Pazhaiya Seevaram

The link between Lord Varadaraja temple in Kanchipuram and the Lord Narasimha temple on the small hillock in Pazhaiya Seevaram is interesting, as T. A. SRINIVASAN narrates.
Darshan that soothes the mind ... Utsavar Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, His Consorts, Ahobilavalli and Andal.
MANY HOLY places in and around Kanchipuram are linked with the temple for Lord Varadaraja there, in one way or another. One among them is Pazhaiya Seevaram (or Sripuram), a lovely little village with a temple for Lord Narasimha atop a small hillock, about 15 km east of Kanchipuram on the road to Chengalpattu.
The place is also marked by the confluence of three rivers — Palar, Cheyyar and Vegavathi — and one can see the three rivers merging together at the place from the temple on the hillock. Known as Dakshina Prayag, it is a much holier place than the Triveni Sangamam or Prayag in the north, according to the octogenarian priest of the temple, Sri Narasimha Sundara Bhattachariar. This is because, while at Prayag all the three rivers are not visible to the naked eye (river Saraswathi is Antharvahini, running under ground) in Pazhaiya Seevaram the three rivers can be seen at the place of confluence.
In the midst of greenery everywhere with the river Palar running to its south, the hillock was known as Padmagiri in times of yore. It was here that Lord Narasimha was pacified by Goddess Mahalakshmi and hence it came to be known after Her as Sripuram, and later became Seevaram. How it acquired the title of old or pazhaiya is a mystery.
Apart from its holiness due to the confluence of the three rivers, the hill temple is visited by Lord Varadaraja of Kanchipuram on the day following Sankranthi, for what is known as ``Pazhaiya Seevaram Paarivettai''. Paarivettai is observed to mark the destruction of evil forces by the Lord and is celebrated in almost all Vishnu temples.
It is said the present Moolavar idol of Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram was sculpted out of a rock here after the original wooden idol of Atthi Varadar got damaged hundreds of years ago. It is said to mark this, Lord Varadaraja is taken to Pazhaiya Seevaram on the day following Sankranthi every year, when thousands of devotees gather here for vana bhojanam and aradhana.
Lord Varadaraja, who leaves His abode at 10 p.m. on Sankranthi day, accompanied by devotees including those reciting Azhwars' Paasurams and Vedas, is carried all the way to a distance of 15 km and goes around Pazhaiya Seevaram village at the foot of the hillock.
He reaches the Narasimha temple, which is in the middle of the hillock, at noon and then He is taken to the Varadaraja Mandapam atop the hill, by climbing the 140 steps. He stays in the mandapam there till 4 p.m. when thirumanjanam (sacred bath) and Aradhana are performed.
Later the Lord reaches the Narasimha Temple and both the Gods are taken to a temple at Thirumukkoodal, on the other side of Palar where a temple for Lord Srinivasa, known as Appan, exists. There the three Gods, along with the Lords of two other temples, give darshan.
The awesome lord bestows grace from atop a hill ... The Moolavar at Pazhaiya Seevaram.
Later Lord Varadaraja returns to Pazhaiya Seevaram along with Narasimhar and then starts His trek back to Kanchipuram late in the night and reaches there next morning.
The idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in the Pazhaiya Seevaram Temple with the Goddess sitting on His left lap is full of grace. Unlike in many temples where He is worshipped as Ugra Narasimha, He is Santha Swaroopi here, full of charming beauty.
According to the 17th chapter of the Brahmanda Puranam, the Lord came to Padmagiri to grant bliss to sages Athri, Markandeya and Bhrigu, who were doing penance here, as directed by other sages at Naimisaranyam. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess where She is worshipped as Ahobalavalli Thayar as at Ahobilam, in Andhra Pradesh.
The Moolavar's image is gigantic, rising to a height of over six feet and He is adorned with a five yards by three yards (pathaaru) dhoti and angavastra. The Goddess is adorned with the traditional nine yards sari. The Lord faces west looking towards Kanchipuram. There are separate shrines for Andal, the Azhwars and Desikar, besides the one for Goddess Ahobilavalli. The temple must have had been in existence long before the Chola rule as inscriptions belonging to the 11th century are found here.
Unique manifestation
The Thirumukkoodal temple, on the other side of the Palar, also has a hoary past like Pazhaiya Seevaram.
The Lord at Thirumukkoodal is considered a manifestation of Lord Siva, Brahma and Narayana. His crown looks like the matted locks of Siva and He has a third eye on the forehead.
Shrine that beckons the devotee ... the renovated tower of the temple in Pazhaiya Seevaram.
He wears the Shanku and Chakra like Lord Narayana on His left and right hand and a lotus in one of His hands. He also stands on the lotus which is the symbol of Brahma.
In recent times many preceptors including Sri Gokulnathji of Vallabha Sampradaya have stayed here for many years and the temple is managed by Gujarati Vaishnavas who have lived in Chennai for many generations.
The present trustees, headed by Govinda Das Purushotham Das have carried out several works such as renovating the rajagopuram and the vimanam and deepening the temple tank at a cost of Rs.20 lakhs.
A new dwajasthambam is also being installed in the temple and the mahasamprokshanam is to be performed soon. Donations may be sent to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple Renovation Committee, Pazhaiya Seevaram - 631606, Kanchipuram district.

Yadagirigutta Temple

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya on this hill between Bhongir(Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh,India). Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshipped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

There are Puranic and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas.

Glowing bright atop the sikharam of garbha griha(Sanctum sanctorum) of this cave temple is the golden Sudarshana chakra (about 3 ft x 3ft) of Lord Vishnu (whose reincarnation is Lord Narasimha) the adornment as well as the weapon is a symbol this temple is identified by from as far away as 6 km. It is said that many years ago the chakra moved in the direction from which the devotees came as if like a compass guiding them towards itself.

Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshipped by sages (rushis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a "Rushi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages .

As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a "doctor" and is known as "Vaidya Narasimha" by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a 'do gooder' to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many a devotee cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Oftentimes, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.

Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with YAda's tapas, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha. This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock, and is located about 5 km from the present temple. There the sage worshipped the Lord for many years.

After Yadarishi attained mOksham, a number of tribals, hearing of the Lord's presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail.

After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatharams.

The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Puja procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple It is also known as "Telangana Tirupati".

Reaching there

Yadagirigutta is well connected by rail and road.

There are number of buses from Hyderabad, Secundrabad and other parts of district to Yadagirigutta. You can also reach there by train, After alighting at Raigiri, you can take an auto rickshaw or Tonga.

Nala Bazaar, Secunderabad

History of the Temple

Narsimhaavataram stand out in a singular manner for God's action of protecting the good (Prahalada) and annihilating the evil (Hiranyakasipu). Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy eugolised by the azhwars and Acharyas has shrines all over the country. To our fortune the Lord has a temple in Nala Bazaar, Secunderabad for more than two centuries, blessing the people all over.

This has an antiquity and the temple's Deity has been partonised by prominent persons of the twin cities. Over the past two centuries this temple's presiding Deity Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is a giver of boons (Varaprasadhi). Apart from the utsavamurthis of Sri Prahaladavaradan and his Concerts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There is separate Sri Sannithi for Andal, Azhwars, Ramanujar and Vedantha Desikar, this being the only temple having Sri Sannithi for Sri Vedantha Desikar in the twin Cities. As per the original plan envisaged several decades ago the liking Kingsway (R.P.Road) to Musheerabad by negotiating through ths Temple was abandoned owing to several protests demonstrated by the devotees from all walks of life saving the temple from demolition and instead the road was linked through Tank Bund. The temple has a glorious record of regular daily and monthly poojas and annual uthsavams being celebrated on a grand scale with large public participation. In the past various Jeers, Peethadhipathis and Acharyas have done Mangalasasanam to the temple Deity. Now the temple is in a diplated state due to various factors.

It may be of Interest to note that, the then Nizam of Hyderabad worshipped the Lord of this temple. Even today some muslim devotees offer coconuts, betel leaves and nuts, flowers, incense sticks and fruits to the presiding deity. Procession of the Deity during the Brahmothsavam used to go through R.P. Road, Mahaboob College, Market Street and Subash Road bestowing his blessings to all residents and shopkeepers of the area as well as the people of twin cities. The daily, weekly, monthly and annual festivals of the Presiding Deity and Thirunakshathram of Azhwars, Ramanujar, Swamy Desikan and Acharyas used to be celebrated in grand manner with Large and generous contribution from the public of all walks fo life.

Sholingur(Thirukkadigai)

This Shekthram is situated in Madras-Bangalore Rail line. Fast way is to take brindaavan express/Tirupati express from Madras to Arakonam Junction and take Bus from there.Bus facility is not very good from Arakonam (you can hire an auto for Rs 125/). Sholingar Railway station is 9 miles from the temple,which is far away from the temple.Don't get down at sholingur station to go to temple. One can take a direct bus from Madras to Thiruththani ( famous Murugan temple town) and from there you can get plenty of buses to sholingur.You have to take an auto from Sholingur bus stand to go to Kondapalayam where the both Narasimhar and Hanuman temle are situated.Thiruvallur divya desam is close to Thiruththani and if you are taking a Cab you can cover that temple also on your return to Madras. Moderate facilities are there for stay. There is a big Kalyana Mandapam for organized group tours, and several "Mess" facilities are there.Sunday,Friday are crowded days in the temple.Beware of fierceful monkeys on your way to hill top. The scenic beauty from the top of the hill is wonderful.Remeber to take a dip in the Takkan kulam. Wonderful tank with full of water for the most of the time in the year.

There are three temples to see.

1. Koil in the town (or in the foot hill)
Moolavar - Not present
Uthsavar - Bakthavatsala Perumal (Thakkaan)
One can have Darshan of Adikesava perumal at the rear end of this temple only on certain occasions. There are separate sannathis for Andaal, Azhwaars, Erumbiyappa, and Thottaachaarya.

2. Periya Malai or Kadikaachalam. approximately 500 feet high.
Moolavar : Yoga Narasimhar (Akkaarak kani)
Iruntha sayanam, Veetru iruntha thiruk kolam. ie Perumal is sitting in the lotus posture (ie. deeply meditating posture). East facing.
Thaayaar : Amirtha Valli
Theertham : Amirtha Theertham, Thakkaan Kulam, paandava theerththam Vimaanam: Simha Koshtakruthi Vimaanam, Simhaagra Vimaanam and hEma kOti vimaanam
Prathyaksham : Saptha Rishis, Vishvaamitrar, Siriya thiruvadi

3. Siriya Thirumalai :200 to 250 feet high.
Deity : Yoga Aancchneyar has Changu, Chakkram in his hands, has four hands.

Sri vishnu purraanam and paathma puraanam offers details about this sthalam.

It is believed that Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar came to this palce after hiranya vatham and stayed here for "ever" in this Yoga sayanam posture. It is well kown that Srinarasimha avathaaram took place at "Sri Ahobilam". However, since munivars requested the presence of Sri Narasimha here on an endless timescale, The LORD Narasimha chose to stay here for ever. This is also confirmed by thirumangai aazhwaar's reference to "thakkkaanai" in his paasuram presented in this article. Among all the other avathaarams this and the "vaamana avathaaram are the most significant becuase of the fact that they both accomplished the misssion instantly. Many of the LAkshmi Narasimha bakthaas believe that by praying to this LORD (who is an instant acccomplisher), their prayers are fulfilled instantly if not atleast an instant relief is offered without delay by this LORD. (An analysis is presented at the end of this thala puraanam on narasimha avathaaram and this shrine's importance as "kadigai" or
instant reliver.).

It is a belief that, One, would attain Moksham simply by staying here for one Kadigai (period of time) ie approximately half hour in this shekthram. Hence it is named Thiruk kadigai. It is believed that Saint Vishvaamitrar meditated for one kadigai on Lord Narasimhar and obtained his title "Brimha Maharishi" here. The Saptha Rishis and vaamathEvar came to
this place and and started penance to have darshan of Narasimha Avathaaram, and the Lord fulfilled their wish within one kadigai of penance. Hence this hill is known as Kadikaachalam.

After Sri Raama avathaaram, aanchneYa wanted to go back to sri vaikundam, and serve the LORD there. The Lord instructed anchnEya to goto this place and protect the rishis penance from the oncoming danger. Two demons by name "kaalan and kEyan" appeared as soon as the rishis started penance and started to distrub their effort. Sri hanuman wanted an
instant tool to stop it and Lord Rama offered him his changu and chakram with the help of which Hanuman killed the demons and prevented the tapas of saptha rishis and vaamathEvar . Hanuman also had the darshan of sri Narasimha in his avathaara
kOlam at the lapse of a kadigai, and along with the rishis, and accepted the order of Lord Narasimha to sit in front of HIM in the small hill and serve as a protector for those whoever comes to this hills seeking relief from demons or demon
effects.

It is believed that Lord Narasimha asked Hanuman to stay here until the end of the Kali yugam and reach him after that. There is no other place AanchnEyaa has such prominance, ( a hill and temple as his OWN abode) and also with changu
chakram and with four hands.

Sage Durvaasa once sought the thiruth thuzhaay maalai (ie thulasi garland) of this perumal and danced with great joy by sporting this "maalai" on his own shoulder and and sirasu. There were many saadhus present at that time and were witnessing this event. Buthan or mercury one of the Nava grahams was also present in the form of a saadhu and he laughed at this sage's act. Sage Thurvaasa cursed him and lord budhan had to stay here in this sthalam and served all those sages who came with great pleasure to this shrine after taking bath in the paandava theerththam and got his curse (spell) cured or removed.

On the way to hills Garuda Aaaroodar Varadha Raaja perumal sannithi is there. It is believed that Kaanchi Varadhar offered Garuda Vaahana Sevai to Maha Achaaryar known as Thottaachaaryar here. (as he was not able to goto
Kanchi that year and instead did meditate on this LORD to offer that darshn there itself). Even to-day this event is observed in Kaanchi and simulatneously here as a "puase" is kept at the entrance of this temple during the bramotsavam and garuda sErvai such that the LORD goes to kadigai for that instant to offer sEvai to thottaach chaaryaa. Similarly "erumbiyapa" was also one of the great mahaans lived in this place and served the LORD. This place is also used to be very fertile like chola naadu and was hence called as "CHola Simha puram" which became sholinga puram later. In pattinap paalai, it is refeerred that, Cholan
karikaalan peruvaLaththaan called this district as "kadigaik kOttam": when he subdivided his kingdom into 48 distritcs. This place is also one of the 74 simhaasanam established by Sri Raamaanuja in his 74 simhhaasanaas outlining the principles of Sri vishitaahthvaitham.

Similar to Gunaseelam near Trichy, this place is also known for relief from possessing, Billi Sooniyam, etc. People come here and do Vratham for many days, take bath in Thakkaan kulam which is believed to have the essence of many Mooligais and climb the hills every day to pray anchaneYaa and Lord Narasimhar and get their "Pini" or "Diseases" or
"Theeraatha nOykaL" cured here.

This place is also known for the presence of many "Siththars" similar to Thiruvannaamalai, Kollimalai, and Kutraalamalai. It is believed that the administration of this temple is under the Aatheenam of Sthala aachaarya purushaals of Thottaachaaryar Clan.

In "4000" both thirumangai in his periya thorumozhi (naaraayana saptham) and peyazhwaar in imoonRaam thiruvanthaathi (saraangathithvam), offered these paasurams. 1731.

mikkaanai ; maRaiyaay viriththa viLakkai ennuL
pukkaaNnaip pugazhsEr polikinRa ponmalaiyai
thakkaanaik kadigaith thadangunRiNn misaiyiruntha
akkaarak kaNniyai adainthuynthu pOnEnE

thirumangai aazhwwar in periya thirumozhi

The meanings for "thakkaanai" in azhwaar paasuram confirms that HE styed here for ever. "mikkaanai" confirms that he is ever prevading and "pukkaanai" here means that HE is in every soul and HE uncovered and inserted the eternal spiritual light within me. "Akkaara kaniyai" means the fruit which is unadeltered sweet 100% and nothing less or more than a sugar. En element of
sugar or a fruit that ripes from the tree of pure sugar (assuming such a tree).

3444.

pandellaam vEnkadam paaRkadal vaikuntham
kondaNG kuRaivaarkuk kOyilpOl vaNdu
vaLankiLarum neeLsOlai vaNpooNG kadikai
iLangumaraNn RaNn viN Nagar

pEyaazhvaar The Lord who resided in Sri vaikundam, made his presnece available for the bakthaas of boolOga in those places where the beautiful vaNdus are dwelling in the Solai p push pangal of these sthalangal in ThiruvEngadam, Kadikai and thiru viNNagaram (oppiliappan koil)

Manavaala Maamunikal and Erumbiyappaa's Sriman Naathamuni, Sri raamaanuja's Mangalaa saasanam besides

In the noorettu thirup pathi yanthaathi, it is cited similar to the citation in "4000" for " thiruththip paNikoLvaan", as

"seerruLaal nammaith thiruththi naam munnaRiyaak
kooraRivum thanthadimai koNdathaRkE- nErE
oru "kadikaiyum" manamE uLLukilaay muththi
tharu kadikai maayavanaith thaan"

This malai or hill is also known as "Ekasilaa parvatham" meaning that the entire hill is made of one stone, which is true and one can see that when they visit this shrine. There are unique methods or procedures attributed to each of the 108 sthalam as "vazhipaatu niyamanam". At thiruppathi having the hair shaved and having a supra paatha darshanam are the "best", in oppiliappan koil observing sravana vratham (without salt) on sravanms is the ideal. In this temple, it is the desire of the LORD that his bakthass climb the steep footsteps (which are similar to the parama patha Sobaanam) and pray the LORD.

. The development of the town was given a kick start due to the construction of two of their divisions by TVS groups here. Sundaram Fasteners and Lucas TVS manufacturing facilities are here, providing some capital flow to this town. The Tamil Nadu Govt. has proposed to develop and construct the "Manufacturing Technology Park" in consortium with Singapore
Govt. and several singapore companies, similar to the software technology park in Bangalore, here in Sholingar.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha is an organization believed to be founded 21 years back and is in active service to the Lord Narasimhar all over TN, Andhra, etc. It is founded by Mrs. Yadugiri, a Lakshmi Narasimha Ubaasagar and a devout Ahobila Mutt follower. She has composed many slokankaL both on sankrit and Tamil on this perumall. She is also a disciple of Singa perumaal Koil Aachaaryar who is himself a Narasimhar Ubaasagar also. They do Bajans every Friday at their place in "Desikaa" chaari road, "Aazhwaar"pettai, Madras. The Panguni Utthiram is celebrated every year
here in a grand scale. They have executed few projects earlier and one such was a silver peedam for Yoga Narasimhar at sholingar in 1980. I encourage every baktha and Srivaishnavaa to visit the shrine at her residence when they visit
Madras, India.

The Address:
Lakshmi Narasimha Sabha
11, Desikachari Road,
Aazwaar pettai
Madras.

An Analysis on sri Narasimha avathaaram and this shrine at sholingar as the instant reliever.

It is believed that Hiranyakashyup constructed this pillar with his own hands and went for penance seeking brahmaa's blessing to become invincable and indestroyable. The Lord stood up with "prahalaadha" for his satyaagrhaa all through out but when this final encounter took place, Hirayankshup pointed to the particular pillar and asked if the ever prevading LORD is "in" that
particular pillar. The Lord came off and HE waited untill hiranya kashipu attacked him first. He (hiranyan) only asked for the presence and after seeing that he couldnot stand empty with his ("ego") preconceived notion that he is invincible. HE chose to attack first and Lord Narasimha (will not attack an unopposed man) waited untill opposed physically and killed him with his bare hands later. The nails are the avthaaram of the vajraayudam here. The Lord's anger caused "thiruk kailaayam" to melt and Lord Shiva came to plead to Lord Narasimhaa and take shelter there. Lord would not calm down by this appeal (shivaas appeal), and subsequently the dEvaas appealed to maaha lakshmi to request him to cool down, and HE would not calm down either. At last when prahalaadan himslef appeals for mercy and for saving all the three worlds (otherwise they faced extinction due to his veppam) Lord cooled down and blessed him for his satyaagraham and eka vishvaasam or mahaavisvaasam and bakthi. This is another proof that noone can predict the avathaaramas and the very nature of their course, the avathaaram would take; except that one can analyse after the avathaaraam and learn from that. Avathaarams are taken as per LORD's
own will and no devaa or Lord shivaa can know about it. karma has no role in it.

If they had known the outcome, they would not plead for their lives at the height of this avathaaram. Thus by this avathaaram, Lord Narasimhaas's lesson to us is that Lord is not bound by any demigod's appeal and even Piraati's appeal and HE is the sole authoirty granting "sarNaagathi". Even if "Piraati" has to say that you may delay or offer the saraNaagathi to a soul, LORD will choose to differ piraati's advise and prevail his own descretion and offers saraNaagathi and is not bound by anyone when granting saraNaagathi.

The second point is if one has to worship LORD Narasimha, here for a specific boon or saraNaagathi, he will offer the
same ATONCE. All the avathaarams has to live for a finite time in a life cycle before their mission was accomplished. It is believed that people who cannot go their to this shrine can also obtain the same if they meditate on this LORD for a kadikai from whereever they are, and seek a boon or a relief or acceptance of saraNaagathi. As a precedance and keeping in view with the above statement for facilitating the worhip of this LORD in kadigai from where we are , I am also presenting the dyaana slokam of this shekthram which are not available for a public domain normally.

Dyaana slokankaL
1.
"Simha mukE roWdra roobinyaam
abaya hasthaankitha karuNaamoorthE
sarva vyaabithamm loka rakshanyaam
paapa vomOchanam "thuritha nivaaraNam"
lakshmi kadaaksham sarvaabeeshtam
anEham thEhi "lakshmi narasimhaa"

Yadugiri padmanaaban
2.
"Ugram veeram mahaavishnum
jvaalantham sarvathoMukaam
naarasimaham beeshanam bathram
mrithyum mrithyum nammam yaham"

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, thiruk kadiyilankumaran thiruvadikalE saraNam

Narasimha in Thillai Ganga Nagar in Nanganallur

Lord Lakshmi Narasimha has decided to settle down in Thillai Ganga Nagar in Nanganallur, adjoining the Karumariamman temple. The samprokshanam to the newly built temple was performed on April 4 amidst Veda goshnam.

The festivity which preceded the event started on April 1. The remover of obstacles, Ganapathy, was propitiated at first with a Ganapathy homam. This was followed by Sudarshana homam, Narasimha, Kubera homam. A Vaasthu homam was also performed invoking the blessings of Vaasthu bhagwan.

On Tuesday, after the Suprabatham - early morning ritual to wake up the Lord - there was Vishwaroopa Darshan. A cow and a calf stood before the Lord and the devotees considered it a blessing to be present there at that moment. Thirumanjanam was performed for the utsava murthi who glittered with sandal paste and smelt divine with jasmine garlands.

The divine set-up consists of Lakshmi Narasimha, Thumbikkai Azhwar – Ganapathy, Sudarshana Azhwar, and Danvantri – God of Medicine .The doctor God assumed great importance from that day as devotees made a beeline to worship him.

Since Narasimha’s abode is generally on the hills, to make it symbolic, the trustees have consecrated the Lord in an elevated spot on the first floor.

The pontiff of the Ahobila mutt, Srimad Azhagiya Singar, graced the occasion on the previous day by offering special pooja. Among the others who participated was Ramani Anna, founder of the 32ft Anjaneyar temple in Nanganallur.

At an auspicious hour, at 10.30 a.m. samprokshanam was performed to all the vimanas and at 10.40 a.m., the divine congregation was consecrated amidst chanting of mantras from Vedic texts.

The towering Lord looked resplendent with Lakshmi on his lap and Adisesha with five hoods forming a canopy over his head. Chanku and charka are engraved on the hood of Adisesha. The devotees went into a frenzy and let out the shout ‘Narasimha, Narasimha’ when the priests sprinkled holy water on their heads. The Lord went out on tour of the place for the benefit of those who did not visit him.

Annaprasadam was served to everyone after the rituals.

Panagam is offered to the Lord everyday. And mandala pooja is being done for 48 days. The temple is buzzing with spiritual activities to commemorate the samprokshanam.

Yoga Narasimha.

Image with a difference

The Vinayaka with the images of the nine planets. (Right) The other side has the image of Yoga Narasimha.

VINAYAKA IS worshipped in various forms. But the deity found at Sri Ramanuja Yogavanam is special in that the idol also contains the images of the nine planets.

The other side of the Navagraha Vinayaka, as this deity is referred to, has the image of Narasimha with a serpent hood. The Gajakesari concept is unusual and the shrine is located in the serene atmosphere of Ramanuja Yogavanam in Amruthapuri.

It is located on the Chengalpattu-Maduranthakam Road (6 km from the Pattalam crossroads point towards Vedanthangal).

At this place, shaped with the blessings of Sitaram Swami, cows and calves abandoned by their caretakers are sheltered. Also medical care is provided for the poor in the village.

Spectacles are supplied and marriages conducted for the financially backward.

The yogavanam, run by Sri Srinivasa Niketan in Nungambakkam, Chennai, also performs the last rites for those who have no kith or kin.

The organisation plans to construct a Prasanti Nilayam for devotees.

Singaperumalkoil

Brahmotsavam at Singaperumalkoil

An aerial view of the Padaladhri Narasimhaswamy temple.

IT IS festival time at the Padaladri Narasimhaswamy Temple, popularly known as Singaperumalkoil, 48 km from Chennai on the National Highway to Chengalpattu. Brahmotsavam is on from June 2, beginning with "Angurarpanam" and "Dwajarohanam."

On June 5, the Lord, mounted on Garuda Vahanam, was taken in a procession in the morning and on the Hanumantha Vahanam in the evening. Sunday evening will find the deity going round on the elephant mount to the accompaniment of fireworks. The temple car will roll out in all its splendour the next morning and the festival will conclude with "Theerthavari" on June 11. Special "Thirumanjanam" will be performed to the Moolavar idol in the morning on June 12 and the Lord will be taken in procession in golden "Tholukkiniyan" in the evening. "Vidaayetri" will follow, held for three days from June 13. One of the famous Narasimha Temples in Tamil Nadu, Singaperumalkoil is known as "Padaladri" as the hill where the temple is situated is red in colour.

Majestic atop at the hill - Moolasthana vimanam

The Lord's image has been carved out on the hillock itself and hence one who wants to go in circumambulation of the Lord has to do so by going round the hillock itself.

According to "Brahmanda Puranam" the temple was surrounded by a big forest where Sage Jabali was doing penance praying to the Lord to appear before him.

Sri Ahobilavalli Thayar - Moolavar and Utsavar.

It was the time of Narasimha incarnation and He appeared before the sage as "Ugra Narasimha" after slaying the demon, Hiranyakasipu.

The Lord even now gives darshan to the devotees in the same form with four hands, two of them holding Sudarsana and Panchajanya and the third in "Abaya Hastha" pose with the fourth pointing towards the earth. Found in sitting posture the Lord has three eyes, and wears the Salagrama and Sahasranama garlands.

The temple rituals are conducted according to the Vaikanasa Agama. The Goddess here, as in Ahobilam, is known as Ahobilavalli and there are separate shrines for the Goddess, Andal, Azhwars and Acharyas. ``Periya Thirumozhi" hymns, starting with "Anganngnalamanja," in praise of the Lord in Ahobilam are recited here also.

The resplendent image of the Moolavar Lord Narasimha with the Utsavar in the foreground.

Festivals are held almost every month in the temple, which is under the control of the HR and CE Department.

The temple looks spick and span after the renovation and consecration on May 10 last year.

Narasingapuram

A temple craves for attention

APPROXIMATELY 55 km from Chennai is Narasingapuram, a village where an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and his Consort Maragathavalli, is located. Dating back to the Chola period, it seems to bear the Vijayanagara style of architecture, the main characteristics of which include the temple tower (gopuram), the thousand-pillared halls and delicate and intricate carvings.

Though the Chola kings were known to propagate Saivism, this temple proves that they did not lag behind in their support of Vaishnavism. Two Chola inscriptions found in the temple are significant in this context. They reveal that Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 A.D) was the one who installed the idols of Lord Rama and Sita found in the temple. The same king is believed to have donated land for making possible nityapuja (daily puja) for Rama and Sita.

Twelve other inscriptions attributed to the Vijayanagara kings (found on the walls of the temple) disclose that those kings were responsible for the renaissance of Vaishnavism in south India. Those benevolent kings seem to have also donated 31 villages around Sriperumbudur (Narasingapuram was one such village) for the upkeep of the temples built, including the one in Narasingapuram.

The magnificent structure, which houses the seven feet tall idol of the Lord and the five feet tall idol of his Consort, is now in a dilapidated condition. The (once) majestic temple tower has now been reduced to damaged tiers and a basement. The floor and the ceiling of the thirukkalyana mandapam are covered by overgrowth of weed, and the walls have developed cracks. The local people have already appealed to the Government of Tamil Nadu to help with the renovation of the temple.

For more details about the temple and to send contribution for the renovation, devotees may contact: Smt. Tripurasundari, an octogenarian who has dedicated herself to the renovation of dilapidated temples, at 110, R.K. Math Road, Mandaiveli-600028, Ph: 24937791.

Lord Narasimhar At Velachery

New shrine for Lord Narasimhar

At Velachery, a new temple for Sri Malola Narasimha awaits Mahasamprokshanam.

THE DEITY in the Ahobila Math is Sri Malola Narasimhar to whom the Jeeyars have been offering worship for many centuries. Many temples for the Lord have been built all over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where the headquarters of the Ahobila Math is situated. Though an ancient temple for Sri Narasimha exists in Velachery, a suburb of Chennai, a new shrine for Sri Malola Narasimha has been constructed by the Narasimha Peetam of the Malola Narasimhaswamy Bhakta Jana Sabha Trust and it is to be consecrated on November 24.

At the Peetam, Narasimha homams are being performed on Swathi day every month as it is the birth star of the Lord and so far 112 homams have been conducted since 1994, when Sri Narasimha Dasar, founder-trustee of the Peetam, who received "Mantropadesam" from Sri Kumar Guruji of Sri Sukabrahma Ashram at Chennai, performed the first homam.

On divine order he undertook the construction of a shrine at the peetam. A new temple for Lord Malola Narasimha has thus emerged at Velachery, whose name in times of yore was, according to scholars, "Velvicheri" or a place where "Yagnas" were performed. According to some others its name was Vedasreni. It is in the fitness of things that more than 100 homams have been performed here by Sri Narasimha Dasar.

A seven-and-a-half-feet granite idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha has been kept under wrap after the "Balalayam" was set up on June 1 this year. The shrine is unique in that it will have two Moolavar idols, one the granite idol and the other a bronze idol of the Lord, to whom worship has been offered all these years. Besides these the shrine will also have Panchaloha idols of Sri Narasimha with Sridevi and Boodevi, Garudazhwar, Anjaneya and Prahlada and idols made out of Athi (fig) tree of Yoga Narasimhar, Kalyana Narasimhar and Anjaneya.

Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated on a grand scale for four days on Swathi day in April-May, corresponding to the Tamil months of Chitirai-Vaikasi. On the first two days Laksharchanai is performed, while Maha Sudarsana Homam is conducted on the third day when the Lord is taken in procession in the evening. On the fourth day Thirukkalyanam is performed to the Lord. The service of Vedic Pandits is not enlisted for performing the Homam and the devotees themselves are roped in to recite the "Sudarsan Maha Mantram", 10,000 times. On every New Year Day Laksharchanai is offered to the Lord and the deity is taken in procession. Laksharchanai is also performed on the Karthigai Sundays, considered auspicious for Lord Narasimha as lakhs of devotees throng the hill temple at Chozha-simhapuram (Sholingur), one of the 108 Divyadesams sanctified by Azhwars' hymns. During the homam performed at the Ashramam, those who participate in it, irrespective of their caste or creed, recite the Narasimha Tharaka Manthram along with the Swamiji. The special Prasadam is the Homa Basmam (sacred ash taken from the fire pit). Annadanam follows the homam.

Apart from the religious activities, the Malola Narasimha Swami Bhakta Jana Sabha Trust, which looks after the affairs of the Narasimha Peetam, undertakes a wide range of activities — providing educational aid to needy students, Tirumangalyam to poor brides at the time of marriage, supply of homeopathy medicines to the ailing poor people and organising blood donation camps and identifying voluntary blood donors and seeking their help at times of emergency.

According to the Swamiji, there is also a plan to undertake the renovation of the 650-year-old temple of Lord Narasimha at Sri Narasimhapuram, near Perambakkam, 54 km from Chennai.

As the temple is in a highly dilapidated state and has to be almost entirely rebuilt, the work is expected to cost Rs. 40-50 lakhs. The Mahasamprokshanam of the Malola Narasimha Swami shrine at No. 6, Third Street, Sri Sakthi Vijayalakshmi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai-600042, (phone number 2442071), is to be performed at 10.15 a.m., on Sunday, November 24.

It will be preceded by Yagasalai Pooja and other preliminary rituals for three days. After the Samprokshanam, Mandalabisheka puja will start on November 25. Donations to the Malola Narasimha Swami Bhakta Jana Sabha Trust are exempt from income-tax under Section 80G.

Lakshmi Narasimha temple between Shimoga and Mangalor

New shrines at Hariharapura

Lakshmi Narasimha ... the idol Sage Agastya is said to have worshipped.

HARIHARAPURA, A small village and agraharam on the banks of the Tunga, 19 km from Sringeri on NH13, between Shimoga and Mangalore, is home of Sri Adisankaracharya Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Peetam and Sri Math with a history of over 1,000 years.

Legend has it that Sri Adisankara prayed to Goddess Saraswati to follow him and grace the place, where he would assume her power to be eternally radiant. Mother Sharada granted the request on one condition. She would follow him but he should not look behind. If he did she would stay there forever. The Acharya agreed and started walking down from Kashmir to the South all the while listening to the tinkle of the Mother's anklets. When he entered Hariharapura he did not hear the sound and turned back to see the Mother standing there. Sankara offered his prayers and to mark the holy spot consecrated the Sri Chakra and placed the Mother's image on it. Even today, one can see a rare statue of Sharadamba in standing posture.

Sharadamba ... Goddess who followed Adi Sankara to Hariharapura.

The shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is ancient. The idol is said to have been worshipped by sage Agasthya and later by his disciple Sri Govinda Yogi, and by Sri Krishna Yogi, first pontiff of the Sri Math, Hariharapura. The Math runs a Vedapatasala and the present head, Sri Sachidananda Saraswathi following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Sri Abhinava Ramananda Saraswati, initiates many religious and community welfare activities, including running schools and colleges. It is considered sacred and auspicious to perform homams and yagnas here. According to puranas, Daksha Prajapati performed a sacred yagna at the place.

A master plan has been drawn to raise a complex of shrines (for Sri Sharada, Sri Lakshmi Narsimha and Lord Siva), a Veda Patasala, a homa mantap, gurusthal, the main temple building, etc. at a cost of Rs. 320 lakhs. The Math welcomes contributions from devotees and philanthropists. Cheques and drafts drawn in favour of Sree Math, Hariharapura, payable at Hariharapura or Mangalore, may be mailed to The Administrator, Sri Math, Hariharapura, 577 120, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka State. The Karnataka Bank will receive payment through any of its branches at par. The payment may be made in the name of Sri Math, SB. A/C. 2334, Hosakoppa Branch-577 126. The devotees may write their name, address, pincode, e-mail id at the back of the counterfoil and mail it to the Sri Math to receive prasada and acknowledgement.

Online or direct cheque payments can be made in the name of Sri Math, Hariharapura, through ICICI Bank (A/C.No.001401014510) and HDFC Bank (A/C. No. 0941000035752). For more details, one may visit www.hariharapura.org.

Nanganallur Lakshmi Narasimha temple

Restored to pristine condition

Nrisimha Jayanthi is on at the Sri Lakshminrisimha temple, Nanganallur, an ancient shrine excavated and rebuilt.

AN ANCIENT temple, which had totally disappeared due to the ravages of time but was restored to its glory is the Lakshmi Nrisimha, Navaneethakrishnan Temple in modern Nanganallur, a suburb of Chennai, whose original name according to scholars was Nangainallur or the place where Goddess Mahalakshmi is enshrined and worshipped. It abounds with numerous temples, the most important among them being the Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneethakrishnan Temple, the Anjaneyar Temple with the over 30-ft high statue of Ramadhootha in it, and the Ardhanareeswarar Temple, where an ancient Sivalingam, found in a temple tank and identified by the Paramacharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, as that of Ardhanareeswara, has been enshrined. While the last two mentioned are strictly modern structures, the Narasimha temple has been built over the remnants of what was an ancient temple, which existed during the pre-Pallava period.

The Narasimha temple, which has been built on a 10-ground site, was over 1,500 years old, according to the "Ashtamangala Prasnam" conducted by Sri Narayana Namboodiri of Guruvayur. The Prasnam revealed that the original temple had shrines for Lords Lakshmi Narasimha, Navaneethakrishnan, Rama and Srinivasa and new shrines for these deities should be built. It also said the entire temple complex was razed to the ground in a fire centuries ago and "Bhoomi Sankarshana" should be performed there. It was also predicted that the digging would bring up some idols and puja articles along with the ruins of the ancient temple.

The levelling of the temple site started on April 5, 1974, and a bell, a plate and a lamp were recovered. The bell is said to be of rare kind as its top portion contains the images of both Sudharsana ( and the Panchajanya one inlaid in the other. A stone with an inscription was also found and it said that a land gift was made by "Kaveri Thenkarai Ravichathiran" to keep the two "Nandavilakkus" going. These articles as well as the five-and-a-half feet high idol of Mahavishnu found made the archaeologists conclude that the temple was built in the eighth century during the Pallava rule.

The members of the Krishna Bhakta Jana Sabha took the photos of the recovered articles and idols to Kanchipuram and met the Paramacharya on May 2, 1974, and explained the same to him. The sage of Kanchi blessed them. Sudarsana Homam, Sri Suktha Homam and Bhoomi Sankarshana Puja were conducted at the site on May 24 and Thirukkallam Sri Narasimha Raghavachariar, a renowned scholar, conducted the "Sthala Puja." Efforts of the Sabha bore fruit when the Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple was constructed and the Ashtabandana Mahasamprokshanam was performed on December 14, 1975. The "Sudarsana Yantram," which was kept in the Chakarathazhwar shrine at Kancheepuram, was brought to Nanganallur and installed under the Peetam of the idol by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi. Yagasala puja and other rituals preceded the Samprokshanam and the temple was then consecrated. The Sabha also introduced the "Pidi Arisi Thittam" by collecting one handful of rice and one rupee from the public for conducting the daily puja and other rituals.

The majestic five-tier Rajagopuram. — Pic. by M. Moorthy.

The temple complex slowly took shape with the construction of the Veera Anjaneya shrine through public donations and the Samprokshanam was performed in December 1976. "Koti Archanai" was conducted for Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar from June 19, 1978 and special "Thirumanjanam" with 473 Kalasams was performed to the Lord and His Consort. In course of time, the shrines of Sri Rukmani-Sathyabhama Sametha Sri Navaneethakrishnan, Sri Kothandarama, Sri Srinivasa, Sri Andal, Azhwars and Acharyas, including Sri Ramanuja and Sri Vedanta Desika, were established.

Sri Mukkur Lakshminarasimhachariar was a great source of inspiration for the Sabha members and the Lord was said to have appeared in his dream and told him that the temple existed in the Thretha Yuga and was known then as "Dakshina Deepalaya." It was here that Sage Jamadhagni, father of Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, conducted the Narasimha Mahayagnam when the Lord appeared before him and he requested Him to stay in the place and bless the devotees.

The temple is a complete complex now with the Sudarsana shrine in the form of a car with "Vedachakra Vimanam." The idol of Sudarsana carries all the 16 weapons and on the other side is the image of Narasimha, seated on "Panchamuka Adisesha". Another speciality in the temple is that the Lord's Holy Disc, which was in "Prayoga Chakra" form and was unearthed during the digging operations, has been installed in front of the Chakarathazhwar shrine.

The temple has a 55 feet high and 30 feet wide Rajagopuram with five tiers and seven Kalasams. As one enters the temple through the Rajagopuram, he can worship Lord Ranganatha and Lord Krishna and then the 44th and 45th Jeeyars of Ahobila Math and Sri Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhachariar in the Muka Mandapam. The doors of the Rajagopuram contain intricately carved floral designs and images of the Lord's incarnations.

Many annual and monthly festivals are conducted in the temple of which the most important is the Narasimha Jayanthi celebrated for five days. This year the festival began yesterday (May 15) with Thirumanjanam. Garuda Sevai will take place at 7 a.m. on Friday. Thirumanjanam will be performed to the Lord on the next three days and the Thirukkalyana Uthsavam will take place at 6 p.m. on May 16. The temple needs funds for its Vahanams and "Kannadi Maaligai." Donations may be sent to Sri Krishna Bhakta Jana Sabha, Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha Navaneetha Krishnan Temple, MMTC Colony, Nanganallur, Chennai, 600061. Donations are exempt are section 80 G of the Income-tax Act.

SINGRI KOIL,

Singri temple.

SINGRI KOIL, is a hamlet, situated at a distance of about 25 kilometres from Vellore, in erstwhile North Arcot district and is off the main road from Vellore to Polur. It is an exclusive shrine for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and is believed to be at least 1,000 years old.

This 10th century shrine is said to have been built by the local chieftain, Rajavarman, at the behest of Lord Narasimha, who appeared in his dream.

The temple is not one of the 108 divya desas, neither is it one of the `abhimaana sthalas.' It is not included in the 108 kshetras visited by Ramanuja either.

Yet it has been visited by millions of devotees. The temple is on a small hillock, which is nearly 80 to 90 feet high and can be reached after climbing about 50 steps.

Unique

The main idol in the sanctum sanctorum is that of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The Lord is seen in a sitting posture with four hands — two hands hold the conch and the discus, His third (left) hand is on his lap and fourth (right) hand is around the waist of Goddess Lakshmi. The image of the Lord is nearly six feet in height.

The Lord with Goddess Lakshmi seated on his right lap is a unique spectacle. This inimitable posture of the Lord and the Goddess is the main attraction of the Temple. Thirumanjanam is performed on every Swathi Nakshatram, which is the birth star of Narasimha.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Lord Anjaneya, who is known here as Sri Bala Anjaneya.

The idol is one foot high. Bala Anjaneya, who appears like a small child is believed to bestow the boon of parenthood on the childless. The temple also has a separate shrine for Sri Garuda.

Narasimha Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Ratha Sapthami, Tamil and English New Year and Purattasi Saturdays are celebrated at this temple at Singri.

Buses on route No. 15-S (limited schedules — 8.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.) ply from Vellore to Singri Koil. The journey time is one hour and 10 minutes. Darshan Timings: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This ancient temple is in need of renovation. Devotees may send their contributions to:

Sri Narasimha Battachari, Chief Executive Trustee, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, Vellore District, Singrikoil-632312.

Crusader for Hinduism

EVEN IN this age of very advanced technology, there are certain superhuman instances in the field of spiritualism. How else can one explain this? An extremely obese person had performed the feat of standing waist-deep in the rapidly flowing waters of a river for nearly 60 hours, meditating on God, even without sipping a glass of water, as part of his commitment to carry out a penance. This happened about a year ago in Mattapalli, a village about 150 km from Vijayawada, where the on the banks of the Krishna (in a crevice) the idol of Narasimha is installed. And the incredible act was performed by a well-known Vedic scholar, Sri Mukkur Lakshmi Narasimhachariar, whom God took away to his abode, at the age of 56, just a fortnight ago.

The Pandit had gone round entire India organising 107 Vedic Yagnams over a period of two decades, to highlight the glory of Hindu traditions and to enable men to face problems. Thousands had listened to his discourses on a variety of subjects (the epics, the Puranas, the Upanishads and the Gita) for months, each lecture spreading over even three hours, with Vedic recitations preceding them. His aim was to spread Hinduism and make people understand how they can get over their anxieties by following the teachings in these works.

Inheriting knowledge from his father, who was connected with the Madurantakam Sanskrit College of Ahobila Math, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhachariar had education in Kanchipuram up to PUC and then mastered the Vedas and the Vedanta from his brother who was himself a distinguished preacher of Vedic study. Sri Lakshmi Narasimhachariar also came under the spell of the 44th Jeeyar Swami of Ahobila Math and mastered Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil, had thorough training in Naalayira Divya Prabhandam and had assimilated all the works of Vedanta Desika and other illustrious leaders. The profundity of his erudition used to astound listeners as he quoted from various sources and works not only of Vaishnavism but also of Adi Sankara, Madhusudana Saraswathi and several other religious heads. The fact that he had been expounding the term ``Vishnu'' in the Sahasranamam for 10 days in a year for three years in succession, at the Asthika Samajam, Alwarpet (Chennai) will reveal how he covered various aspects of religion and philosophy. He also dwelt on steps of atonement for certain acts done violating the scriptural codes.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhachariar's lecture at the Asthika Samajam were taped, transcribed and published in Kalki. These were later compiled and brought out in book form by Vanathi Pathippagam entitled ``Kurai Ondrum Illai'', the first and second volumes of which have gone to more than one edition and sold all over the world by Tamil people. The third volume has come out recently.

The late scholar had conducted 107 yagams in different parts of India from Rishikesh to Tuticorin. The first was inaugurated in the Asthika Samajam about 20 years ago. His 108th (end the last) is due at Ahobilam. A few persons were prepared to contribute the entire sum required for each yagam but Lakshmi Narasimhachariar was keen that every Asthika should participate in them. He never prescribed any remedy for problems as, in his opinion, that would amount to a commercial proposition and he, a mercenary. In one case, taking permission from the Lord during his prayer he got a girl cured of a serious malady and as a result, she is now well- settled in life. Recently he suggested that a famous Sanskrit hymn, ``Lakshmi Sahasram,'' be recited for 48 days when a miracle did happen as he expected and a couple got back their vision. ``I am a tool in helping these devout devotees.'' Never was he anxious to suggest any miraculous prescription.

It was Sri Mukkur Swami who preached that the ``Leonine form of God'' was not ``fierce'' as some imagined and popularised Narasimha's worship. After a brief period of employment in Vijayawada, at his brother's command he took up the discourse- assignment full-time and made ``Mattappali Narasimha'' a household name. Tragedy struck when his elder brother who was his teacher in the Vedas and Sastras, was killed in a road accident near Vijayawada. Sri Mukkur Swami's daily puja (Aradhana) at his residence in T. Nagar used to take four to five hours and on and off, he went into a trance. Many of his programmes fixed in advance were cancelled as he remarked that ``Narasimha'' had not given him permission.

After conducting a Yagam in Mumbai, he came to Chennai and then proceeded to Kakinada (where he owns a house) where he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away within an hour. His father- in-law, Sri Thirukkallam Narasimha Raghavachariar, was also a reputed scholar who too died when he was 58. The world of religion and Hinduism mourns the loss of a Vedic authority and a spiritual guide in Sri Mukkur Swami's death.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Tellicherry

Sree Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is an important piligrim centre for GS Brahmins in the Northern parts of Kerala, and is located in the heart of Tellicherry town, in the Kannur district of Kerala. The Temple is less than half a kilometre from both the Railway station and the Bus stand. The temple and prathista faces North which is a unique feature. The temple was established in 1831 A.D.
The temple complex consists of an outer prakara or quadrangle which includes the shrines of Sri Hanuman, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Lakshmi and Sree Vittoba Rukmini. It also contains the Copper clad Dwaja. At the center of the inner prakara is the Garbagriha or Sreekovil which houses the deities.

On the three tiered Simhasana according to Bahu Vera Vidhana, in the Garbhagriha are installed the following deities:

• On the top most level in the centre is Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, flanked by Sri Pattabhi Narasimha and Veera Vittala on either side.
• On the second tier are Lord Kodanda Rama along with Sri Lakshmana and Sita Devi, on either side of this group are Lord Hayagriva, Lord Varadaraja with his consorts and Gopalkrishna.

On the lower most tier are Lord Venkataramana along with his Divine consorts Sri Devi and Bhoomidevi. On either side of this group are Hanuman and Garuda

The idol of Lord Venkataramana is used as the Utsava moorthy. The saligrama and Naga devatas are installed on a separate Peetha below the main Simhasana. The Narasimha form is in Soumya form. Many visit this temple to pray to Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha for his grace for curing diseases.

History

A small group of GSBs migrated from Goa settled in Tellichery somewhere in the latter half of 17th century and early part of 18th century. They built a a small shrine dedicated to Lord Kodanda Rama, in their locality which is in the heart of the Tellichery town.

In the latter half of the 18th century and early 19th century, there was an immensely rich GSB merchant named Devdas Bhandari in Tellicherry, during the days of British East India Company. He was a trader in spices especially the famous Malabar Pepper. The legend connects origin of the SLN temple with this devout Devdas Bhandari.

One night Bhandari had a dream in which he was told that a Namboothiri (Malyalee Brahmin) would approach him with a divine Idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and a sacred Saligrama, and that he has to accept the same and generously give gifts of gold and jewels to the Namboothiri in return. The same night Nambuthiri at the village of Taliparamba about 50 kms to the north of Tellicherry also had a similar dream. He was instructed to proceed to Telicherry with the Idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and the Saligrama he had found in a well, and hand over them to one Devadas Bhandari. Accordingly, the Nambuthiri started the very next day for Tellicherry with the Idol, and travelling by foot reached there in a few days and gave the Idol to Bhandari who received it and presented the Nambuthiri with rich gifts. Bhandari installed the Idol in his house in the pooja room. At that time there was only a small shrine of Lord Kodanda Rama in Tellicherry - at the site of the present temple, which was used by our community for worship.

In due course the Idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha was handed over to the Mahajans of Tellicherry by the Bandari family. A proper temple was constructed in the place occupied by the Rama shrine and the idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Lord Rama,Venkaramana with his divine consorts Sri Devi and Bhoomi Devi installed. This prathishta was done by H.H. Srimad Sumatheendra Tirtha Swamiji in 1831 A.D. on Samvatrasra Vaishaka masa Shukla Panchami, Monday, Punarvasu Nakshtra of the Shaka era. H.H.Srimad Sumatheendra Tirtha was the 15th pontiff of Sri Kashi Mutt Samsthan, Varanasi.

In due couse, the Bhandari family lost its glory and has to ultimately sell out his house to a non-saraswat. Even today the pooja room where the idol was kept is kept closed and protected with respect and reverence by the owner, a Navayath Muslim.

After this the Laxi Narasimha Temple could not be looked after properly and was neglected. This was later rennovated and re-installation of the deity was done in 1871 A.D. by the 17th pontiff of Kashi Mutt, Sri Bhuvanendra Tirtha. The first dwaja prathista was done in 1916 AD.

Administration of temple

The temple was for long administered by a Adhikari and two others elected by the Mahajans. In 1934, a dispute arose among the Mahajans, which ultimately resulted in the temple administration being taken over by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, then under Madras Govt. The land reforms bill of the 1950s took away much of the landed properties of the temple resulting in drastic drop in income of the temple. Even the poojaris could not be paid their dues. This finally resulted in the sale of temple jewellery to settle their dues. Pained with this sorry state of affairs, some community members started SLN seva samaj in 1975. The samaj collected more than 400 endowments for daily poojas.

In 1990, the mahajans formed an action committee and approached the Hon. HC of Kerala praying that the administration of the temple be handed over to the Board of Trustees elected by the community members. In 1993, the temple administration was

Anayadi Pazhayidam Sri Narasimha Swami Temple

If one is inclined to define beauty in terms of size, then, the annual elephant pageantry held at the Anayadi Pazhayidam Sri Narasimha Swami Temple at Sooranad North in Kollam District of Kerala definitely justifies the case. Eighty odd caparisoned elephants, attired in their best festival outfits, and to the accompaniment of traditional orchestra, offers a visual treat, not only big in size, but outstanding in splendour. And true to the saying that ‘seeing is believing’ check out the video clip of the month to savour this elephantine affair.

Sree Bhadra Narasimha Swami Temple

The idol at the Shree Bhadra Narasimha Swami Temple on T D Road, Ernakulam, Cochin, was the family deity of Sri Venkateshwara Bhat Archak of the Thirumala Temple of Ernakulam. The temple's foundation stone was laid in 1987 and the reconstruction ceremony was performed in March 1989. The temple celebrates the festivals of Vasantha Pooja, Narsimha Jayanthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Anantha Vritha annually.

Ahobilam

Perumal (Lord)	:	Ahobila Nrisimha - Sitting posture in Chakrasana facing East (Main temple)
Thayar (Consort)	:	Lakhmi, Senjulakshmi
Other shrines	:	Jwala Nrisimha, Malola Nrisimha, Kroda Nrisimha, Karanja Nrisimha, Bhargava Nrisimha, Yaogananda Nrisimha, Kshatravata Nrisimha, Pavana Nrisimha
Pushkarani	:	Pavanasini, Bhargava, Indra, Nrisimha,Gaja Theerthams
Vimanam	:	Guhai (Cave)
Pratyaksham	:	Prahalada, Adivan Satakopan

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Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai.

The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple.

Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avathara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.

Ahobilam is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avathar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.

Sri Ahobila Mutham, one of the most important Sri Vaishnava religious institutions in India, was established by Sri Athivan Satakopan at the instructions of Lord Lakshmi Nrisimha of Ahobilam. In fact, the utsava moorthy of the Malola Nrisimha temple, one of the nine shrines of Ahobilam, is the presiding deity of Sri Ahobila Mutham. Sri Malolan accompanies Srimad Azhagiya Singar, the spiritual and titular head of Sri Ahobila Mutham, on his travels.

Thirumangai Azhvaar has sung ten verses about this temple in Periya Thirumozhi.

Ahobilam or Ahobalam is a major center of pilgrimage in south India. According to the legend, this is where Lord Narasimha blessed Prahlada and killed the demon Hiranyakashipa. It is an important place of worship for Vaishnavas.

This place was visited by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and it is located in remote place far away from main roads.

According to legend it is believed that when the Devas saw the manifestation of Lord Vishnu as half lion half man they shouted "Ahobala" (great strength) as well as "Ahobila" (great cave in which the current sanctum is). Hence this place could be called "Ahobalam" or "Ahobilam".

Lord NarsimhaSwamy inside the cave Ahobilam.

However, this is disputed by other historical data, which indicates that Multan in Pakistan was formerly Mulastan, which used to have a large Narasimha worshipping Vaishnava community. The temples were later destroyed by Islamic invaders, and the residents killed or forcibly converted to Islam.

Ahobilam is located in the Nandyal Taluka of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Nandyal, and is conveniently accessibly by bus from Nandyal, Kurnool and Hyderabad. Ahobilam is not connected by rail; the closest railway stations are Nandyal (on the Bangalore-Vizag(Vishakapatnam) route) and Cuddapah (on the Mumbai-Chennai route).

Lord Lakshmi NarsimhaSwamy in one of the Nine NarasimhaMurthy Temples Ahobilam.

There are three routes reaching Ahobilam. Pilgrims from the north can get down at Nandyal, which is a Railway junction from Kurnool, and travel by bus to Allagadda and Ahobalam, which is only thirty miles from Nandyal.

The second route is from Dhone which is another railway station and from which one can reach Ahobilam via Banganapalli and Koilakuntla.

The other and easy route is to get down at Cuddapah which is a district headquarters and an important railway station in the Madras - Bombay route. From Cuddapah one has to travel to Allagadda, which is forty miles over and from there by bus to Ahobilam

The holy shrines of Ahobilam (all the Nava are Nine Nrusimhars) are eulogized by Thirumangai Mannan. Hence Ahobilam is one of the 106 Divya Desams. The hereditary powers of the temple rest with the Pontiff HH Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt. Currently the 45th Jeer of this lineage is the reigning Pontiff . The Azhagiyasingars have the unique privilege of being Aradhakars to a Divya Desam (a distinction no other Pontiff enjoys). Occasionally when HH Jeer performs Mangalasasanam (pays respects at the temple) at Ahobilam, the Serthi Utsavam is performed (the Moolavar of Malola Nrusimhar and the Utsavar) are united.

Laxminarasimha Swamy temple at Jankampet

18th century temple to get facelift

By Our Staff Reporter

The `Ashtamukhi koneru' at the Laxminarasimha Swamy temple at Jankampet near Nizamabad.

NIZAMABAD, JAN. 22. Thanks to the keen interest taken by the business community of Nizamabad and nearby towns, the ancient Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Janakampet, about 10 km from here, is getting a facelift.

The temple constructed during the 18th Century by Samarth Ramdas, guru of the Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji, was almost in ruins when the devotees of Laxmi Narasimha decided to take up renovation works.

The devotees used to visit Dharmapuri in Karimnagar district where the famous Laxmi Narasimha temple is located on the banks of Godavari.

The businessmen from town then approached the Assistant Commissioner, Endowments, E. Srinivas, and urged him to take steps to retain the temple's past glory.

The historic temple has the unique distinction of having the `Ashthamukhi koneru', the only one of its kind in entire south India.

The district administration has released Rs. 5.40 lakhs to lay a cement concrete road up o the temple.

The business community of Nizamabad town pooled money to the tune of Rs. 3 lakhs to take up renovation of the temple, lay new tiles, strengthen the temple walls and clean the `Ashthamukhi koneru'.

The devotees and the Endowments Department are making arrangements to organise a jatara from January 24 to February 6.

The officials have also approached the RTC authorities to operate special buses for the jatara.

Parikkal Narasimar

Fearsome and loveable

In order to pacify an enraged Narasimha, Goddess Mahalakshmi embraced Him and thus Parikkal acquired its name. The moolavar idol here is said to be swayambu.

The Utsavar idol of Lord Narasimha with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. — Pics. by G. Narasimhan.

SAINT NAMMAZHWAR assumes the form of "Parankusa Nayaki" or ladylove in his Thiruvaimozhi and one of the incarnations of Lord Narayana, which appealed to him most was that of the half-lion-half-human Narasimha. In one of his poems he explains how the ladylove "dances on hearing the glory of Lord Narasimha, sings again and again about His greatness, sheds copious tears and runs around in ecstasy seeking union with Him." One may wonder how this fearful form of the Lord can be appealing to His ladylove but the numerous temples for Lord Narasimha in Tamil Nadu, especially in the northern districts of Chengalpattu, Vellore, Chidambaram and Kancheepuram, only show that He is a much worshipped deity.

There are also temples where the Moolavar and Utsavar idols are those of Narasimha and one among them is Parikkal, 23 km from Villupuram.

There is a rail route to Parikkal. If one travels by road on the Villupuram-Vriddachalam road, after covering a distance of 20 km, one will find a huge Anjaneya idol standing on the left side of the road facing west without a roof to protect him from rains and scorching sun, a la his counterpart in Namakkal. By travelling in the western direction a further three km one can reach Parikkal, after crossing the the Thenpennai. The Garuda Nadhi flows two km north of Parikkal. As it is situated between two rivers, it is considered as holy as Srirangam.

The temple, which has no Rajagopuram, is at the centre of the village.

A pilgrim can offer obeisance to Anjaneya at the entrance while the idols of Vinayaka and the Nagars are found in the main Prakaram. Afterpraying at the shrine of Garuda, he can worship the presiding deity, Lakshmi Narasimha with His Consort, seated on His left lap. Said to be a Swayambu Murthi, the idol, according to some scholars, was installed by Vyasaraja.

The Anjaneya idol, found inside the sanctum sanctorum, was also installed by him and it is one of the 732 idols installed by the saint all over the south. The other, of course, is the idol in the Nallattoor Temple, near Tiruttani.

The place gained the name of Parikkal as Goddess Mahalakshmi embraced Lord Narasimha to pacify Him and Her idol is found with Her right hand wrapped around the Lord.

The Lord is also found with His left hand around the Goddess.

The Parikkal Narasimha Temple with Dwajasthambam and Balipeetam.

According to another legend the Lord destroyed a demon known as Parakalasuran here to save His devotees and hence the place came to be known as Parikkal.

The Lord here was said to have appeared before Vasantharajan, a local ruler.

Unlike in most of the Narasimha temples, the Utsavar idol here is also that of Narasimha in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side. There is also a small idol of Lakshminarasimha in the sanctum sanctorum besides that of Sudarsana.

There is a separate shrine for the Goddess, Kanagavalli Thayar, on the right side of the temple, and Her Utsava idol is inside the main sanctum sanctorum. To the northwest is the shrine of Anjaneya, where two idols of Bhakta Anjaneya and Veera Anjaneya are worshipped. The shrine is thronged by those who are afflicted by Navagraha Dosha and they light ghee and oil lamps.

They spread before the idols the nine kinds of grains (Navadanyam) and write their pleas on them seeking relief and His blessings. In the northern Prakaram there is a shrine for Lord Varadaraja of Kancheepuram.

A big portrait of Lakshmi Narasimha in the main Mandapam attracts devotees. There is a well inside the temple known as "Naga Koopam" and bathing in its water cures one of many ills. Garuda and Gomukhi Theerthams are the other water sources. The holy tree is "Magizham."

There is an ancient "Deepasthampam" in front of the temple, which faces east. Festivals are held almost every month with the Brahmotsavam taking place in Chithirai, when the float festival is also celebrated. The Lord visits Thenpennai and Garuda rivers for "Theerthavari" in the months of Thai, Masi and Panguni. The temple was renovated and the Samprokshanam was performed on May 30, 1994. It is under the control of the HR and CE Department. Buses from Panruti, Ulundurpet and Villupuram pass through Parikkal.

One of the foremost Narasimhar kshetras in south India, Parikal, near Villupuram, is replete with puranic lore. In this place, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha killed the asura Parikalasuran and hence this place is called Parikal.

Parikalasuran was the lieutenant to three asura rulers, namely Kamalakshan. Tharakatshan and Vidhyunmali. Parikalasuran had the face of a horse and the body of a human being. The three rulers were burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva. Lord Narasimha also helped Shiva in their destruction. But Parikalasuran escaped unhurt and hid himself in Thirimudhukuram (Vridhachalam).

Narasingapuram, 21 km from Arakkonam

Narasimha temple in ruins

The Moolavar idols of Maragathavalli Thayar and Sri Lakshminarasimhar.

A CLASSIC example of the kind of neglect that relics and ancient structures suffer in this part of the country can be found in Narasingapuram, 21 km from Arakkonam on the Chennai-Tandalam-Perambakkam Road, where the over 500-year-old Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal Temple is located. One is greeted by the once majestic tower, with only its basement and two tiers remaining, that too covered by bushes and well-grown trees. The floor and ceiling of the spacious Thirukkalyanamandapam are also covered by overgrowth. Very little of what used to be the Andal shrine remains. The vimanams again are shrouded by vegetation and the shrines of the Lord and the Goddess have cracks in all their walls. If the present state of neglect continues all the shrines may disappear the way the Andal shrine has.

The temple, a fine specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture with delicately sculpted and carved pillars, is said to be under the control of the HR and CE Department, but no sincere efforts seem to have been made to remove the plant growth in the superstructures and also inside the temple and prevent their decay. The lone man guarding what remains of this treasure of art and architecture is the temple priest, Ramanathan, who is assisted by a band of dedicated village youth who clear the plant growth now and then. But they have little time at their disposal as they have to go from place to place in search of work. Though the architecture in the temple made one think that it belonged to the Vijayanagar period, there are inscriptions dating back to the reign of Chola kings. There are in all 14 inscriptions — seven in the sanctum sanctorum of the Lakshmi Narasimha Perumal shrine, six in what remains of the basement of the Andal shrine and one at the entrance of the Rajagopuram. Of these, archaeologists consider those in the Andal shrine basement as more ancient and belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chozha I and Vikrama Chozha I. They speak about their constructing the Madurantaka Vinnagar temple in Madurantaka Nalloor (the present Madurantakam?) and installing the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in it and the grants made by them for the daily conduct of poojas.

The inscriptions of the Vijayanagar kings belong to the reign of Achuthadeva Maharayar and Veeravenkatapathy Rayar. They mention that Theertharapillai gifted the village of Periya Puliyara or Narasimhapuram to Brahmins so that they could live there and look after the temple. Another inscription says that various gifts were made to Brahmins to recite Vedas for the welfare of Narasanaicker, father of Achuthadeva Rayar. Yet another inscription speaks about the installation of the Utsava idol known as "Prahlada Purandarar" by, again, Theertharapillai. It also says that the Narasimha Perumal Temple is located in Koovam Thiagasamudhra Nallur, which was also known as Narasanaickerpuram. It is in the Manavilkottam of Chandragiri Rajyam in Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalam. The period of these Vijayanagar rulers has been determined by historians to be 14th to 15th centuries and that of the Chola kings to be much earlier. All these go to show that the temple was one of the ancient worshipping places in this part of the country.

The damaged tower of the temple with bushes all over it.

The temple has two entrances, one in the south and the other in the east. The latter is the main entrance and it must have had a gigantic tower in the past though what remains of it are only the "Kalkaram" or the basement and two or three tiers over it. Only the Peedam of the Dwajasthambam remains with the flag post missing. Garudazhwar here is in a rare posture, with his right leg kneeling offering obeisance to the Moolavar. He is kept in a separate shrine. The Utsava Mandapam, Mahamandapam, Artha Mandapam and the sanctum sanctorum complete the picture.

The presiding deity is Lakshmi Narasimhar with the Goddess sitting on His left lap. According to legend the slaying of Hiranyakasipu took place here and to pacify the Lord, Goddess Mahalakshmi came and sat on His lap. The Lord, who is seven feet high, is magnificent. (The idol found in the Pazhaiyaseevaram Temple on the Chengalpattu-Kancheepuram road is equally majestic.) In the Mahamandapam the idols of Azhwars are enshrined. The idol of Anjaneya, for whom a separate shrine was said to have existed in the past, is kept in the Mahamandapam. The Utsava idols of the Lord with Sridevi and Bhoodevi and the Goddess are kept in a far corner of the sanctum sanctorum.

The Utsava Mandapam in front of the Mahamandapam is full of pillars, with intricate carvings, which have escaped the ravage of time. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Maragathavalli Thayar, whose idol is five feet high, just to the right of the main shrine. The Kalyana Mandapam, to the north of the main shrine in the outer Prakaram, is a superb structure containing many fine sculptures. The different incarnations of the Lord are found sculpted on the pillars. The ceiling of the Mandapam also contains images of dancing women and musical instruments. It is now being used as a cattle shed as the temple's entrances have no doors.

The temple owns 15 acres of land but gets no big income from them. It does not get any grant from the Government. The money given by a couple of villagers who cultivate the land helps with the conduct of the puja once in a day. Narasimha Jayanthi (which this years falls on May 15) is the only occasion when the temple is agog with activity. A special "Thirumanjanam" is conducted in the month of Karthigai. Sri Narayana Yathindra Mahadesikan, 45th Jeeyar of the Ahobila Math, visited the temple on February 2, 2003, and offered Mangalasasanam to the Lord.

The temple is urgently in need of repairs and those who want to associate themselves with this holy task can contact Mr. Muralidharan (phone no. 28341404 or 28342229) or send their contributions to the president, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Seva Sabha, Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Narasingapuram-631402, (via) Perambakkam, Thiruvallur district. Buses with numbers 86A, 91, 91B, and 107 from Chennai pass through Narasingapuram and Perambakkam.