bus trip to Namakkal
Buses every 5minutes from Salem

By bus, Namakkal is about 7hours from Madras

Anthili Lakshmi Narasimha

An Upset Garuda undertook penance at Anthili
Lord Vishnu provided darshan in his Narasimha form to Garuda
One of the Four Narasimha temples in the region

Located 195kms South West of Madras off the Villupuram-Thiru Kovilur SH7 on the banks of Then Pennai River is the 1600 year old Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Anthili. This is one of the four Narasimha temples in this region, the others being at Parikkal, Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri and is part of the Eight Prominent Narasimha temples in Tamil Nadu(others being Namakkal, Sholingur, Singaperumal Koil and Sinthalavadi).

Garuda’s Anger

As he did during the Gajendra Moksham episode, Lord Vishnu, skipped his vehicle(Garuda) on his way to kill Hiranya. This act of his Lord angered Garuda and he left Vaikuntam and reached the rock here at Anthili. Sitting atop the rock, he undertook severe penance that sent heat waves every where that over time generated raging fire.

Anxious at this development, Brahma and the Devas sought the help of Lord Vishnu to cool down his exclusive vehicle, Garuda.

Lord Vishnu set out on a mission from Vaikuntam along with Goddess Lakshmi, finally reaching the rock where the angry Garuda was undertaking penance. An inquisitive Lakshmi questioned her Lord's reasoning for leaving Garuda behind on such an important trip to kill the Asura and she also suggested that it was unreasonable to put Garuda to such hardship.

Lord Vishnu explained the urgency of his task and the immediate need to put an end to Asura Hiranya's wrong doings meant he had to leave without Garuda.

Pleased with Garuda's penance, Lord Vishnu provided darshan here as Narasimha with Lakshmi on his lap. Garuda immediately cooled down on seeing his Lord once again, especially in the Narasimha form which he had missed earlier as he did not accompany the Lord at the time of killing Hiranya.

He requested the Lord to remain here in this cool form (shantha roopi) and provide darshan to all devotees. Also, having missed taking him on the trip to kill Hiranya, Garuda sought the opportunity now to carry the two of them around this place.

An overjoyed Garuda is said to have taken them around Thiru Kovilur, Mugaiyur, Arakandanallur and Paranur, among others.

Festivals
Swathi Thirumanjanam
Narasimha Jayanthi
Hanuman Jayanthi
Vaikunta Ekadesi


Pooja is performed at this temple as per Madhwa Sampradayam. Some of the sculptures inside the temple seem to indicate that there may be a Karnataka connection to the construction.

The Temple is open from 7am to 6pm. Contact Srikanth Bhattar @ 94867 89200

How to reach

Anthili is 35kms West of Villupuram and 1km East of Arakandanallur/ ThiruKovilur Railway Station

( Villupuram-Mugaiyur-Thirukovilur route). Buses every half hour between Villupuram and Thiru Kovilur Divya Desam. One can get down at Arakandanallur Police Station ( 2kms before Thiru Kovilur) and walk one km or take an auto (Rs. 30/-)

Lakshmi Narasimha Pon Vilaintha Kalathur

The Narasimha Utsavar Deity of Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam was installed here about 900years ago
Following Vedantha Desigar’s stay here, the entire paddy field had turned into gold



Located 15kms South of Chengalpet is the Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Pon Vilaintha Kalathur(PV Kalathur) whose story has a close connection with the Sthala Sayana Perumal Divya Desam at Thiru Kadal Mallai (Mamallapuram).

http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2008/03/thiru-kadan-mallai-sthala-sayana.html

An interesting story
Several idols at Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desams (there was more than the one temple that we are seeing today) were on the verge of being washed away by the floods. Fearing the loss of the Narasimha idol, it is believed that utsava deity was taken away to a safer place from Thiru Kadal Mallai.

Garuda was given the task of identifying the place where the Lakshmi Narasimha Utsava deity was to be installed. It is said that almost 900 years ago, Garuda came above this temple and circled the vimanam thrice.

Taking this as the endorsement by Garuda as the right place to install, it is said that the Lakshmi Narasimha utsava deity was installed here at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur) and the temple whose moolavar deity is Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal actually came to be called by the name of the Utsava deity itself.

While this is not a Divya Desam, the fact that the Utsava deity relating to Thiru Kadal Mallai Divya Desam was installed here makes this a significant and historic temple.

Vedantha Desigar Visits Kalathur

Vedantha Desigar is said to have stayed here for a day on his way from Kanchipuram to Thiru Vahindrapuram. On the evening of his stay, Desigar wanted to feed his favourite Lord, Hayagriva of Thiru Vahindrapuram and went around the village seeking alms. However, with the night having set in and the lights having been lit, the people in the village refused to pass on the food.

Given this scenario, Vedantha Desigar performed the evening pooja with the sacred water (Theertham) and put his favourite Lord to sleep (Sayanam).

It is believed that that night a white horse went around destroying the fields much to the anger of the villagers, who brought this to the notice of Desigar the next morning.

Hearing this, Desigar came out onto the field to witness what had happened. To the surprise of everyone, they found that the field where the horse had placed its feet had turned into gold. Desigar knew it was the work of his favourity deity Hayagriva (who the villagers had allowed to sleep in hunger the previous night!!!)

Hence this place came to be called Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.

Parikara Sthalam


This is believed to be a parikara sthalam for unmarried people and to cure health related problems. There are utsavams round the year for Lakshmi Narasimha at this temple.

Festivals

Panguni Brahmotsavam
Sudarshana Homam on January 26 every year
Narasimha Utsavam -300 days a year
Davana Utsavam 2nd Sunday of March every year



Quick Facts

Moolavar : Vaikunta Vaasa Perumal
Goddess : Ahobila Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Lakshmi Narasimha
Temple Time : 8am-11am and 5pm-730pm
Priest : Babu Bhattar @ 044 27441142/ kasturi bhattar 9384567935

How to reach

From Chengalpet, take the Old GST Road, turn left (1km before the Madras- Trichy National Highway Bye Pass.) into the road leading to Thirukazhakunram via Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).

About 6kms into this road, one should cross the Ottivakkam railway station gate to reach Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.

There are local buses every half hour (during morning and evening) running between Chengalpet and Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.

One can take a passenger train between Chennai Egmore/Tambaram and Villupuram and get down at Ottivakkam. From Ottivakkam, one can walk to the Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Pon Vilaintha Kalathur (PV Kalathur).

Auto or a Taxi from Chengalpet is another option.

Yoga Narasimha Narasingam Madurai

A less known 5000 year old Narasimha temple at the foot of Yaanamalai Madurai

Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal makes his annual trip to this temple on Maasi Pournami to enact Gajendra Moksham episode

Located 8kms East of Madurai off the Melur Highway and 4kms North of the Thiru Mogur Kaalamegha Perumal Divya Desam at the foot of the huge Yaanaimalai (elephant hill) is the Yoga Narasimha temple in Narasingam (Y. Narasingam). This place is referred to as the Gaja Giri Kshetram and this temple is known as ‘Kodavarai Koil’ signifying the construction of the temple by breaking the huge piece of rock.

History

Going by the inscriptions seen inside the Moolavar Sannidhi, this temple may date back over 5000years.

The Story

One story goes that during the Madurai Thiruvalaiyadal Puranam, Indra sent his elephant here to Madurai. At the end of the event, it is believed that they found a huge elephant in a sleeping posture. This is said to be the elephant rock we see today off the Madurai-Melur highway near Y. Othakadai.

Another story relating to Yaanaimalai Narasimha is that Pulastiya Maharishi, the great grandfather of Lankan King Ravana is said to have undertaken penance at this place and had darshan of Lord Narasimha.

Romasa Maha Rishi’s Penance

A third story relates to Romasa Rishi.

Not having a child, Romasa Maha Rishi approached Sage Narada, who asked him to bathe in the Sakkara Theertha and undertake penance at Padma Thadagam, a place filled completely with flowers. He performed a Sathra Maha Yagna to invoke the blessings of Lord Narasimha , who pleased with his prayers appeared before in a Gigantic form in an Ugra Kolam.

Worried about the presence of Narasimha in this ‘hot’ form, the Devas went to Brahmma for solution. Brahmma transformed Shiva into a Saraba form. This Saraba Pakshi had Brahmma as the head, Surya and Chandra as the eyes and small boys as the legs. However, Narasimha refused to be cooled down, in fact his anger grew after seeing this form, leaving the Devas running for protection. They invited Prahalada to come to this place to try and cool down Lord Narasimha.

Finally the story goes that it was the presence of Goddess Lakshmi that cooled Narasimha down and the two of them are said to have blessed Romasi Rishi with a child.

Unique Utsava deity

Varada Narasimha, the Utsavar, is seen in a standing posture with a Lion shaped face and a mace in his left hand, not seen elsewhere.

Festivals

Swathi Thirumanjanam

Prathosham Thirumanjanam (not heard of in other Vishnu temples!!!!)

Once a year, on Maasi Pournami day, Kalamegha Perumal of Thiru Mogur Divya Desam makes a trip to the Yoga Narasimha temple here in Y.Narasingam. Gajendra Moksham episode is enacted here.

On this day, an oil Abhishekam is performed on Lord Narasimha.

Kodikulam Veda Narayana Perumal Koil

3kms East of this temple is the VedaNarayana temple in Kodikulam where Pilla Lokacharya is said to have brought and kept Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam in safety during the Muslim Invasion of Srirangam. Pillai Lokacharya is said to have attained moksham there. To recognize this special contribution, a separate temple dedicated to Pilla Lokacharya has been constructed at Kodikulam.

Quick Facts

Moolavar  : Yoga Narasimha in a Ugra Kolam

Goddess    : Narasinga Valli Thaayar(Separate Sannidhi)

Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 4pm-8npm

Contact      : V.K. Ramesh Bhattar @ 94864 68780 or 0452 2422750

                    P. Rajagopal Bhattar  @ 98654 88821 or 0452 2422158

How to reach

Mini buses every 10mts from Othakkadai

Auto from Matuthavani bus stand will cost Rs. 50-60/-

Auto from Madurai Railway Station will cost Rs. 150/-

For auto around Madurai temples, call:99652 44904

Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha temple

This temple is referred to as the ‘Dakshina Ahobilam’
Debts and Enemies go away if one visits this temple and offers a 48 day prayer

Located about 18kms North of Panruti and 18kms East of Villupuram is the East Facing Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Poovarasan Kuppam. This is one of the four Narasimha temples around Villupuram (others being Anthili, Parikkal and Singiri – There is also the Sayana Narasimha at Thiru Vithigai).

Both Singiri Narasimha and Parikkal Narasimha which are in a straight line are facing the Poovarasan Kuppam Narasimha.

First appearance after Hiranya Samhaaram- Dakshina Ahobilam

For the first time, after the Hiranya Samharam at Ahobilam, Lord appeared here in the same form and provided darshan to the Saptha Rishis as Lakshmi Narasimha. Hence, this temple is referred to as Dakshina Ahobilam.

Thaayar’s Posture
A unique feature at this temple is the posture of Lakshmi. One eye of the Goddess is turned towards the Lord and the other eye is welcoming the devotees. Also, interestingly Lakshmi and Narasimha are seen at the same height at this temple!!!

One of Eight Narasimha Temples

This is one of the 8 temples in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Narasimha provided darshan after the killing of Hiranya. The other 7 are Singarakudi near Pondicherry/Cuddalore, Anthili near Thiru Kovilur, Parikkal near Kedilam, Sholingur, Nammakkal, Singaraperumal Koil near Chengalpet and Sinthalavadi.

3rd Century Ad Temple
There are culverts inside this temple dating back to the 3rd Century AD. Also, there are references to construction during Narasimha Pallava’s reign (7th Century AD). There are also inscriptions indicating Krishna Deva Raya’s visit to this temple (about 500 years ago).

Prarthana Sthalam-Wishes Fulfilled
All wishes of the devotees are said to be fulfilled if one visits this temple, lights a ghee lamp and recites the Mantra Raja Patha Stotram twice a day for 48 days. One should tie a 5 rupee coin to a Manjal cloth and drop it at the temple, once the 48 day period is over.

One should also prepare Panagam (prepared out of jaggery) every day for the Lord. No non Vegetarian food should be consumed during this 48 day period.

Bad Debts and enemies are said to go away and the belief is that one will live in prosperity after a visit to the three Narasimha temples seen in one line near Villupuram – Parikkal- Poovarasan Kuppam and Singiri.

Festivals

Swathi Nakshatram
It is auspicious to visit the temple every month on Swathi Nakshatram, when Sudarshana and Dhanvantri homams are performed.

Navarathri
Sri Suthra Homam is performed on all the 9 days of Navarathri Utsavam

Procession in Thai
Lord Narasimha takes a 1 km to South Pennai river for Theerthavari on the 5th day of the Tamil Calendar month of Thai

Narasimha Jayanthi Utsavam and 3rd Saturday of Puratasai are also special occasions at this temple.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thaayar : Amritha Valli Thaayar

Temple Time : 8am-12.30pm and 4pm-8pm
Contact nos. : Parthasarathy Bhattar @ 94439 59995 or 0413 2698191

How to reach the temple:

From Villupuram

1. Take Pondy Highway, drive straight towards East from Koliyanur Cross Road, take a right at Valavanur, drive 6kms to Siruvanthadu and go further South 3kms to reach the temple- Share Auto/Auto available from Siruvanthadu

Or

2. Take a right at Koliyanur Cross Road on to the Panruti-Kumbakonam highway, cross the Villupuram-Pondy railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)

From Panruti

Take Kumbakonam-Vikravandi highway, drive 10kms and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the highway towards East)

From Madras

Take a left at Vikravandi(145kms from Madras) into the Kumbakonam Highway, go further South after the Villupuram-Pondy cross road, cross the railway line and take a left at Panchamadevi to reach the temple (about 7kms from the main road)

There are direct buses to Poovarasan Kuppam from Villupuram, but it is better to take a bus from Villupuram to Vilavanur.

Auto at Siruvanthadu: Murugan (driver) @ 99656 35641

Parikkal Lakshmi Narasimha

Ancient temple built by Vasantharaja of Vriddachalam is one of the four Narasimha temples in the Villupuram region
Prarthana Sthalam- Debts, Enemies and Diseases are said to go away if one offers prayers at this temple

Located around 25kms South West of Villupuram and 3kms west of the Kedilam Cross Road off the Chennai-Trichi National Highway is the1800 year old Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Parikkal.

This is one of the four Narasimha temples in this region. The others being Anthili (near Thiru Kovilur), Poovarasan Kuppam (15kms North of Panruti) and Singiri (12kms South of Pondicherry).

Also, there is the Sayana Narasimha in Thiru Vathigai in Panruti.

The Story

Vasantharaja ruled this place with his capital at Vriddachalam and wanted to build a temple for Lord Narasimha. Constantly troubled by Parakalasura (said to be a relative of Hiranyakashipu), Vasantharaja undertook a penance here as directed by his Guru. Answering his prayers, Lord Narasimha is said to have appeared here and killed the Asura.

Having only seen the destructive mood of an angry Narasimha, Vasantharaja invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi to provide darshan with the Lord displaying his softer form.

Kanakavalli Thaayar is said to have sat on his lap, cooled him down and provided darshan to Vasantharaja, the Devas and the Rishis at this place.

Delighted at the darshan of Lord Narasimha in this form, Vasantharaja requested that this place be named after the asura who provided the king with the opportunity to have a darshan of the Lord.

Hence, this place was referred to as ‘Parikala’puram, which in course of time became ‘Parikkal’.

While the original temple was built by Vasantharaja using red bricks, lime and wood, it is believed to have been destroyed during the Mughal invasion. The temple that one sees today is said to have been built by Veera Narasimha of Karnataka using granites. Parikkal Lord Narasimha is said to be the Kula Deivam for the Madhwas of Karnataka.

Presence of two Anjaneya idols
An interesting feature at this temple is the presence of two Anjaneya idols in the same Sannidhi. Unlike other temples, Anjaneya gets the 2nd right of Thirumanjanam after Lord Narasimha (in other temples, Thaayar is the one who gets the Thirumanjanam after the Lord).

Prarthana Sthalam
This is a Prarthana Sthalam – Three kinds of worries for human beings- Debts, Enemies and Diseases - are said to go away if one offers prayers at the Parikkal Narasimha temple.

Inscriptions on the temple walls
Confirming the rich history behind this temples are the several inscriptions found on the outside walls of the temple dating back several hundred years, prominent among them include the fish shaped inscriptions. This leads one to two inferences: One, the Pandya kings, whose symbol was a ‘Fish’, may have contributed to this temple in a big way. The other is the story relating to Vasantharaja, who one night saw in his dreams fishes near this place…an indication of impending victory in his battle against the asura.

Some of the other prominent inscriptions:

13th Century AD inscription indicating contribution by Pallava king Koperichingan

14th Century AD inscription that describes the contribution of Thiru Bhuvanam Chakravarthy Konerinmai Kondaan

Another inscription shares light on the tax exemption in nearby villages -Thiruvennai Nallur, Aanathur and Sithanthur and using these funds for the improvement and maintenance of this temple

Raja Raja Chozhan I is said to have constructed the temple tank

Renovation of the temple by Pallava and Nayak kings

Festivals
There are festivals round the year at this temple.

On the 5th day of Thai, Lord Narasimha goes on a procession to Pennai River and stays there the night.

On Maasi Magam - full moon day- the Lord goes on a 10km procession to the Kedila River.

On Panguni Uthiram, the Lord is taken on a procession to Orathur Village.

Every month on Swathi Nakshatram, there is a special Thirumanjanam in the evening and a Sannidhi procession inside the temple.

It is believed to be good to visit the temple on Puratasi Saturday

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha East Facing Sitting Posture
Thaayar : Komalavalli Thaayar
Temple Time : 6am-1pm and 4pm- 8pm
Priest Contact: Krishnamurthy Bhattar @ 96004 55395

How to reach the temple:
Take the Madras- Villupuram-Ulundurpet- Trichy GST National Highway
21kms after Villupuram, Get down at Kedilam Junction

There are 30 share autos plying between Parikkal and Kedilam Junction- Rs.5 per head.
Auto will charge Rs.30-40/- from Kedilam Junction.

If travelling by car from Madras/ Villupuram, take a right(towards West) just before Kedilam Cross Road, cross the railway line to reach the temple (about 2kms from the railway line).

By Train
Passenger train from Villupuram and Vriddachalam stop at Parikkal railway station.

Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Srirangam

A transformational turnaround

Namperumal makes his annual trip to this temple on Vijayadasami evening

Devotees are now thronging the temple in large numbers on Swathi and Pradosham 
                                             

Located 200 yards east of the Srirangam Railway Station is the Kaattu Azhagiya Singa Perumal temple in Srirangam. This temple dates back to a period prior to the Srirangam Ranganatha temple when this Kshetram was referred to as Velli Thirumutham. Only much later, after the construction of the Ranganatha temple, this place came to be called Thiruvarangam.

Lord Narasimha is seen in a seated posture facing the West (towards Srirangam Ranganatha temple) with Lakshmi to his left.

The Story

This Kshetram was a forest thousands of years ago, surrounded by the two rivers- Cauvery in the South and Coloroon in the North, and inhabited only by the rishis and their families. Time and again, wild animals would attack the families of the rishis and consume them for a meal.

While the rishis had the power to burn the animals just by their looks, they would not forego the fruits of their penance by killing these wild animals. Instead they undertook a more severe form of penance invoking the blessings of Lord Narasimha.

Pleased with their prayers, Lord Narasimha appeared here providing darshan to these rishis. As per their request, he stayed here with Goddess Lakshmi protecting the lives of all those who offer their sincere prayers at this place.

The idol of Lakshmi Narasimha here is a Svayambu moorthy and the temple was built and renovated at later periods of time. No inscriptions are found relating to the period of construction of the outer walls.



The Name
As the Lord appeared here in the middle of a forest and stayed back to protect the devotees, he came to be called ‘Kaattu’ Azhagiya Singar.

Utsava deity at the Ranganatha Temple

Centuries ago, with this temple being in the midst of a forest and with minimal human existence, it was considered unsafe and hence the utsava deity was placed inside the Koorathaazhvan Sannidhi at the Srirangam Ranganatha temple. That tradition has come to stay and today one finds the Utsava idol of Lord Narasimha not at the Kaattazhagivya Singa Perumal Koil but at the Srirangam Ranganatha temple.

Old time residents say that this place was very much like a forest till the early 1970s. It is only in the last 3 decades that there has been development around the Kaatazhagiya Singar temple.

Namperumal’s visit to Kaattazhagiya Singar temple

Once a year, on Vijayadasami day, Namperumal, the Utsava deity of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, comes on a street procession to this temple in a palanquin. Goddess is believed to have undertaken penance at this place and handed Namperumal a bow and an arrow at the end of the 10th day of the Navarathri festival.

After Thirumanjam, the event of Namperumal on a Golden Horse Vaahanam, striking an arrow on the Vanni tree to signify the destruction of evil forces and protection of the devotees, is enacted every year on the Vijayadasami evening at this temple before Namperumal makes his way back to Srirangam.

Special Occasions at the temple

There are special poojas and Thirumanjanam organised every month on the Swathi Nakshatram and Prathosham days. Also, Saturday is an auspicious day to visit this temple.

Thaligai Presentation

Long time Maniyam and Chief Cook at the Madapalli Venkatesan  prepares different kinds of Thaligai( prasadam). This is distributed to the devotees after presentation to Lord Narasimha. For Thaligai ( prasadam) contact Maniam and Madapalli Cook Venkatesan @ 63792 77677/ 81447 21248
                                              

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal West Facing Sitting Posture
Time : 6.15am- 8am, 9.30am-12noon and 4.30pm- 6pm, 6.30pm- 8.30pm

Contact : Venkatesan Maniam@ 63792 77677/

How to reach the temple
It’s a 1 minute walk from the Srirangam Railway Station on the Eastern side.

Auto from Srirangam Ranganatha temple (South/North Entrance) would charge about Rs.30-40/-

Rs. 100. 

Also read: https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2017/10/kaattu-azhagiya-singar-srirangam.html